Best Dallas Motorcycle Rides to Explore the North Texas Countryside

Feb 5, 2025

Looking for a break from the busy streets of Dallas? The city is full of energy, but it's always a good idea to ride further out and really see what North Texas has to offer. If you're searching for the best motorcycle rides in North Texas, you might be surprised at how many options are close by. The best motorcycle destinations near Dallas include places where you can grab a quick meal or talk with other riders along the way. Below, we'll cover a few routes you may want to keep in mind.

1. Dinosaur Valley Park Ride

Start: Carrollton, TX

End: Dinosaur Valley State Park, TX

Approximate miles: 96 miles

The Dinosaur Valley Park Ride takes you from Carrollton to one of Texas’s most unique state parks. This route moves through a mix of city roads, tollways, and quieter highways, making it a solid choice for riders looking for an easy trip with a rewarding stop at the end.

After starting in Carrollton, the ride follows President George Bush Turnpike before connecting to Texas 360 Toll. From there, you’ll pass through Mansfield and Keene, with stretches of open road leading the way toward Glen Rose. The final stretch takes you onto FM 205, bringing you right to Dinosaur Valley State Park, where you can check out fossilized dinosaur tracks along the riverbed. It’s a ride that keeps things simple while offering a cool destination to explore before heading back.

2. The Three Lakes Loop

Start/End: Denton, TX

Approximate miles: 212 miles

If you’re looking for a full-day ride, The Three Lakes Loop is a great way to cover some miles while passing through different parts of North Texas. This route connects Lewisville Lake, Lake Texoma, and Lake Ray Roberts, giving you a chance to ride near the water and through a variety of roads along the way.

Starting in Denton, the ride moves south toward Lewisville Lake before heading northeast through Bonham and up to Lake Texoma. From there, it cuts back down toward Lake Ray Roberts before looping back to Denton. The route includes stretches of highway and quieter roads, making it a good choice if you want a ride that covers some distance with a few places to stop along the way.

3. Glen Rose Hill Country Ride

Start: Fort Worth, TX

End: Glen Rose, TX

Approximate miles: 62 miles

After covering some longer routes, this ride keeps things simple while still offering a change of scenery. The Glen Rose Hill Country Ride takes you from Fort Worth to Glen Rose with a route that avoids tolls, adding about seven extra miles compared to the direct path. Instead of sticking to major highways, this ride moves through FM roads and US-377, passing through Granbury before reaching Glen Rose. It’s an easy ride with a steady pace, ending in a spot known for its outdoor parks, small-town charm, and the nearby Dinosaur Valley State Park.

Want a Local to Show You the Best Roads Around Dallas?

North Texas has more riding than most people expect, from lake loops to Hill Country stretches, but knowing which routes to combine takes local knowledge. Riders Share offers motorcycle experiences in Dallas led by riders who know the backroads, the scenic detours, and the stops that make a day trip worth the ride. If you'd rather follow someone who's done these roads than plan every mile yourself, a guided experience is a great way to see more of what's beyond the city.

4. Trail to Lake Tawakoni

Start: Dallas, TX

End: Lake Tawakoni State Park, TX

Approximate miles: 60 miles

If you’re looking for a shorter ride that still gives you a change of scenery, the Trail to Lake Tawakoni is a nice way to get out of the city for a bit. Leaving from Dallas, this route takes I-30 and US-80 before turning onto Farm to Market roads that lead to the lake. The ride moves through Terrell and quieter stretches of road before reaching Lake Tawakoni State Park, a good spot to take a break and enjoy the open space before heading back.

5. Cedar Creek Reservoir Run

Start: Dallas, TX

End: Cedar Creek Reservoir, TX

Approximate miles: 61 miles

This route keeps things simple, taking you from Dallas to Cedar Creek Reservoir without any unnecessary detours. Leaving the city, the ride follows I-45 and US-175, passing through Crandall before continuing down TX-198. The roads are easy to follow, and the ride moves at a steady pace. Once you reach the reservoir, there are nearby spots to grab a bite or refuel before heading back toward Dallas.

Note: This recommended route avoids road closure on US-175 E of February 2025. 

Ride Through the Northern Texas Countryside on a Motorcycle Rental

At Riders Share, we want to make it easy for you to discover new places around the city. Our platform has the largest selection of motorcycle rentals in Dallas, with bikes listed by local owners. That means you have plenty of options, so you’re not limited by a typical rental shop. We keep the booking process simple, so you can focus on finding the right bike and heading out on your ride. We’re here to help you see the best motorcycle rides in Dallas on your own terms, at your own pace.

Know the Best Roads? Share Your Favorite Dallas Motorcycle Ride on Riders Share

We’ve covered a few rides around Dallas, but there’s always more to explore. If you have a route, tour, or class you’d like to share, our experiences page at Riders Share is the place to do it. You can create a listing, add details about what makes your ride or class unique, and chat with others who want to know more. Reviews from past guests help everyone see what to expect, and you can respond to questions before anyone decides to join in. It’s an easy way to introduce others to roads or skills they might not find on their own. If you have something you think riders would enjoy, list it today and help more people discover new ways to experience Dallas.

Last Stop 

Dallas and the surrounding areas have plenty more to offer beyond the rides mentioned above. Check out our blog, Best Scenic Motorcycle Rides in Texas, to keep discovering new parts of the state that you can experience on two wheels.