Katy Trail

Katy Trail Logo

Katy Trail Phase I runs from Day Street to Loy Lake Road with easy access at Waterloo Lake Drive near the dog park.  

Trail Background:

The roots of Denison run deep, and the crisscrossing tracks of the railroad that founded this town stand as a witness to the years of history made here. In the beginning, they called Denison "Katy’s Baby" as the Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad established the town.

Within a few years, Denison became one of the busiest and most important transportation centers in the state of Texas.

Through the years, the Katy Railroad (M-K-T) played an important role in the development and growth of Denison. As the railroad flourished so did the city. The rail brought several Presidents to our community and served as the hub for passenger trains and movement of product for our local industries.

In 2015, the City was able to purchase abandoned railroad right of way with the hopes of one day turning it in to a multi-use trail that connects downtown Denison to downtown Sherman. In 2017, the City applied for funding through the Texas Department of Transportation’s Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside Program. We were awarded the funding near the end of 2017 and have since completed the first phase. The Phase Two application for funding was submitted in 2019 and was not selected for award in April 2020. Staff are currently working on submitting an application for reconsideration in the TxDOT 2023 Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside Program.

The overall trail will reach from downtown Denison to the southern end of Denison, near the newly constructed multi-sport Texoma Health Foundation Park. This trail is the first regional multi-modal trail for the City of Denison and for the Sherman-Denison MPO.  Due to funding constraints, we have broken the construction of the trail into several phases.

Phase One of the trail is approximately one mile, running from Day Street to Loy Lake Road. This section connects with Waterloo Park, one of our most well-known parks in the area. The trail is a continuous 12’ wide concrete trail with respite areas that contain benches, water fountains, and bike racks. Since this is an abandoned railroad, it is set in a nature setting with wooded areas on both sides of the trail. As the trail moves south to cross Loy Lake Road, it connects with Waterloo Park, which has several miles of unimproved trail through natural terrain, a dog park, a paved walking trail, horseshoe pits, and much more.

At the crossing of Loy Lake Road, a 200-foot pedestrian bridge was constructed to cross Loy Lake Road. South of Loy Lake Road will be part of Phase Two of the trail construction. The City has installed provisional surfacing to allow for continued trail access to Phase Two until funding is obtained to continue with the concrete surfacing. 

Phase Two will stretch 1.3 miles from Loy Lake Road to Theresa Dr, just south of Spur 503. Even though we have not secured funding for Phase Two of the project, we will be doing an improved surface, such as crushed granite. We have coupled this trail project with a waterline project, which gives us the ability to continue the trail without it being finished with concrete. If we are awarded the funding, we will continue the 12’ wide concrete trail throughout Phase Two. Once we have completed Phase Two, we will look to continuing trail connectivity from Downtown Denison to the Denison City Limits at FM 691.

Katy Trail will be a premier destination for jogging, biking, skating, and walking in the city. 

Amenities will include:

  • Trash Receptacles
  • Pole Mounted Solar Lighting at Trailheads
  • Drinking Fountains
  • Bicycle Repair Stations
  • Pet Waste Stations
  • Bicycle Parking
  • Benches
  • Shade structures
  • 12' wide multi-use concrete path
  • Walk/Run/Bike
  • Stroller and Wheelchair Friendly
  • Pet Friendly

 

Trail Etiquette:

  • No motorized vehicles permitted
  • When in a group don't walk more than 2 abreast
  • Announce "Passing on the left"
  • Bikes yield to pedestrians, warn others before passing
  • Obey the speed limit signs
  • Keep pets on a short leash
  • Watch children carefully and keep them close
  • Keep to the right, on foot or bike
  • Always look both ways before crossing or changing directions
  • Watch for traffic when crossing at Waterloo Lake Drive
  • Use headphones responsibly
  • Clean up after your pets
  • Share the trail
  • Respect other visitors, the land and wildlife, and trail rules.

 

Click any thumbnail image to view a slideshow

Construction Safety Notice
Map 1
Map 2
Map 3
Katy Trail Phase 1
Katy Trail Pedestrian Bridge at Loy Lake Road
Katy Trail Pedestrian Bridge at Loy Lake Road
Katy Trail Pedestrian Bridge at Loy Lake Road
Katy Trail Pedestrian Bridge at Loy Lake Road
Katy Trail Pedestrian Bridge at Loy Lake Road
Katy Trail Pedestrian Bridge at Loy Lake Road
Katy Trail Pedestrian Bridge at Loy Lake Road
Katy Trail Phase 1
Katy Trail Phase 1
Katy Trail Phase 1
Katy Trail Phase 1