The Friends of the Trail steering committee is currently working on several expansion projects included below. If you’re interested in helping or have additional ideas for our Trail, please contact Earl Erickson at 903-517-9778 or email us at traildeparis@yahoo.com.

Project #1 Northeast Texas Recreational Trail

Objective
To transform 130 miles of unused, abandoned railway corridor into a multi-use trail which will be an investment with a great rate of return. Rail-Trails are extremely popular as recreation and transportation corridors and are handicap accessible. Click here for a map of this proposed project.  This map shows the whole 130 mile stretch.

Where
The existing rail bed winds through the scenic Northeast Texas countryside. Most of the corridor is lined with trees and shrubs that create a picturesque setting through 7 counties and 17 towns:
• Collin County-Farmersville
• Hunt County-Merit, Celeste, Wolfe City
• Fannin County-Ladonia
• Lamar County-Roxton, Paris, Reno, Blossom
• Red River County-Detroit, Bagwell, Clarksville, Annona, Avery
• Bowie County- De Kalb, Malta, New Boston

Agencies involved
• Chaparral Trail Association
• Greater Paris Development Foundation
• Red River County government and municipalities
• Bowie County government and municipalities

Trail Benefits
• Key to economic rebuilding of small towns along the trail
• Stimulates tourism & recreational spending by attracting visitors from near & far
• Improves property values for properties adjacent to trail
• Preserves abandoned railway corridors
• historic and wildlife conservation

Precedents
Mineral Well-Weatherford Trail attracts 300,000 people each year & generates $2million annually. Ohio’s little Miami Scenic Trail visitors spend $13.54 per visit, excluding lodging. To date, more than 18,000 miles of rail to trail has been successfully created across the country.

Project #2 Depot at Sports Complex entrance

Many community leaders have volunteered their time and talents to create the plans for the Depot at the Sports Complex entrance. The renderings are seen below. This Depot is hoped to be the main starting location for Trail visitors and a great resting place. It will also be an ideal place to showcase donor plaques. The look and style of the Depot drawings mimics the overall style of the Sports Complex located nearby.