The Outdoors in Paris, Texas

Pat Mayse Lake, about a dozen miles north of Paris toward the Red River and the Oklahoma border, is the area's main reservoir. This U.S. Army Corps of Engineers lake of roughly 5,900 acres is well regarded for fishing — largemouth and white bass, crappie, and catfish — and offers boat ramps, campgrounds, swimming areas, and parks along its shoreline. It's the go-to spot for anglers, boaters, and campers in Lamar County.

Closer to town, Lake Crook is a smaller lake and park that's handy for a quick fishing trip or a walk. Together they give Paris residents easy access to the water without a long drive.

One of Paris's best outdoor assets is the Northeast Texas Trail, a rails-to-trails path that, at around 130 miles, ranks among the longest hike-and-bike trails in Texas. It runs across the region from Farmersville to New Boston, and Paris sits right on the route — the local Trail de Paris segment is a popular, accessible stretch for walking, running, and cycling.

The trail follows old railroad grades through small towns, farmland, and woods, offering a flat, scenic way to get outside. It's a long-term project still being developed in places, but the Paris-area sections are well used and a point of local pride.

The area's lakes make the Paris area a notable spot for waterfowl and birdwatching. The Gambill Goose Refuge, at Lake Gibbons northwest of town, is a refuge for wild geese and other birds, where visitors can see migratory waterfowl up close in the cooler months. Hunting — especially for deer — is a big part of the regional outdoor calendar.

Paris's location near the state line is an advantage for outdoors lovers. Across the Red River, the lakes and forests of Southeast Oklahoma's Choctaw Country, including Hugo Lake and the famous Beavers Bend State Park, are within an easy drive for fishing, hiking, and cabin getaways. For a city its size, Paris is well placed for a weekend outside.