Abilene’s Jess Goodlett helps lead the way in new Texas 1,200+ mile trail in the works

ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) – While one can argue that finding a genuine outdoor journey in today’s world can be challenging, one Abilene native is finding ways to keep her boots in the stirrups.

You may have seen Jess Goodlett as a musical artist at various venues throughout Abilene, but Jess says her hobby is having hobbies. A recent venture into one of those hobbies saw her and her team scouting the first 100 miles on horseback for the new Texas (xTx) Trail, which will span more than 1,200 miles from Orange, Texas, on the eastern edge of the state line to El Paso, Texas. Goodlett said she’s proud to be a part of this journey.

“I feel that it’s an honor to have the chance to have a say that my experience of riding in the backcountry and other long-distance rides has been able to be trusted as good feedback for what are good trails for other equestrians to enjoy,” Goodlett expressed.

The new xTx is an early-stage project that will eventually encompass more than 1,200 miles of single-track, gravel, and backroad trails for foot hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders.

Charlie Grandy, a retired Texas lawmaker and avid outdoor cyclist, founded the xTexas Project and gave details on sights that will be featured throughout the trail.

“Like the Appalachian Trail and other major trails started the same way. That is, we’ve imagined a route across the state that’s target rich with all things natural and interesting, historic, archeologically interesting petroglyphs along the way sinkholes, waterfalls, hot springs, and such,” xTx Founder Grandy explained.

Goodlett rides with three other riders and has shared adventures on other prominent trails across the country. Their group name is Limitless, and they shared inspiring words that helped them through these pioneering journeys.

“I think all of us put a lot of heart and passion into it, and we had a little motto that went with it, and it was courage, tenacity, and grit,” Goodlett said.

The xTx Trail Project is in its early stages, and we are inviting individuals like Goodlett to join these exciting scouting adventures. For more information, click here.