The Trail de Paris is a paved, leashed-dog-friendly rail trail in Paris, Texas, and it is one of the best places in Lamar County for a real walk with your dog. The trail follows a former rail line from near downtown Paris east to the city limits, where it connects to the Reno Rail Trail, and dogs on leashes are welcome along the route. Here is what to know before you go, including where to park, what to bring, and what to look for in a home near the trail.
Shannon and Scott Miles hear the same question from dog-owning buyers again and again: where can we actually take our dog around here? The answer they give most often is the Trail de Paris, and this guide explains why, plus how to make the most of it.
What Is the Trail de Paris?
The Trail de Paris is the Paris leg of the Northeast Texas Trail, a planned trail system that will eventually stretch about 130 miles across the region. The paved, non-motorized trail follows a former rail corridor east from central Paris, passes under Loop 286 beneath a canopy of trees, and crosses US Highway 271 on a bridge before reaching the city limits and connecting to the Reno Rail Trail.
The surface is asphalt, the route is handicapped accessible, and quarter-mile markers run the length of the trail so you always know how far you have walked. Benches, interpretive signs, and trailhead kiosks make it comfortable for walkers of every pace, including four-legged ones. For a broader look at what Paris has to offer, our Paris, TX guide is a good place to start.
Is the Trail de Paris Dog-Friendly?
Yes. Leashed dogs are permitted on the Trail de Paris, according to the official trail and Northeast Texas Trail sites. Keep your dog on a standard leash, bring water, and clean up after your pet, and the trail works well for dogs of all ages and sizes.
The paved surface is easy on paws compared with gravel or rough ground, and the tree canopy provides shade through much of the route, which matters on warm Texas afternoons. Because the trail is separated from traffic along most of the corridor, it is also a calmer walk for dogs that are nervous around cars.
Where Do You Park and Start?
The easiest access point for most people is the Morningside Trail Head off South Collegiate Drive near Old Clarksville Road, on the east side of Paris. From there you can walk west toward town or east toward the Reno Rail Trail connection, depending on how much distance you want to cover.
The trail also has access points near the downtown end, so you can choose a short out-and-back or a longer walk based on your dog's energy level. Look for the trailhead kiosks and signage that mark each access point, and park only in designated areas.
What Should You Bring for a Dog Walk on the Trail?
A few simple items make the walk better for everyone: a sturdy leash, water and a collapsible bowl, and poop bags. In warmer months, walk early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when the pavement is cooler and the shade is deeper. If your dog is new to the trail, start with a shorter walk and let them get used to the bridge crossing over US Highway 271, which can be the most exciting part of the route.
What Makes the Trail a Good Fit for Dogs?
Several features make the Trail de Paris stand out for dog owners. The asphalt surface is smooth and predictable. The quarter-mile markers let you track distance and build up your dog's stamina gradually. Benches give you a place to sit while your dog takes a break. And the connection to the Reno Rail Trail at the city limits means your options keep growing as the Northeast Texas Trail develops.
What to Look for in a Home Near the Trail
If walking the trail is going to be part of your routine, proximity is a physical amenity worth weighing in your home search, the same way you would weigh a park or a school. Beyond location, dog owners tend to value the same features we help buyers evaluate on every tour: a fenced yard with secure gates, a mudroom or wash-off area for muddy paws, and flooring that holds up to pet traffic, such as tile, luxury vinyl plank, or hardwood.
For dogs that need more room than a city lot provides, acreage properties offer fenced boundaries, open space, and quiet roads for daily walks. Our For Dog Lovers guide walks through these features in detail, and our post on dog-friendly homes in Northeast Texas covers what to prioritize when you tour.
More Dog-Friendly Ways to Enjoy Northeast Texas
The trail is not the only reason Northeast Texas works well for dogs. Shannon founded the Dachshunds of Northeast Texas Facebook group, a friendly community of dog owners who share local spots, meetups, and plenty of photos. Pet-friendly patios, parks, and community events round out the lifestyle, and our post on the Dachshunds of Northeast Texas community has more ideas for getting involved.
Plan Your Walk, Then Plan Your Move
Whether you are visiting the trail for an afternoon walk or shopping for a home where you and your dog can walk it every day, Paris and Lamar County have a lot to offer. The trail is free, open year-round, and genuinely dog-friendly, which makes it a great place to start exploring the area.
If you are looking for a home in Paris or anywhere in Northeast Texas where your dog can live well, Shannon and Scott Miles can help. Call (903) 785-2005, email hello@shannonmiles.com, or stop by the office at 2322 Lamar Ave. in Paris, TX. We know which properties have the fences, the mudrooms, and the room to run, and we would love to show you around.
Shannon Miles Group
eXp Realty | Paris, TX
Shannon and Scott Miles are a husband-and-wife real estate team serving Northeast Texas and Southeast Oklahoma. Shannon founded the Dachshunds of Northeast Texas Facebook group, and the team regularly helps dog-owning buyers find homes with the fenced yards, mudrooms, and acreage their pets need. Based at 2322 Lamar Ave. in Paris, TX, they bring local knowledge to every home, land, and ranch search.