Rowlett Creek Preserve

If there's one thing that this trail has going for it, it's variety. There is really a little bit of everything here, and I'm not just saying that.

I find it funny how many other reviews call this trail an "easy/beginner" trail, because as a whole, its a solid intermediate trail. There are lots of good areas for beginners on this trail, but don't be fooled. While you won't find any lung burning climbs, there are some significant technical features & obstacles on this trail if you choose to ride the whole thing, and the sheer amount of miles is a challenge in itself. Some bits were flat with lots of quick rollers (think River Legacy & EKG), other parts were rocky/chunky (like Boulder or NS West), but the terrain never stays the same for very long. If you're burned out on your nearby trails, this is a great change of pace. Think of it this way - You could bring any bike here from a hardtail xc racer to a full on enduro bike, and still feel like you've got the right bike for the course.

The Bad? This trail could definitely do with more signs or more dividers to show the proper direction. Yes, you go left every time you see a sign/fork to ride the whole trail, but there are lots of ridearounds/splits where it's not clear which path you should take. There was one spot where the trail split into three directions without a sign showing where to go. Having strava helps, but there were some times where I saw some features and paths that looked fun but I didn't really know how to get to them.

In the end though, i ended my ride with a smile and would definitely come back.

Great riding and variable surfaces

I headed over yesterday and it was busier than I expected, but that's normal for a weekday at 5pm. The trails were smooth with few elements on the south side other than two easy creek crossings that had concrete bridges. My only complaint would be in agreement with the other riders about how confusing it is to get on the right trails going the correct direction. In two instances I came up on someone and was informed that I was headed the wrong direction. I only saw one copperhead while I was out, but if you're minding your own business then they won't bother you. Overall a great track to increase XC endurance on the south side, and a bit more technical on the north. (When going to the south, make sure you go straight out of the parking lot and not off to the right so you can head in the correct direction.)

Decent trail system, flat and buff. Good for beginners. A bit twisty in places, so it's hard to build up speed and flow. Good trail system for the locals. Loop 6 looks like it could get really muddy. Unfortunately, lots of trash around Loop 6, and it doesn't look like that loop is ridden as much as the others. Definitely an urban biking experience, and the trail builders have done a good job with what they have available.

Flat and fast just about everywhere! Super fun, and plenty of loops to get some mileage in. If you go early be prepared for the spider webs across the trail. Trail is typically in great shape as long as two days have passed since rain.

Great trail for beginners. Plenty of cover from the sun during the dig days of Summer.

This is one of my home trails as it's about 20 minutes from my garage to the trail head. Lots of trails here that are mostly pretty easy, but not boring. Loop 7, 13, 14 and a few others have some technical features that make it fun. It's Dallas, so it's all fairly flat, but they make the best of the terrain with multiple creek crossings and other items. There are plenty of loops that are pretty family friendly as well. The whole south side as well as loop 1 are probably pretty good for beginners and kiddos.
In the warmer months, look out for copperheads (venomous) as they're out in force around here. Mostly hard packed with some tight sections so no super wide bars around here or you'll tap them on the tree gates. Trails are marked well and everyone is super nice that rides here.

Had a blast out there today. The track was great I ran loop 1, 2, and 3. The markings were clear and easily readable for my first time there. You definitely need a map if you don't wanna get lost.

This trail is relatively flat and flowy. I enjoy it for the changing things up and its ease of access. There are some fun sections such as loop 13 probably the most technical with rocks and concrete chunks throughout the loop. The large creek drop crossings are fun and yes to some with good reason they are intimidating.

This is my go-to trail, as it's the closest decent trail to my house. It's mostly flat, but fast, with two gnarly, if not unnecessarily dangerous, creek crossings (Skip loop 14 to bypass the two steep creek crossings). I agree that the number system is ridiculous, the loops were numbered in the order they we're built, which makes no sense. I recommend riding with someone that is familiar with the layout, but If my memory serves me right, if you always go left, you will ride the whole trail. Don't quote me on that though. Soil is mostly clay and the trail is very susceptible to flooding. There will be many new obstacles and possibly washed out bridges once the trail opens after even a little rain, but the trail is maintained well, so it's fixed pretty quickly. During the summer this trail gets very loose. There is a picnic table, gazebo, grill, and port-a-potty. Watch out for joggers/hikers.

This trail is one of my local favorites and can range from beginner to intermediate depending on which route you take. When you enter the parking lot all the trail to the right of the parking lot is more beginner and generally more flat. But the trail to the left of the parking lot is much more technical and has good flow! With whoops and big drops and a few leg burners. What is good to know also is the way the trail is numbered isn't the order you necessarily have to go in. The numbers are the order of when the trail sections were built. But overall a good trail for a variety of skill levels.

Has anyone mentioned this trail is flat....? Trail has good flow and speed awaits those with big cranks.

Very flat (especially being from Colorado), but good for speed. I agree that the layout is a little confusing. I ended up going the wrong direction at one point and had a local point me in the right direction. Overall, a fun ride and ok workout.

As previously stated, this is a flat trail except for some drops here and there. This is good for beginners and I still ride it with the buddies for diversity and to push it for a cardio workout. Until riding the entire trail, I would ride at a very manageable speed as there are a couple of short steep drops and I understand a good Category 2 female rider who had ridden it many times went over the handlebars and suffered a serious injury on one of the drops. There is potable water available in the parking lot and a portapotty as well. If I were coming from out of town this wouldn't be one of the trails I would hit, but if you are in the area give RCP a go.

I wouldnt go out of my way to ride this trail again. It has a very goofy numbering system and unless you constantly stop riding to look at your map you wont know where to go. For example loop 7 turns into loop 14 then loop 8 turns into loop 1a. Bypasses are not marked at more than 90% of the entire trail so you can easily take a wrong turn thinking youre going further in but instead wind up back at the parking lot. Trail is fun in certain parts but then the whole chore of navigating begins again. Avoid this one until they get a clue about numbering and signing in a way that isnt retarded.

Absolutely one of the best all around trails in the D/FW. I've ridden a number of other DORBA trails, and there are a lot of good ones, but RCP is my go-to for all around riding. Three or four of the loops are rated blue, and they are trail enough for a seasoned rider to enjoy. I got into trail biking through BMX and street trials, so from my perspective a trail's quality lies half in what it is and half in its potential. RCP provides enough technical material for a rider to get creative, and although there are no real jumps in the trail, airs are very likely throughout the park. In my opinion, RCP has more variety and equally or more difficult terrain than Erwin.

Although DORBA rates the most difficult loops blue, according to this site's standards, (12" wide, 15% 15" tall, 2' or less airbridges, etc.) loops 7, 11, 13, and 14 rate Very Difficult.

Rowlett Creek was the first trail I rode in the area. I really enjoyed it and it does provide some diversity. There is currently quite a bit of construction for a city waterline going on around loop 14 I believe, but the loops around that area are still the most challenging. I think it is loop 13 that has quite a few short, rock/concrete technical sections. The sections that run along the Creek (I think that is mostly Loop 7) have a lot of nice, rolling up and downs that are a lot of fun to pump your way through. If you live close by, and don't require extremely technical challenges to have a good ride, I would strongly suggest giving this trail a ride or two. It does take a long time to dry up after any rain, so keep that in mind.

Fun trail for beginners. I'm not a big fan because it isn't very technical. You can get a good workout, you just need to pin it to do so. I don't go out of my way to ride here, but do so on occasion. Mostly flat with tight singletrack through trees.

Usage: This trail gets heavy use and the parking can fill up quickly on weekends.

Wildlife: Watch for snakes on the entire trail. I've seen multiple copperheads on the north side of the trail in a single ride. A friend that rides here often says he's seen quite a few on the south side as well.

This is a well maintained trail, and is appropriate for beginners through intermediate level rider. DORBA has just added loop 13, which is far more technical than the rest of RCP.

Really like this trail-so many different loops to hit so you can get in a good amount of riding without running over the same terrain. Loop 7 is a bit of a doozy, but the rest are really manageable. Pretty busy area with lots of riders, but they don't really slow you down at all. As a beginner, I rode a few loops, and worked my way up.