Things to do outdoors in Paris and Lamar County.

Paris has a strong set of outdoor options, and a little beyond the city limits there are lakes and trail systems worth the short drive. Here is a practical look at where to go and what each place offers, with parks in town and lakes in Lamar County kept clearly separate.

On two wheels and on foot in town

Trail de Paris is a paved, shaded path that runs through town and connects to the wider NETTA trail network. It is open to walkers, runners, and cyclists and is a favorite for an easy outing without leaving the city. For riders who want more, Pump Track Paris is a large asphalt pump track near the Love Civic Center and the Eiffel Tower at 2025 S Collegiate Dr. It is open from sun up to sun down and has shade and picnic benches on site.

Parks and play spaces in Paris

In the downtown area, the Downtown Community Park adds a splash pad for warm days, and a skate park sits at Market Square south of the plaza. These are public, family-friendly spots operated by the city.

Lakes just outside town

Lake Crook, a city-managed lake a few miles north, offers a convenient water option close to town. Farther out, Pat Mayse Lake sits about 13 miles north of Paris in Lamar County. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers lake covers about 6,000 acres and supports fishing, boating, swimming, camping, and day use. Anglers find largemouth bass, crappie, sunfish, and catfish, among other species. Reservations and day-use permits for some areas are handled through Recreation.gov, so check there for fees and availability before heading out.

Trails at the lake

Around Pat Mayse Lake, the Barber Hills trail system offers roughly 17 miles of multi-use trail shared by hikers and mountain bikers, winding through piney woods. It is the most rugged option in the area and a good choice for a longer outing.

A note on access

Hours, fees, and seasonal access vary by facility. For in-town parks, check the City of Paris and the visitor center's get-active page. For Pat Mayse Lake, use the official Recreation.gov listing to confirm day-use permits, camping reservations, and any restrictions. If a place is not clearly open to the public, plan around it.

For more on the schools, the commute, and what daily life here involves, our notes on living in Paris, Texas are a good place to start.

After a day outside, a quiet ranch home with room to spread out might be the right finish. 1145 16th St NW has a large backyard and a fire pit, and it is close to all of it. See the listing or ask Shannon Miles Group about a showing.