A Guide To Erwin Park, Mckinney

Things to do

For the outdoorsy people out there, you’ll love everything that Erwin Park has to offer. Whether you’re looking for a short hike or some exercise mountain biking through the plains, just make sure to bring your camera because the park is beautiful and you’ll definitely want to snap some pictures.

Hike through the vast area

Erwin Park is a pretty big place with wide-open expanses and tons of room for people hiking with their dogs and children. You’ll be able to hike through wooded forest areas and wide-open fields and get past scenic ponds and rivers by the trails. Signs posted here for hikers are pretty well-marked so as long as you stick to the path, you shouldn’t have any issues. As previously mentioned, the trail goes through different biomes but it really weaves in and out of them so you might end up going through forests and field more than once on your trek here. The path is beginner-friendly with kids and people with dogs often coming here to play. Just watch out for tree roots sticking out of the ground at the more wooded locations.

Try mountainbiking

It’s arguable that mountain biking through Erwin Park is an even more popular activity. There are over 10 miles (16 km) of path reserved for bikes that are maintained by the Dallas Off-Road Bicycle Association. As a result, the bike paths are well taken care of and if you’re an avid off-road biker then you’ll certainly have a good time in Erwin Park without too much wear and tear on your bike. However, if you do experience some issues with your bike there are also two bike repair stations for minor repairs. There are tools, air pumps, and a stand to hold your bike up.

Go camping

If you really want to spend some time in nature at Erwin Park then why not camp out for a few days here? Residents and non-residents have the option to camp out at Erwin Park that has facilities already set up for your stay. Reservations for campsites start at 12.50 USD for residents of McKinney and 20 USD for non-residents. Although, people should be aware that reservations are first-come, first-serve. There are 2 public restroom facilities and 10 designated campfire spots on site. If glamping is more your thing, there are also some pavillions on site with electricity.

Travelers tips

Wear appropriate clothes

For more experienced hikers and trekkers, this one is a no-brainer but if you’re going hiking and trekking through a hiking trail or mountain biking, wearing the appropriate clothes is important. That means good shoes or boots and even bringing some gear like sunscreen and bug spray. The Texas sun can get pretty hot and although there is plenty of shade on the trail, you still don’t want to get a sunburn or sunstroke. Moreover, wearing the appropriate clothes makes it less likely that you’ll have an injury while out on the trail.

Know exactly where you're going

The paths and trails here are marked clearly so it isn’t really hard to get lost but if it’s your first time here you might want to consider downloading or getting a map. Park maps can be found online on their website. For hikers consider traveling in a counter-clockwise direction while mountain bikers travel clockwise, the reason for this is visibility on the paths.

How to get there

There is no public transport service in McKinney nor major taxi service here so the best way to get around is to travel by car. From the center of downtown McKinney, the drive to Erwin Park is about 15 to 20 minutes. Parking here is abundant and free of charge and whether you’re going to hike or bike, there are a number of starting points at the parking lots. So all you have to do is hop out of your car and you’re practically already on your way.

Erwin Park information

Erwin Park

Address: 4300 Co Rd 1006, McKinney, TX 75071, United States

Official website: Erwin Park

Department of tourism: Visit McKinney

Opening hours: 7am - 10pm (daily)