Texas man invents a 1,500-mile adventure trail for hikers, bikers, and horseback riders, and it’s sparking excitement among outdoor enthusiasts.
This groundbreaking trail caters to wanderers and explorers and is set to open by spring.
Last month, Gandy revealed his ambitious vision for the Cross Texas Trail, affectionately referred to as “XTX” — a route designed to connect the heart of Texas from Orange to El Paso.
“As a lifelong Texan, I’m just a 66-year-old who craves big adventures,” Gandy shared. He felt that the Lone Star State deserved an undertaking akin to the Pacific Crest Trail’s allure.
Envisioned with fellow trail enthusiasts, Gandy collaborated with Bike Texas, a nonprofit focused on bicycle advocacy, to create this appealing, albeit rugged, route. It promises to intertwine breathtaking landscapes with Texas’s unique charm.
Residing in the eastern expanses, the trail unwinds through the lush bayous, lowlands, and the enchanting Big Thicket National Preserve.
This route traverses rolling hills near Navasota, continues to Luling and New Braunfels, dips into the picturesque Hill Country, and winds through historic Fredericksburg. Adventure seekers will then find themselves meandering toward Concan and ultimately setting their sights on the majestic Big Bend National Park, moving through the iconic Big Bend Ranch towards Marfa and Fort Davis.
Climbing to the pinnacle, Guadalupe Peak awaits, but there’s still an expansive 150 miles to El Paso that showcases the raw beauty of West Texas.
The current phase includes mapping the trail, refining paths, and testing routes. Gandy’s team is rallying support and organizing sponsors because, as he points out, sometimes unexpected obstacles may prompt a course correction.
“Occasionally, we find ourselves needing a reroute when the road simply veers away,” Gandy mentioned, adding that local landowners are eager to contribute. “Notably, some have approached us, suggesting alternative routes through their properties, expressing their desire to be part of this legacy.”
With a staggering 96% of Texas land privately owned, the longest continuous trail measures a mere 96 miles in Sam Houston National Forest. Gandy’s XTX will creatively utilize the serene gravel and winding one-lane roads of rural Texas — quiet by design, away from bustling cities.
“These are paths traveled mainly by locals,” he remarked. “They provide a scenic backdrop, perfect for biking, horseback riding, or a leisurely stroll away from the noise of traffic.”
The trail intentionally bypasses major urban areas, leading adventurers through diverse geographical regions sprinkled with quirky, historical towns. “La Grange has quite a story to tell, and ZZ Top captured its essence beautifully in song,” Gandy reflected, hinting at the unique narratives that await explorers.
Robin Stallings, the executive director of Bike Texas, appreciates the trail’s proximity to metro areas, which will likely attract not only extreme outdoorsmen and women but also those seeking more casual encounters with nature.
“This trail isn’t just for the super athletically inclined,” Gandy commented. “We envision long-distance cyclists, those taking on 100 to 300-mile segments, and day hikers eager to explore the vibrant bluebonnets come spring.”
With the arrival of winter, the XTX beckons, appealing particularly to anyone seeking a reprieve from Texas’s sweltering summer heat.
Marking the halfway point is the Devil’s River, after which remains a substantial 750-mile stretch toward El Paso.
In this journey, hikers and bikers must prepare for extensive sections without access to water or replenishment, sometimes stretching over a hundred miles. Gandy acknowledges this as a significant concern, and the team actively seeks local partners willing to assist travelers on their way.
“Connecting with individuals along the route, those who want to see the economic potential of their towns rise, is vital to our vision,” he explained. “From bed-and-breakfasts to local eateries, we aim to foster a sense of community along the XTX.”
Gandy has personally invested $10,000 into this project, as he collaborates with Bike Texas to secure further sponsorships. His passion fuels a grassroots effort to develop both digital and print trail maps, ready for adventurers by spring.
The task ahead might appear immense, mapping a traversable path across diverse terrains that span as large an area as France and England combined. Yet for Gandy, it starts with a singular vision.
“Benton McKay had a dream more than a century ago, envisioning a trail stretching from Georgia to Maine. That became the Appalachian Trail,” Gandy mused. “And Clinton Clark once imagined a path from Mexico to Canada on the West Coast, which transformed into the Pacific Crest Trail. All trails begin with a dream,” he reinforced.
For Gandy, the XTX symbolizes a legacy, something that resonates deeply with the hearts of many Texans.
“It’s a source of pride for many in Texas. We’re channeling that pride into an initiative that serves health, community, and camaraderie,” he asserted, highlighting the importance of physical endeavors in modern society.
If executed properly, Stallings ardently believes the XTX will flourish over time.
“I envision it being more developed five years from now,” he said. “And a decade from now, the growth will be astonishing. This is a multi-generational endeavor that’s only just begun.”
