There are two trails near the shores of Possum Kingdom Lake:

1. the Johnson Peak Trail system totals about 12 or 13 miles of trails. It has 2 trail heads, neither of which is very well marked. However, once on the trail, the trail is VERY well marked. One on the western edge of the trails, next to the BRA campgound, one on the eastern edge of the trails, across Red Bird Land from the Red Bird Trail Trailhead. Click here to see the Johnson's Peak Trail Map. Roger Wallace, a local resident, has been the only steward of this trail since he started riding out here almost 20 years ago.

2. the Redbird Trail, offcially called the Possum Kingdom Hike & Bike Trail. The Possum Kingdom and Redbird Trail are both the same trail. Actually, the Possum Kingdom Bike & Hike Trail is on Red Bird Hill. It has two trail heads. The eastern one is called the Possum Kingdom Hike & Bike Trail. The Western one is called the Redbird Landing Trailhead, which is across the road from the easternmost Johnson Peak Trailhead. This trail has a total of 5.5 miles of trail. Click here to see the Possum Kingdom/ Redbird Trail Map

Most people park in the Redbird/Possum Kingdom Trail head parking lot, because there is excellent parking clean bathrooms and a water fountain. The Red Bird/Possum Kingdom Trail also is either an easy warm up trail on your way to the Johnson's Peak Trail, or an ideal beginner trail to take beginners to.

It is the Johnson Peak Trail that ranks with Bar H, Tyler and Dinosaur Valley as one of the very best trails in North Texas. I say that because it has challenging singltrack, wonderful views of Possum Kingdom Lake, and the climb to that overlook is 350 feet. This is a must ride trail, if you are a good mountain biker. The fact that it is well marked is just icing on the cake.

At the Possum Kingdom Hike & Bike Trail (some people mistakenly call it the Rebird Trailhead), there is lots of good parking, nice restrooms, and a water fountain. Take the Possum Kingdome/Redbird Trail over to Park Road 36. Cross it, and the entrance to the Johnson Peak trail is is just past and to the left of the boat storage building. Roger has marked the Johnson Peak Trailhead with some white flags. The trail up to the summit of Johnson Peak is very well marked with white painted stones from trailhead to peak. The Loop Trail that circumnavigates the peak is well marked with yellow painted stones. Also, there IS camping available at BRA Public Use Area #4. Call the local BRA at (940) 779-2321. More info can also be found at the FWMBA.org website.

click here to see the exact Google Map location of both trails. Be sure to zoom in and click on the blue markers for additional information.

How to get there:

go to Tarrant County via 121/820 to 20, or via 30 to 20

Go West on Interstate 20 west of Fort Worth

take the Weatherford Exit and go west on Hwy 180

Go through Mineral Wells then turn right onto 337

Turn left onto 254 when you reach Grafford

after 8 miles turn left onto 16

head south for 4 miles, then turn right onto Park Road 36

another 4 miles on 36 will bring you to Redbird Rd. Turn Left

the Trail Head is just a little way down on your right.

total distance is about 100 miles from Dallas, depending upon which part you live in.

you can Call the Brazos River Authority (the BRA) at (940) 779-2321 if you have questions about the trail, or would like to camp at their campground immediately to the west of the western Johnson Peak Trailhead.

If you ride this trail, and enjoy it PLEASE post a report on the Ride Forum of Dorba.org. Why? Because this trail in in danger of being sold to developers or being bulldozed. The more people who ride it, the more likely it will be saved. So if you ride it, help us spread the word!

Click here to read the history of Johnson Peak and learn where it gets it's name.