5 Reasons Why Tyler, TX is an Awesome Active Getaway for the Whole Family

110 N College Avenue
Tyler, TX 75702
info@tylertexas.com
(903) 592-1661
www.visittyler.com

By Maggie Heyn Richardson

Located in the heart of northeast Texas, Tyler is a vibrant bustling destination with plenty of adventures. Crystal clear local lakes invite tubing, boating, and fishing, while parks offer lush nature trails. Spend the day hiking or enjoy one of many mountain bike trails. No matter your brand of adventure, Tyler is ready to serve up the fun.

Hit the Trail

Spend the day walking, running, or biking because Tyler is home to 60 miles of trails right in town. Offering varying levels of difficulty, the city’s notable trail systems feature both natural and concrete surfaces, ensuring adventurers of all ability levels find the perfect experience.

A favorite among hikers and bikers is tranquil Tyler State Park. Soak in the piney woods of East Texas as you embark on trails lush with native flora and fauna, including the many species of birds that call the state park home. The park has trails in easy, moderate, and challenging ability levels, making it easy to opt for a flat trail or one with steeper elevation changes. Some trails are only for hiking, while others also include biking.

Another favorite experience is the Lindsey Park Trail, named a Top Ten Trail in Texas by the Mountain Bike Trail Project. The 15-mile nature trail features four different loops along with three 18-hole disc golf courses, baseball and softball fields and restrooms.

As you enjoy Tyler’s trail system, be sure to participate in the Ride the Four Petals initiative. When you ride, run or walk the Tyler State Park Trail, Lindsey Park Trail, Faulkner Park Trail and UT Tyler Trail, earn an “I Rode the Four Petals of the Rose” decal for your water bottle, car or laptop. All Tyler trails are open daily between 5 am and 10 pm.

Spend the Weekend on a MotoCross Racetrack

Feel the thrill of a wild and rugged dirt bike ride at Texas’ oldest continuously running MotoCross racetrack, Swan MX in Tyler. MotoCross enthusiasts come from miles around to test their grit on this popular track, which hosts numerous MotoCross races throughout the year. Attend a weekend competition and watch the excitement as riders navigate mounds and switchbacks along the way. Amateur riders can enjoy the facility’s regular open ride days. Experience the course’s exciting features, like hills that guarantee plenty of airtime.

If you’re new to the sport, Swan MX’s trained professionals offer lessons. Want to make a weekend of it? No problem. Swan MX also features beautiful, well-kept grounds with RV hookups, primitive camping sites, air-conditioned restrooms, hot showers and a playground for kids. Food is available for purchase or bring your provisions and enjoy an outdoor picnic.

Not One, Not Two, but Three Lakes in Tyler

Most cities are lucky to have a single lake, but Tyler has not one, not two, but three huge lakes to choose from! Whether you decide to spend the day at Lake Tyler, Lake Tyler East, or Lake Palestine, there are no wrong choices.

Each of the lakes offers opportunities for fishing, boating, and many other water sports, as well as camping grounds around the edges. At Lake Palestine, you can even take part in fishing tournaments that happen year-round. Lake Tyler is no slouch when it comes to fishing either, as it carries largemouth bass, spotted bass, crappie, catfish, and sunfish.

No matter which lake you choose, each one is only a short drive away from Tyler. If you ask us, you might as well visit all three!

Explore Tyler on an e-Bike

Spend the day in the saddle—the bike saddle, that is! Tyler is a great place to explore by bike. Ride Tyler has everything you need, including e-bike rentals, helmets, and complimentary souvenir water bottles. Head out on your own or enjoy one of several guided tours with a Ride Tyler professional. The 2.5-hour Rose City Tour leads riders through local parks, downtown Tyler and along the iconic 14-mile Brick Street District, known, of course, for its historic brick paved streets. Add a stop to enjoy a meal or beverage at one of the numerous downtown restaurants.

Looking for something shorter? The 1-hour Neighborhood Tour takes riders along a leisurely route that includes tree-lined streets in the Pollard Park District or the historic Azalea District. Tours range from 1.5 to 2.5 hours and can accommodate groups up to 10 people. Got the kids along? No worries! Add on a tag-along for children ages 5-9, or a Burley trailer for those ages 2-5.

See Why Tyler is a Disc Golf Paradise

Fling the disc and go for a hole-in-one at one of the many disc golf courses in Tyler, known around the region as a top disc golf course destination and home to numerous competitive leagues. Lindsey Park is a favorite spot among the sport’s enthusiasts, thanks to three 18-hole disc golf courses offering a variety of terrains and experiences. Pack a picnic lunch and spend the day testing your skills on a course.

Situated amid bucolic scenery, Lindsey Park’s courses feature different ability levels, enabling both novice and experienced players to enjoy a day of satisfying play. Stock up on competition discs and get the latest scoop on local courses at outfitter, Onion Field Disc Golf, which sells a variety of discs for play.

Picturesque Tyler, Texas offers all sorts of options for active family fun, so plan your trip to this piney woods escape today. Find accommodations in every taste and price point, including bed & breakfasts, cabins, chain and boutique hotels, and lakefront lodging. Visit Tyler and get ready to make memories your family will never forget.

About the Author: A lover of all things Lone Star, Maggie is an award-winning features writer covering the Gulf South and the author of Hungry for Louisiana, An Omnivore’s Journey.