Jim Turner Chevrolet
Sep 11, 2020
The McGregor, Texas, area has been a favorite of cyclists for quite a while. Whether you prefer to bike along paved roadways or gravitate toward gravel paths, this area has you covered. So make sure your bike has plenty of air in the tires, grab a water bottle and helmet, and get ready to hit one of these trails.

Cameron Park Trail

As one of the largest parks in Texas, Cameron Park is a 416-acre park found in nearby Waco. It boasts more than 20 miles of trails that twist and turn. Certain trails climb more than 100 feet so you can overlook the Brazos and Bosque rivers. Each trail is labeled with a name and difficulty rating much like you would find on a ski slope. That way you can easily pick out the trail that works best for your skill level. Two slower-paced trails are the California 56 or the River Trail, while two of the more challenging options include the Vortex and Root Canal.

Cotton Belt Trail

Although the Cotton Belt Trail shares the same name as another trail in the Fort Worth and Dallas corridor, this 2.5-mile trail runs parallel to U.S. Highway 84 West alongside the old Cotton Belt Railway. This rail line, known as the Cotton Belt, connected Texas with Missouri and Arkansas. This trail begins at Trail Blazer Park found in the Harris Creek neighborhood on Waco’s western side. The trail primarily has a flat landscape adorned with numerous trees found in open fields, but one of the highlights is a winding path under Old Lorena Road to the bridge over the South Bosque River. The bridge is illuminated at nighttime.

Nolan Creek Hike and Bike Trail

The 1.4-mile Nolan Creek Hike and Bike Trail sits in the heart of Belton and connects several parks as well as the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. The trail begins at Confederate Park and follows the river through Yettie Polk Park and Harris Community Park before ending at the campus. Get off your bike along the way and check out the many recreational opportunities. The Harris Community Park boasts a butterfly garden, a softball field, a splash pad, and a fishing deck. There’s also a 400-foot pedestrian bridge that goes over the creek.

Pepper Creek Hike and Bike Trail

Found on the western parts of Temple, the 1.2-mile Pepper Creek Hike and Bike Trail has one of the area’s most scenic pathways. Begin at State Highway 36 and travel south for a mile to a wooden section near the western portion of Pepper Creek. Stop along the way to check out a pedestrian bridge and unique water features. Once you hit the southern end, the trail connects with the FM 2305 trail, which is a 4-mile east-west trail. Mid-way through this route you encounter a spur that takes you to the Scott & White Continuing Care Hospital where you can park your vehicle. When bicycling, sometimes it’s nice to get off the busy streets and not share the road with vehicles. Luckily, McGregor has some of the most scenic bike trails in all of Texas. Take the time to discover all that these bike trails have to offer the next time you’re in the area.