Randy Bell Scenic Trail - Ray Roberts Lake State Park - Pilot Point, TX
N 33° 22.793 W 097° 01.732
14S E 683356 N 3695138
The Randy Bell Scenic Trail is a 2.2 mile loop trail that runs through the northwestern section of the Isle du Bois Unit of Ray Roberts Lake State Park, Pilot Point, TX.
Waymark Code: WM15ACT
Location: Texas, United States
Date Posted: 11/21/2021
Views: 2
This paved trail is considered "easy", taking the traveler mostly through woodlands and some "pocket prairie" area on the north side of the loop. It is ADA-compliant, offering something for everybody.
The listed parking coordinates are just a short walk from the trailhead sign (at the waymark coordinates) on the other side of the park road, near the trail out to the Wild Plum camping area. This seems to be the most popular starting point, but another access point is at the Hawthorn camping area, where there is ample parking. The trail runs through the appropriately named Deer Ridge camping area, where one can also park, but you'll have a little bit of a walk from where you parked to get on the trail.
There are no facilities on the trail itself, although you'll find an occasional bench to take a break, and there are a few spigots to fill up your water bottle. The section of trail that runs north of the park road is your biggest obstacle in that regard, although there are spurs that lead up to facilities at the beach and the Quail Run camping area. Be aware that Quail Run is closed during the winter months, so the odds of finding the doors unlocked are slim. Still, there's a nice view of the lake up there. On the south side of the road, your best bet is at the Hawthorn, although just to the west there are two facilities at Deer Ridge, a bit off the trail. At this point, you're not far from finishing your walk.
During your walk, you'll see signs for the Dallas Off-Road Bicycle Association's (DORBA) mountain biking trails. There are five trails, with loops C, D, and E providing more of a challenge than A and B. Feel free to walk them, maybe after you've tackled this trail, but be aware that there's nine miles of hiking if you're planning to walk the entire route. Start early, bring a lunch and plenty of water.
There are a few interpretive signs along the trail, including one that explains the occasional controlled burn in the park, and another at the seasonal pond, which is a good place to catch a glimpse of a great blue heron if you're very quiet: They spook far more easily than the deer.
The trail is named for Randy Bell, who worked in parks for 36 years, 27 of them with Texas Parks and Wildlife. In 2019, he moved onto a career as a minister in Granbury.