Remember to pack extra food and water, clothing, a flashlight and a trail map. Gravel paths and wooded areas characterize the park’s 2.88 mile loop trail. See hikes in East Texas. Located near the border of Louisiana, Martin Dies Jr. State Park consists primarily of piney woods. 17 Essential Snowboarding Tips for Beginners to Get You Going ASAP, Best Women’s Snowboarding Pants & Bibs for Every Budget (2020), Best Women’s Ski Pants & Bibs for Every Budget (2020), 30 Totally Genius Gifts for Skiers & Snowboarders (2020 Edition), Best Ski & Snowboard Helmets for Safety and Comfort (2020), 35 Super Clever Gifts for Hikers (That They’ll Actually Use. We hike every weekend. ... Jan 19, 2020 near Addicks, TX. Just north of Houston, you will find a beginner hiker’s paradise. Bring lots of water if you’re heading out for a longer run, as there aren’t many water fountains along the way. The trails on White Oak Bayou are paved, and you’ll often see walkers and bikers on the trails alongside you. With its prime location at the convergence of the Neches and Angelina Rivers, there are 6 hiking trails in the park ranging from 0.29 to 2.24 miles in length. The park boasts fabulous skyline views of the city, a unique underground cistern you can visit, and several trails that wind around the park. Both experienced backpackers and day hikers alike will enjoy the boundless beauty of this West Texas masterpiece. There’s wildlife, kayaking, and camping available here, as well as several miles of gravel trails to explore, perfect for a weekend of hiking in Houston. With over 10 miles of trails, this hiking and running path is perfect for those wanting to get out of the downtown areas without going too far outside of the city. Distance from Houston: 190 miles This mammoth natural pool was created when the dome over an underground river caved in. Located in the Memorial Park area as well, the Houston Arboretum is one of the most underrated and beautiful spots for hiking in Houston. The Piney Woods Hike Big Thicket National Preserve. Houston’s location near the coasts of southeastern Texas allows for trips to places like Big Thicket National Preserve and Padre Island National Seashore, while inland national parks you can visit on a road trip Houston include Big Bend National Park, Waco Mammoth National Monument and the San Antonio Missions. Copyright © 2004–2021 Yelp Inc. Yelp, , and related marks are registered trademarks of Yelp. It's as nice as I've ever seen it there. AllTrails has 59 great hiking trails, trail running trails, mountain biking trails and more, with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers, and nature lovers like you. The peaceful 12-acre Stephen F. Austin Park is the best hiking place around Houston for those who are looking for an escape from the busy city life. There are over 84,000 acres in the park, making it one of the most massive expanses on our list. Contact Us. Within the park, you’ll find short trails, with two longer, historic cart paths that span 5 miles. While that stereotype is somewhat true, there are tons of lesser-known hidden spots to find nature in and around the city. Located southeast of downtown Houston, Bay Area Park offers wooded flagstone trails, a gazebo near an Oasis garden, plus gorgeous views of Armand … From lush swimming holes, to wildflower meadows and epic summit views, the Lone Star State has a few gems hidden up its sleeve. Part of the bustling Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area, Dallas is the states most important urban center and a regional hub for the South as a whole. Here’s a comprehensive list of our 35 favorite (practical) gifts for hikers, updated for 2020! Additionally, there are several historic old cabins on site, where you can stay overnight to extend your trip. Located on the banks of the Brazos River, Stephen F. Austin Park is a beloved recreation area located just 50 miles west of Houston. Lake Livingston State Park is a large park surrounding a peaceful, forested lake. Love it! No trash laying around, people have learned to pick up after their pets and no…” more, “ spot is well know for mountain biking. The Anthills is a single track mountain biking route on the south bank of the Buffalo Bayou. 1. Privacy Policy The most popular and scenic trail in Lake Houston Wilderness Park is the Ameri-Trail Forest Loop, a 9.6-mile loop that passes by a lake and some quiet forest areas. Def recommend for a weekend outing! Like any big city, Dallas has an impressive skyline and a lot to enjoy in terms of activities, food, and culture. Note that admission is $6 per adult, with discounts for kids and seniors. As always, we only link to products that we recommend, and that we have tried and tested ourselves. The center offers guided hikes and tours of its grounds, including a bat hike to see local bat species flying through the sky. We plan camping trips once a month, mostly around Texas with occasional trips to National Parks and other special hiking location. Distance from Houston: 60 miles. Join a group and attend online or in person events. Deer is the most popular game animal in the Sam Houston National Forest, with squirrels second. Within the 40 miles of trails ranging from 0.3 to 18 miles, you can come hiking here whether you’re a beginner or an experienced hiker. Our mission is to provide the #1 best resource on the Internet for urban outdoors information, guides, and resources. Brazos Bend is one of the coolest and most beautiful state parks in the Houston area, located just 45 minutes from downtown. Looking for a great trail near Houston, Texas? There is plenty of parking at Lost Creek Park. Looking for the perfect gift for your favorite hiker? I went with some coworkers” more, “If it wasn't for HTXoutdoors, I'd never leave the house! You start on the Blue Jay Trail which eventually connects to the Anthills Trail. #15 of 81 Outdoor Activities in Houston "One entrance is on beltway 8 at approximately 290 Beltway 8 W. It’s a great park for running, biking and walking in nature" "Close to Eldridge there's a pretty gazebo, a playground, restrooms, and a large sun dial that will tell the time." Arguably the best place to go hiking in the entire state of Texas, Big Bend is a hiker's paradise with over 150 miles of trails. Here, you can find several local plant species and birds in a very serene conservation area. Lone Star Hiking Trail – Sam Houston National Forest Texas’ only long distance trail at 129 miles snakes through the heart of Sam Houston National Forest. With its wide variety of wildlife, including various species of birds, mammals, and reptiles, you can find some of the best hikes in Houston here. The center is home to over 370 species of local wildlife, which you can see from one of its 5 miles of trails and hiking areas. For a fun, immersive experience in nature, Houston’s Armand Bayou Nature Center is a wonderful spot for hiking, wildlife watching, and more. “Fun place to walk and hike! Because it’s only 10 miles away from the city of Galveston, it’s fairly easy to access by car. As one of the most biodiverse areas in the world outside of the tropics, you won’t have a shortage of things to see and do in Big Thicket! Armand Bayou Nature Center Trail is a 1.9 mile back trail near Bay Area Houston that features a river and is open for hikers of all skill levels. Shadow Creek Nature Preserve - City Of Pearland Nature Park. Because the park has 5 miles of short and easy trails, it’s great for families with kids or those who want a short, leisurely hike through the forest and riverside. For history buffs, Stephen F. Austin Park is also the site of the original Anglo-American colony in Texas. Probably the most overlooked of the attractions near Houston, this place is the ideal space to chill. In fact, there are more 160 miles of … Review our Trail Safety page before your visit. There’s a 5-mile network of trails that connect the park, with the longest being a 1.76-mile loop around the entire park. Best Hiking in Houston, TX - Houston Arboretum & Nature Center, HTXoutdoors, Bhutan Laughingthrush Adventure, Peckinpaugh Preserve, Shadow Creek Nature Preserve - City Of Pearland Nature Park, Faulkey Gully Hike and Bike Trail, Clay Family Eastern Glades, Bayou City Outdoors, Armand Bayou Hike and Bike Trail, Edible Arbor Trail Plan your next hike at a state park by exploring a state park webpage. Skiing vs Snowboarding: Which One Should You Choose? Houston Hiking. Because it’s so close to the city, Sam Houston National Forest is a perfect spot to go hiking near Houston if you’re looking for shady, mossy forests and quiet tranquility. Hike one of the many trails, that take you to wetlands and other coastal ecosystems. As one of the four national forests in the state, Sam Houston National Forest lies 50 miles north of Houston. Type above and press Enter to search. Take a hike to see several areas of the rivers and forests, or extend your weekend into a full camping and hiking expedition. THE WOODLANDS, Texas – When exploring The Woodlands, there are endless options on where to go for a hike. While it’s meant to be a family-friendly learning center and urban wilderness conserve, it’s great for avid hikers who enjoy wildlife and bird spotting. As you pass through the pines and waltz among the hardwoods, you’ll experience a true sense of tranquility. But you would need to hike” more. The 128-mile Lone Star Hiking Trail is the longest hiking trail in all of Texas, with several day-hiking loops along the way. Alternatively, you can hike some of the trails that lead up to paddling sites where you can take off on a canoe, kayak, or paddle board. In the park, you can see carnivorous marsh plants, turtles, and alligators, as much of the park is comprised of a marshy, tropical terrain. Sam Houston National Forest - New Waverly. Many people might think of Houston as a huge, industrial sprawl in a flat, swampy area of Texas. One long hiking trail, the Lone Star Hiking Trail, passes through the entire forest for a whopping 128 miles. But you do pass the banks of Lake Conroe and a number of running streams. Situated between Rice Military and The Heights, it’s perfectly located in a stretch of greenery alongside the quiet White Oak Bayou. There’s a 4.8-mile loop in the park that’s popular with runners, bikers, and hikers, that offers up beautiful skyline views and lots of greenery. Along the coastline, bayous, bays and saltwater marshes dot the landscape making for very scenic hiking in Texas. Not far from Martin Dies Jr. State Park lies Big Thicket Park, a large, forested sanctuary that is home to lots of local wildlife and unique plant life. Buffalo Bayou Park is one of Houston’s most iconic parks, and is located just outside of downtown. Hike to the Lighthouse in Palo Duro Canyon The 6 miles of hiking trails in this park are ideal not just for trekking but also for biking. Additionally, the Buffalo Bayou Trail extends through the park for 15 miles, and is a popular spot for hikers, bikers, and runners. At Terry Hershey Park, a mixture of gravel and paved paths will greet you, and the tree cover provides shade from the hot Houston sun. Popular activities, besides hiking, are bird watching, fishing, and paddling. Located in the Memorial Park area as well, the Houston Arboretum is one of the most underrated and beautiful spots for hiking in Houston. Don’t forget to pin it for later! Here, you’ll find quiet forest paths, and if you look or listen closely, you can pinpoint plenty of woodpeckers who call the area home. Whatever your passion; backpacking, day hiking or even hiking with your dog, find a hiking activity in Houston, TX by choosing from one of our hiking events going on in and around Houston, Texas. It is also used by hikers and walkers. There’s a 5-mile network of trails that connect the park, with the longest being a 1.76-mile loop around the entire park. Houston, Texas was established in 1836 and is now the largest city in Texas. To the west of downtown Houston lies the quiet, family-friendly neighborhood of Memorial. Apart from hiking, you can also take park in an exciting game of geocaching when you visit this park. Designed by ThemeSphere. The shade of the oak trees is essential as you hike along the gently flowing Turkey Creek. About Get some trail time on the 20 miles of hiking and biking trails, or explore 13 miles of horseback … We’re a community of outdoor-loving city dwellers who can’t wait to get outdoors! There are 37 miles of trails in Brazos Bend State Park, with several designated hikes around the premises, including Elm Lake Loop Trail, and the 40 Acre Lake Trail. Head to the Houston Arboretum for the day and while away the hours hiking through the many different trails in the area, including a birding trail, a wildflower trail, and many more forested, shady paths. Kids, especially, enjoy this trail for the observation center well positioned along the route. 45 minutes from downtown from downtown on foot plan camping trips once a,. Anthills trail the coolest and most beautiful state parks in the Lost pines area, located 45... 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