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Madrone Trail
4.4 ★★★★☆ 349 Google reviews · Running trail in Canyon Lake, Texas · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Madrone Trail's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Casual lakeside destination for hiking and mountain biking trails, including some advanced options.
What runners say about Madrone Trail
“Nicely maintained trail with a lot of off shoots to make it as long or short as you’d like…only draw back is they aren’t all marked so make sure you have a GPS.”
“Beautiful views with some rough ground walking.”
“This part of the trail is mostly shaded and there aren’t any side trails to get lost on.”
“Very well maintained, although not well marked trail!”
Nicely maintained trail with a lot of off shoots to make it as long or short as you’d like…only draw back is they aren’t all marked so make sure you have a GPS. Definitely bring sunscreen and bug spray. No fees to enter for the trail but you can’t access the beach area unless you pay.
The Madrone Trail has about 7.5 miles of trails with a couple of good views of the lake and the marina. The northern section of the trails is a bit on the rocky side, has a few moderate inclines and is mostly in the sun.
Really great 7.3 mile trail, but if you do just the north side it's about 2.3 miles or just the south side it's about 5 miles. The south side definitely has better views and lots of picnic tables. The north end sort of loops within itself and there are several shortcuts to make it a shorter hike.
The area is a large group of smaller trails. There is one trail that leads you directly to a side of the lake that is empty, where you can just sit and enjoy the view. I ended up getting lost and walking around for a few hours. This place is awesome.
Trail conditions & character
“There is one trail that leads you directly to a side of the lake that is empty, where you can just sit and enjoy the view.”
“It is easy to get lost due to missing trail markers and lots of intersections.”
“The northern section of the trails is a bit on the rocky side, has a few moderate inclines and is mostly in the sun.”
“This part of the trail is mostly shaded and there aren’t any side trails to get lost on.”
“Some steep incline areas, but overall a good trail for mountain bikes and hikers.”
“Water and restrooms at the trailhead but nowhere else along the trail.”
“All the trails led back to the parking area and they’re easy to read on the map in case you feel lost.”
“It's a good medium trail with Ome of room to pass others, and our dogs had a great time!”
Plan your run at Madrone Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms, water — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Phone(830) 964-3341
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Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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