Ray Roberts Lake State Park - Overview and Lost Pines Trail

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Ray Roberts Lake State Park

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Ray Roberts Lake State Park - Overview and Lost Pines Trail

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Difficulty: Easy
Length: 0.8 miles / 1.3 km
Duration: 1 hour or less

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Overview: Ray Roberts Lake is a beautiful 30,000-acre lake complex complete with boat ramps, camping, fishing, a swimming beach, numerous hiking trails, equestrian trails, Dorba mountain bike trails, hotel, marina and a park store.

This is Guide #1 which includes:
An introduction to Ray Roberts Lake State Park, a walking tour of the Lost Pines Nature Trail at IDB, and an overview of the Interpretive Center at IDB.

Guide #2 includes:
Isle du Bois State Park, Camping, Boating, Fishing,Swimming, Walking/Hiking Trails, Equestrian Trails, Birdwatching, and the IDB Dorba Mountain Bike Trails.

Guide #3 includes:
Greenbelt Corridor, Kayak, Canoe, Fishing, Swimming, Birdwatching, Walking/Hiking/ Biking Trails, Equestrian Trails.

Guide #4 includes:
Johnson Branch State Park, Camping, Boating, Fishing, Walking/Hiking Trails, Equestrian Trails, Johnson Branch Dorba Mountain Bike Trails.

Guide #5 covers the Dallas Off-Road Bicycle Association (Dorba) Mountain Bike Trails at Isle du Bois and Johnson Branch.

Most of Ray Roberts Lake State Park is located in northern Denton County. The Ray Roberts Lake State Park Complex consists of two state park units (Isle du Bois and Johnson Branch), six satellite parks (Jordan Unit, Pond Creek, Pecan Creek, Buck Creek, Sanger, and Elm Fork), Wildlife Management Areas, wetlands, waterfowl sanctuaries and the 20 mile Ray Roberts Lake/Lake Lewisville Greenbelt Corridor.

No License Needed - Did you know that no one needs a fishing license or stamp to fish inside the boundaries of a Texas State Park? Regardless of age, or where you’re from, the Free Fishing in State Parks makes it possible to fish anytime you like, once you’ve entered the park, no license required. Plus, you can even learn fishing with your kids.

Bird watching, water sports, riding horses or backpacking along a scenic trail, Ray Roberts has something for everyone.

The Greenbelt Trail is a 1,500-acre wilderness corridor area that follows the Elm Fork of the Trinity River and features approx. 11 miles of multi-use trails and waterways for bicyclists, equestrians, hikers, kayakers, canoeists, and others. It has become the premier North Texas destination for outdoor enthusiasts from the surrounding area looking to escape the hustle of city life for a little while.

Horseback riders can start their ride at FM 380, FM 428, FM 455, Isle du Bois Unit, or Jordan Park. The Equestrian trail continues all the way around the east side of Lake Ray Roberts, through the state park at Isle du Bois, and on to Jordan Park, near Pilot Point.

Canoeists and kayakers will be able to take advantage of the three access points located at FM 455 (just below the Lake Ray Roberts dam), FM 428, and US 380 for put-in and take-out points.

The Park Headquaters and Visitor Information Center is located near the entrance to Ray Roberts Lake - Isle du Bois Unit (IDB), with helpful staff and a wide selection of area maps and brochures. Please contact Visitors Services at 940-686-2148 for more information on booking campsites and for information on local lodging, restaurants and activities.

Isle du Bois
100 PW 4137
Pilot Point TX 76258-8944
Visitors Services 940-686-2148

These guides have been developed in cooperation with the Texas Parks and Wildlife and Texas Master Naturalists - Elm Fork Chapter, Denton, Texas.

Ray Roberts Lake History:
The lake was created to provide water to the Cities of Dallas and Denton. Ray Roberts Lake, authorized by the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1965, takes in portions of three counties: Denton, Cooke, and Grayson. Originally known as the Aubrey Reservoir, the proposed lake was renamed in 1980 for U.S. Congressman Ray Roberts (1913-1993). The lake is a 29.350-acre Corps of Engineers impoundment on the Elm Fork of the Trinity River. The lake is surrounded by two state park units (Isle du Bois and Johnson Branch), six satellite parks, as well as Wildlife Management Areas, wetlands, and waterfowl sanctuaries.
All the parks are open. Jordan Unit contains 477 acres; Pond Creek - 20 acres; Pecan Creek - 48 acres; Buck Creek - 11 acres; Sanger - 20 acres; and Elm Fork - 290 acres.

Herbert Ray Roberts: Ray Roberts was a member of Texas' 4th Congressional district from 1962-1981. He grew up on a farm near McKinney Texas. He earned the name "Mr. Water" for his tireless efforts in water conservation in the state. He helped secure funds that enabled the Aubrey reservoir to be built. Later it was decided that the lake would be named after the person who worked so hard to make it happen hence the name Ray Roberts Lake. Construction of the reservoir and dam began in the 1980's and the Isle du Bois state park opened in 1993 followed by the Johnson Branch in 1996.

Tips: Did you forget something? There is a park store that carries the essentials and offers boat rentals as well.

Wireless WiFi service is available at the visitor center.
This is the first guide in a planned group of 4 covering Ray Roberts Lake State Park. All of the parks are managed by Texas Parks and Wildlife.

Great for the Family! - Texas Master Naturalists maintain an Interpretive Center with numerous displays about the wildlife and plants in North Texas. The Interpretive Center is across the parking lot from the Visitors Center at the Isle du Bois entrance.

Campfire programs are offered at Isle du Bois and Johnson Branch. Check at the Visitor Center for a schedule.

Stay on established trails -- If you do get lost, remember that you are using a trail guide and your smartphone, so you have a GPS to help you navigate back to the trail.

Poison Ivy lurks near the edges of the trails.

What to bring:
This Trail Guide and your Smartphone with EveryTrail mobile app installed.
Camera
Binoculars
Proper Hiking gear (and food/water) if you plan to hit the trails.
Mountain bike, boat, fishing gear, kayak if you are planning to enjoy all the fun at Ray Roberts Lake State Park.

This self-guided tour is available for download on EveryTrail.com.

Check out my other self-guided trips and Guides:

They include the LLELA Nature Center in Lewisville:
Beaver Pond Kayak Water Trail
Cicada Trail
Cottonwood Trail
Bittern Marsh Trail
Pioneer House Tour
Redbud Trail
Beaver Pond Kayak Water Trail

Wichita Forest Nature Trail - Highland Village
Wichita Forest Nature Guide - Highland Village
Cross Timbers Nature Trail - City of Denton
Ray Roberts Lake State Park - Pilot Point
Guide 1: Park Overview and Lost Pines
Guide 2: Isle Du Bois State Park
Guide 3: Greenbelt Corridor
Guide 4: Johnson Branch State Park
Guide 5: Dorba Mountain Bike Trails at Ray Roberts

You can take these Trips and Guides on the trail with you! Go to EveryTrail for information on how to download the free app to your iPhone or Android phone. Once you have downloaded the EveryTrail app, you can download the tours and walk the trail with your phone as your guide.

Points of Interest

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Ray Roberts Lake State Park Entrance

This is the main entrance to the Isle du Bois portion of the park. The park headquaters and visitors center is ahead about .25 miles.

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Welcome to Ray Roberts Lake State Park

Welcome to Ray Roberts Lake State Park.
There is a lot to see, explore, and experience at Ray Roberts.

The beauty and variety of Ray Roberts Lake State Park can be seen everywhere you look.

Photographers often capture the constantly changing beauty of Ray Roberts. This video slide show is a compilation of beautiful photos of Ray Roberts created by exceptional photographers from the Dallas Ft. Worth Area.

The Beauty of Ray Roberts State Park Video

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Visitors Center

The Visitor Center is located near the entrance to Ray Roberts Lake, with helpful staff and a wide selection of area maps and brochures. Please contact Visitors Services at 940-686-2148 for more information on booking campsites and for information on local lodging, restaurants and activities.

Isle du Bois
100 PW 4137
Pilot Point TX 76258-8944
Visitors Services 940-686-2148

Park Entrance Fees:

* $5 per day, per person 13 and older.

* Group School-Sponsored Trip:
Contact the Park to make arrangements.

Special entrance rates for:

* Holders of:
Texas State Parks Pass.
Youth Group Annual Entrance Permit.
Texas Parklands Passport (Bluebonnet Pass)
* Children 12 and under (free)

Facility Fees:

* Applicable daily entrance fees are charged
in addition to the campsite or facility fee.
* Pets are not allowed in any Texas State Park
buildings. For other general pet
restrictions Call the park or park
information (1-800-792-1112)
for more information.

Camping:

Maximum 8 people per campsite unless otherwise noted. Applicable daily entrance fees are charged in addition to the campsite or facility fee.

There are 53 walk-in (1/8 to 1/4 mile) developed (tent) campsites. Sites are in the Hawthorne and Wild Plum areas and have a picnic table, tent pad, fire ring and lamp post. Water is in the area, not at each site.
$12 per campsite

There are 14 Equestrian campsites with water in the area. 8 maximum per site (people & horses combined). These sites are in the Blue Stem Grove area and have a picnic table, fire ring and/or grill. Water is in the area, not at each site. There are hitching/tethering posts available at the campsites.
$12 per campsite

There are 115 campsites with electric & water hookups. Sites have a picnic table, fire ring and/or grills. 13 camp sites have 50 amp electric and 102 sites have 30 amp electric service.
$25 per campsite

What's Happening at Ray Roberts Lake State Park Video

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Interpretive Center

Enjoy presentations by Master Naturalist Interpreters and Park Rangers. Nature displays that the whole family can enjoy, along with hands-on areas for younger visitors. The exhibits feature unique displays throughout the year on local features and the Lake Ray Roberts Trails.

Visitors to the Center are invited to explore outdoor displays of the geology, prairie vegetation and scenic views of wildlife and historic sites at Ray Roberts.

Visitors can view photographs and read general information of the animals, flora, and fauna that live in the ecosystem around the Center. Photographs by local photographers, Master Naturalists and the TPWD staff are featured.

The Interpretive Center has lots of reference resources. It is located by the Visitor's Center in the Isle du Bois Unit. It is open on Saturday and Sunday with a Master Naturalist available to answer questions. There is a pond and a variety of native plant demonstration gardens. For more information on programs, events and scheduled activities go to the Interpretive Center website.

http://sites.google.com/site/interpretivecenter/interpretive-center

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Lost Pines Trail Entrance

Ray Roberts Lake State Park is located in the Eastern Cross Timbers vegetation region, a narrow strip of dense woodlands bisecting a broad
area of the Blackland Prairie in north-central Texas.

As you walk this trail you may notice that the Slash Pines are not native to the area. These trees make The Lost Pines Trail a unique trail walking experience. About halfway down the trail you have an option to walk to a spur that juts into the lake. On this sandy lakeshore you may see tracks of several native species such as raccoons, opossums, and deer. You may also see some of our native birds such as Egrets and Great Blue Herons.

The entrance to the Lost Pines Trail is off the main parking lot just past the Isle du Bois Visitors Center.

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1. The Forest Floor

Under the canopy of oaks and elms lies the seasonal layering of each autumn’s fall of leaves. With one inch of topsoil formed about every 500 years, the decomposition of organic matter is a slow, steady process. A mixture of rock, clay, silt, and sand, as well as living organisms, moisture and air spaces, makes up the sandy loam soil, the foundation of life on Earth.

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Lost Pines Amphitheater

The Lost Pines Amphitheater is the meeting place for evening campfire activities as well as many special events at Isle du Bois Park. Try sitting quietly and watch for deer, raccoons, and a wide variety of birds that frequent the area.

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Lost Pines Trail Junction

Return to the trail from the amphitheater. Take the trail to the right to follow the nature trail and the guide presentation.

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2. Yucca

A member of the lily family, yuccas have been used by native people and early settlers for baskets, mats, sandals and rope. The flowers attract hummingbirds and may be eaten raw. Soap can be made from the roots. Every part of the yucca can be utilized.

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3. Blackjack Oak

Blackjack oaks are the co-dominant species in the Cross Timbers region. The wood is used for railroad cross-ties, firewood and charcoal. Drooping limbs are characteristic of this oak.

The leaves of Blackjack Oak are large, narrow at the base, and with three shallow lobes at the tip.

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4. Bluejack Oak

This deciduous tree is easily recognized by its distinctive shiny blue-green foliage which turns reddish in fall.

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5. Mexican Plumb

This species is a common wild plum in North Texas. The sweet purplish-red fruit is eaten fresh or made into preserves; it is enjoyed by a variety of wildlife as well. Chickasaw plum thickets may also be encountered along the trail.

Look for fruit or for the distinctive black, shaggy bark

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Information Kiosk

This Kiosk is by the remains of the homestead.
It may have additional information about the homestead and trail conditions on the Equestrian Trail.

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6. Post Oak

Post oaks are the dominant tree species in this region. The wood is marketed as white oak and is used for railroad ties, posts and in construction. The tree is sometimes referred to as “ironwood.” This particular tree is very old and may have been enjoyed by the settlers that once lived in the pre-Civil War log cabin.

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Pioneer Homestead

The chimney is all that remains of this pre-civil war homestead.

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Trail Crossing with Esquestrian Trail

Hiking and Equestrian Trails are marked at this crossroads. Please follow Trail Etiquette rules.

Trail Crossing with Equestrian Trail Photo

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7. Live Oak

Named for its evergreen foliage, live oak timber was once important for building ships. The nation’s first publicly owned timber lands were purchased as early as 1799 to preserve these trees for this purpose.

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8. Hercules-Club

This tropical plant is also called toothache tree or tingle-tongue; chewing the bitter, aromatic bark or foliage is a home remedy for numbing the pain of a toothache.

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9. Gum Brumelia

Early settler children once chewed sap from cuts in the trunk like gum. The fruit is edible but can cause nausea. The wood can be used for making tool handles and cabinets.

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10. Poison Ivy

Beware of this plant! Some plants, though beneficial to the entire ecosystem, can be harmful to humans. Birds and wildlife forage this plant without adverse effects. Remember: leaves of three, let them be.

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Pine Needle Forest Floor

Under the pine trees lies the layering of pine needles. Pine needles are treasured in some Southern communities on a level beyond comprehension -- one exclusive Texas neighborhood is said to truck them in from Georgia. Pine needles create a mild acidic soil, with a pH around 6.5 -- an ideal pH for most plants.

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11. Coralberry

A short, deciduous shrub of wood and thickets, the long-persisting fruit clusters are eaten by numerous songbirds, bobwhite, ruffed grouse, prairie chicken, pheasant and wild turkey.

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12. Eastern Redcedar

The aromatic wood from this evergreen is used for fence posts, cedar chests and furniture. This non-native species is very invasive and provides very limited habitat for wildlife.

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13. American Elm

This large handsome tree was once very abundant, but Dutch elm disease, caused by a fungus and spread by bark beetles, has hurt the population somewhat. The wood is used for containers, furniture and paneling. Notice the American beautyberry growing next to the elm. The American Elm has a distinctive vase shape.

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To the Lake

Follow the trail sign and take the trail to the lake which is just a short distance ahead.

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Leaving the Trees

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Almost There!

The lake is just ahead. Watch for water birds, and animal tracks from the inhabitants of Ray Roberts. They often visit the lake for water.

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Lake View

This is a great place to sit down and relax. Watch water birds fishing near the shore and water skiers love this cove for calm waters.

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14. Cedar Elm

This tree is a native elm and has wings on the limbs like winged elm. It also has very small leaves and sometimes grows next to cedars.

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15. Winged Elm

This is a dominant species in the park. The tree has distinctive corky wings on the limbs. The early settlers used the fibrous inner bark for rope to tie cotton bales. Creek Indians called this tree “wahoo.”

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16. Slash Pine and Greenbriar

Known at Ray Roberts as the Lost Pines, these pines were first planted about 1950 and they have done very well. The greenbrier thicket may be painfully prickly, but it provides good cover for wildlife. The small berries provide an important secondary food source for white-tailed deer.

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Trail Crossing

This is the second crossing of the equestrian trail. Hiking and Equestrian Trails are marked at this crossroads. Please follow Trail Etiquette rules.

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17. Texas Prickly Pear Cactus

This cactus and the pecan are the only two native Texas plants sold commercially for food. This species produces a bright yellow flower that turns to a red fruit, called the tuna, in late summer.

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18. Common Persimmon

This tree produces an orange fruit that is delicious when ripe and very bitter when not ripe. The wood is used to make golf club heads and veneer.

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19. Little Bluestem

This warm-season, perennial bunchgrass is one of Texas’ most important native grasses, and one of the “big four” tall grass species along with big bluestem, switch grass and Indian grass. The broom-like bunchgrass provides nesting cover for birds, including the bobwhite quail, and provides a larval food source for butterflies.

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Part of Equestrian Trail

One of the best ways to experience the great outdoors in Texas is on horseback. You don’t have to be a cowboy to enjoy the fun of trail rides and old-fashioned cookouts.

The equestrian trail is about 30 miles and runs from Lake Lewisville through the Greenbelt (11 miles) to Isle du Bois, to Jordan Park at the north side of Lake Ray Roberts. If you have a horse, check out the equestrian campsites which include horse corals. Note that only a small portion of the equestrian trail is shown for information purposes.

Pictures in this guide taken by: RonFellows, Russell Gaddie, LeeAnn Jernigan

How does this work?

This is a thorough and well-written guide. Nice job, Ron. Thanks for all the research, photos, and effort you put into this.

by trailsnet on Mar 06, 2011

Ray Roberts is great for the whole family!
Visited on Feb 04, 2011

by TrailSearcher on Feb 04, 2011