Paris combines an ADA-accessible walking and cycling trail with architectural history and fishing opportunities north of the city. The Trail de Paris runs from the city limits into downtown; Pat Mayse Lake is 12 miles north of Paris. This makes it possible to distinguish between city trails, architecture, and fishing when choosing the focus of your trip.
The Trail de Paris: Outdoor activity with multiple access points
The Trail de Paris is an ADA-accessible walking and cycling trail with multiple access points. Because it runs from the city limits into downtown, it spans the city; its various access points offer several ways to join the route. If you include the trail in your travel plans, check current operating conditions before your trip. This keeps both the type of activity and the route through Paris in view.
The Trail de Paris is also part of the Northeast Texas Trail, which connects towns between Farmersville and New Boston. This gives the trail a regional connection in addition to its route through Paris. For planning purposes, these are two different scales: the city trail and its access points, and the larger connection between several towns. Those interested in the Northeast Texas Trail can also consider Paris as one section of this regional route.
Architectural history and an evening attraction
The Sam Bell Maxey House was completed in December 1868 and designed to resemble an Italian villa. The completion date and architectural inspiration offer different points of interest: one places the building’s history in time, while the other describes the design concept. For travelers interested in architecture, the house is a specific point of reference, distinct from the trail’s focus on outdoor activity.
The Paris Commercial Historic District is listed as a historic district on the National Register. This is a district, whereas the Sam Bell Maxey House is a single building. These different scales provide two distinct ways to explore the city’s history. There is also a tree lighting in the Culbertson Fountain area, providing an evening activity. It adds an explicitly evening-focused element to the trail and architecture themes.
Fishing at Pat Mayse Lake
Pat Mayse Lake is in Lamar County on Sanders Creek, 12 miles north of Paris. Fishing for bass, crappie, and catfish is available there. This adds a clearly identified fishing destination north of Paris to the city’s attractions. The difference is helpful when choosing the focus of your trip: the trail runs from the city limits into downtown, while fishing opportunities are located at the lake.
The Trail de Paris centers on walking and cycling along a route with multiple access points; at Pat Mayse Lake, the named fish species are part of the fishing opportunities. This makes it easy to weigh your interests for your stay without treating the city trail and the lake as the same kind of excursion.
For the broader travel overview: Lamar County.
