Northeast Texas Trail: Farmersville to Merit
Trail Running Route
Moderate
11.31 mi
236 ft
The first and westernmost section of a mixed surface rail trail that's perfect for running.
The Northeast Texas Trail, simply referred to as the NETT, is a 130-mile multi-use path traversing a remote rails-to-trails passage through Northeast Texas. According to the trail coalition, once complete, it will be the longest hike, bike, and equestrian trail in Texas, as well as the 4th longest in the United States. In total, the trail passes through 19 rural towns and traverses 7 counties. Its western terminus is in Farmersville, not far from Dallas, and its eastern terminus is in New Boston in West Texarkana. This segment of the trail explores the first 5 miles, for an out-and-back easy trail run that is just short of a half-marathon. If you're in need of an easier long run on trail, the NETT is one of the best opportunities in North Texas.
According to the trail coalition, "In the late 1990s, 2 railroads, the Union Pacific and the Chaparral decided to cease active service and publicized their railroad corridors availability for railbanking through the Surface Transportation Board of the United States Department of Transportation (STB)." It was posed as a chance to increase recreational opportunities in rural Texas towns, as well as to improve the quality of life and economy for the trail towns the NETT passes through. While it was at one point pitched to the Texas State Park and Wildlife Department as a potential linear park, similar to the [Caprock Canyons Trailway]( the trail remains a product of simple trail advocacy thanks to its volunteers and donors who have helped to both develop and maintain it.
This segment of the trail begins at a large parking area adjacent to the Historic Onion Shed in downtown Farmersville. The trail begins with 2.5 miles of pavement and continues another 2.5 miles along a crushed granite pathway suitable that makes for an easy and relaxing trail run. There are several road crossings on your way to Merit and a small, unpaved parking area where the trail crosses in town. If you are looking for even more miles, continue through town as long as you'd like, or arrange a point-to-point long run to see an even longer segment of the NETT.
[Source]( Written by Brendon Voelker
The Northeast Texas Trail, simply referred to as the NETT, is a 130-mile multi-use path traversing a remote rails-to-trails passage through Northeast Texas. According to the trail coalition, once complete, it will be the longest hike, bike, and equestrian trail in Texas, as well as the 4th longest in the United States. In total, the trail passes through 19 rural towns and traverses 7 counties. Its western terminus is in Farmersville, not far from Dallas, and its eastern terminus is in New Boston in West Texarkana. This segment of the trail explores the first 5 miles, for an out-and-back easy trail run that is just short of a half-marathon. If you're in need of an easier long run on trail, the NETT is one of the best opportunities in North Texas.
According to the trail coalition, "In the late 1990s, 2 railroads, the Union Pacific and the Chaparral decided to cease active service and publicized their railroad corridors availability for railbanking through the Surface Transportation Board of the United States Department of Transportation (STB)." It was posed as a chance to increase recreational opportunities in rural Texas towns, as well as to improve the quality of life and economy for the trail towns the NETT passes through. While it was at one point pitched to the Texas State Park and Wildlife Department as a potential linear park, similar to the [Caprock Canyons Trailway]( the trail remains a product of simple trail advocacy thanks to its volunteers and donors who have helped to both develop and maintain it.
This segment of the trail begins at a large parking area adjacent to the Historic Onion Shed in downtown Farmersville. The trail begins with 2.5 miles of pavement and continues another 2.5 miles along a crushed granite pathway suitable that makes for an easy and relaxing trail run. There are several road crossings on your way to Merit and a small, unpaved parking area where the trail crosses in town. If you are looking for even more miles, continue through town as long as you'd like, or arrange a point-to-point long run to see an even longer segment of the NETT.
[Source]( Written by Brendon Voelker
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