Ladonia to Pecan Gap

Before planning your trip, please review the Rules and Campsites posted on the NETT Coalition website.

Overview

Welcome to Ladonia’s section of the NETT. Ladonia is considered the half way mark and is a great place to stop and recharge. The Chamber of Commerce of Ladonia is excited to be a supporter of the trail, often providing facilities, snacks and refreshments for bike rallies and group functions on the trail. We are proud of our 12 mile section and keep it clean and well maintained. You will find interesting shops with plenty of goods to browse, Granny’s Place, The Christmas Store (Both open Tuesday-Saturday, 9 to 5) and This-n-That (Open during community events and by appointment) are right on the square and full of treasures. Relax and enjoy a good meal at the Pig and Whistle, (Tuesday – Thursday 8 to 3 Friday 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM, Saturday 7:30 AM – 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM and Sunday 12:30 to 4 PM) or at Eastside Grocery and Deli, (Monday through Saturday 7 AM to 7 PM, Sunday, 12 PM to 2 PM) where you can restock your supplies, grab something to go or order in. Or J & J Cut Rate – Beer, Wine & Spirits and Gasoline, (Monday through Saturday, 10 AM to 9 PM, Closed Sunday)

Ladonia has much to offer the curious traveler, from our 2,780 acres of Caddo National Grasslands to the world renowned Ladonia Fossil Park. Geocache locations are scattered along the trail, purposefully placed in challenging and historical places to add even more interest to the game. Ladonia is historically rich, established in 1840 by James MacFarland and Daniel Davis, once the heart of Fannin County, serving as a hub for commerce and agriculture when cotton was king. There are beautiful historic buildings throughout town and several historical markers may be found in and around Ladonia. You will find ample parking around the town square, making it easy for day trippers who wish to explore the area on foot, horseback or bicycle.

Ladonia has small town community events that no big city can hold a candle to! Come visit with us during our bi-annual 20 Mile Spring Garage Sale and Market on the Square, (on the first Saturday in May and October) Ladonia Ranch Rodeo, Fourth of July Parade, Ladonia Rodeo, (the second weekend in July) Frontier Days, (the second Saturday in July) Pecan Festival,(the second Saturday in October in nearby Pecan Gap) Fossil Day, (October) Trunk or Treat, (October 31 on the square), Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting, NETT fundraising occasions, and more, see our event page at http://cocladonia.org.

For serious travelers needing a place to overnight, you can camp along the trail at highway 34, or at the facilities at Porter O’Fannin Hospitality where people and horses are welcome. (ofannin.com) Learn more at http://cocladonia.org or email questions to [email protected] – we look forward to seeing you!

Distance

5.8 miles

Surface & Condition/Challenges

The surface varies between dirt and the gravel of the old rail bed. Challenges include some low areas which hold water and mud after rains. Ruts are in some areas even when dry. Vegetation growth can be high in Spring, Summer and early Fall. Please be aware of poison ivy and some low branches in places.
All bridges are gravel covered or decked. One (1) wood decked bridge has some deterioration.

Access points

Ladonia: Town Plaza – W. Main & Church St.
Pecan Gap: 3rd St. and the Trail area

Appropriate for

Mountain and hybrid bikes, gravel biking, hiking, walking

Campsites

The public is asked to contact the person listed for each trail town to make reservations for camping. A complete list of campsites and contact information is posted on the NETT website. There are no campsites listed for Pecan Gap.