Moderately Technical to Very Technical in certain places
Mildly hilly but no major drops or extremely steep climbs

Rode Isle Du Bois for the first time yesterday. Based on some of the reviews, I was expecting it to be much more daunting than it is. Although it is more rocky than other trails in the area, the inclines aren't that severe which makes the rocks much easier to manage. (I grew up riding in the Northeast with similar rockiness but usually on more severe hills. After riding IDB I realized how much easier it is to handle technical rocky stuff where it's relatively flat). Rockiness makes some of it extremely tough to ride without some walking and/or putting a foot down, but never felt at all unsafe, even riding alone.

I was on a 29er hardtail. Just one opinion, but I didn't feel there was any type of really aggressive downhill that warranted full suspension, just a lot of slow, winding technical stuff.

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Loop D is painfully slow and rocky. Doable for advanced, worth trying for intermediate (which is how I'd describe myself), but beginners will want to stay off Loop D.

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Big Cedar - far and away the best place I've ridden in North Texas

This is a very interesting trail...if you want to become a better rider this trail should be on your list...there is a section of the trail that is full of rock gardens..big rock gardens..after you do the rock gardens be prepared for some climbs..sand and a lot of loose spots..I have rode this trail on a 5 inch and 6.7 inch bike as well as hard tails..the hard tail action can be a bit tricky but makes for a fun challenging ride. Carry plenty of water

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The entire trail

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Johnsons Branch

If you like rock gardens this is the trail for you. It starts out with some moderately flowy single track with some decent climbs. After that, it starts to get nasty and you'll find some of the most difficult climbs in the entire dfw area, even Northshore. It's rock garden after rock garden...some of them are very steep and tricky. The nastiest ones you can walk or bypass, which I think most riders do.

This trail isn't for everyone, there are not very many areas where you you can really open up, but it's very scenic and an excellent camping destination. It's not my cup of tea but if you find erwin and northshore too easy, definitely check this trail out. Do not take beginners here. Not my favorite trail in dfw, but some people like it.

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Erwin, Northshore

Fun trail, entrance is now $5 / person but worth it. Some good climbs and lots of rock (baby heads).

ok here it is this trail's a great place to tune your skills up its just shy of 14 mile of a good mix of super tight single track , rock gardens ,loose baby heads ,beach and a fair amount of climbing. I put in weekend warrior because cross country , downhill ,or race just doesn't describe an avid all mountain trail rider ... i ride this trail at least twice a week and all I'll say is if you can ride it a-e and clean the whole thing , you can ride!!! Hardtail cross country guys will more than likely not dig this trail it got some nasty rocks and loose boulders they'll hate .. I you have a full suspender with 4+ travel and just dig riding and challenging yourself this is the place for you ...if you're a free rider don't bother nothin here for you ...

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A-E ... pace yourself ...

Very Nice and challenging trail if you get in the advance loops, great scenery and well mantained trails. An excellent workout if you ride it conplete. I love it.

Thought I would chime in as an out of town guest to this trail. I thought it was a blast. It made by Thanksgiving trip to the relative's house worth while. The folks that built this trail did the absolute best that they could do with the land they were given to work with. I don't understand those sand pits, but they are part of the land. I wish they would have had some long climbs to work with too, but hey, it is TX. The rock garden is excellent. No, I did not make it through the rocks without having to walk part of it. I don't think after 10 more rides I would make it through without getting off for part of it. THAT is what will make me look forward to having to visit the relatives again.

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Ride it all. Not likely that you will clear all of route D, but it is a blast trying it.

This is a nice trail and has something for everyone. If you are not an advance rider stay off of Loop D. Very challeging rock garden and I would suggest to not use clip in pedals if you are going to ride loop D cause you will need to step off quick. This trail also has some sand pits that are hard as hell to get thru when it is very dry. I also rode this trail on a hardtail (what a mistake). This trail has some beautiful spots on it to stop and view.

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Stay to the left and don't go on loop D if you don't want to do the rock garden.

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BOULDER PARK about 40 miles away or Johnson Branch which is in the same area.

This is another great trail created by Dorba. This trail is so nice and scenic with several great views of the lake on loop E. I have yet to ride a bad DORBA trail. These guys really know how to craft fantastic trails. I really did not what to expect for this trail. The reviews were mixes so my expectations were not that high. In fact, the negative reviews have kept me from wanting to try this trail up until today. I must say I was thoroughly impressed with IDB. This is a great trail! One of the areas best. Those of you who have ridden Johnson’s branch and have not ridden this are seriously missing out. I believe this is the better of the two Ray Roberts trails. IDB is more scenic, faster, longer and more of a workout. This is one of the most unique trails within the Dallas area. It is rock riding at its best, which is rare in North Texas. But do not let this scare you away. Don't get me wrong. The rocks make this a challenging trail and is definitely not at beginner level. But I think anyone who goes to this website has ridden a few times and thus should enjoy this ride. You will test your handling skills out here. But for the most part, if you have decent to average handling skills you can go out here and ride the majority of this trail. While the rock gardens are a real challenge they are not impossible. I cleaned the majority of them and I am definitely not what you would call an expert level rider. This rocky element is what makes this trail so much fun. The workout you get is better at a trail like this due to the power you must exert to climb up and over rocks and boulders. Isn't that why we bought mountain bikes for anyway? Isn't it to challenge ourselves on challenging terrain? I question how any serious rider can come to this trail and write a review about how bad this trail is or how hard the rocks are. Man if you can't enjoy this trail, then I do not believe you really like mountain biking. Because in my opinion this trail represents what mountain biking is all about.

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The full loop. Stay left the entire way and you should do the majority of it. Pay special attention at the points you cross the roads close to the beginig and ends of the trail. At end of the trail clossest to the trail head the return trail and the trail out are parralel and it is real easy to get crossed up at both road crossingscrossings.

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Cedar Hill S.P., Tyler S.P., Bar-H, Dinasaur Valley, Knob Hill

This is now my favorite trail local to the Dallas area and the main reason is that it is challenging, a great work-out, and I feel like I have accomplished something by the time I get back to the trail head. I would never bring a beginner to this trail as it is designed to challenge experienced riders. Now that Loop E is in palce it is so worth the drive. This trail is not for everyone. But if you think Texas trails oare boring, this is one that might change your mind.

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A-B-C-D-E-D-C-B-A loops. The trail is well marked. If you get to the beginning of loop D at the sidewalk and you don't want it to get much tougher. Come back down C loop. It's much longer ont he way back and you will still have some challenging hills and other things to keep you entertained. I think many less experienced riders get suckered into going out on D thinking that they will not get enough distance in without it.

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Johnson Branch, Bar-H, Tyler SP, Cleburne SP