Houston Area Trails & More

We were asked not to use Buffalo Park becuse of the fun run. We are moving to the East River side of town. This also give us a chance to see some parts of town we don’t normally hike.

More once I get the route set.

A quick hike for those in need of building an appetite for Christmas dinner.

Gathering place:

The Bumpy Pickle

554 Lockwood Dr, Houston, TX 77011, United States

Parking:
McDonalds restaurant

511A Lockwood Dr, Houston, TX 77011, United States

https://maps.app.goo.gl/DKkJEDKjVcnh3Q3y9?g_st=ipc

Or street parking near the police station directly across from the Bumpy Pickle

https://maps.app.goo.gl/3V2SbFcTt3fHU62G6?g_st=ipc

The Hike:
We will cover the hike and bike trails along East River side of Buffalo Bayou then stroll on the sidewalks downtown.

Hike Map:
In the photos

Geolocated Maps

Forecast :
Click Here

Buffalo Bayou Park Website:
https://buffalobayou.org/visit/destination/buffalo-bayou-park/

Optional After Hike Event:
The Bumpy Pickle
Where we start the hike.

554 Lockwood Dr, Houston, TX 77011

https://maps.app.goo.gl/g6iHgcdgA3gg2tdf6?g_st=ipc

Please read the Gathering Place section below for special direction.

The Hike:
The Brackenridge park equestrian trail makes a 12.5 mile round trip path to the southern point. We will do a shorter circuit that goes about 9 miles round trip that follows the lake shore. Giving us open views of the coastal prairie and the wide lake.

About HATs and our hikes
https://www.hatsandmore.org/
HATs organizers are not guides nor do we have any special training. We are here to come up with hiking ideas and get the hike started. Expect the same risks and take the same precautions you would if hiking alone, including the fitness level to make long hikes. Then enjoy the hike among friends.

We hike about 3 MPH. This is faster than many walking groups.

Safety Precautions:
Hiking is supposed to be fun. If you don't feel well or can't keep up, tell someone right away. Stop walking so it doesn't become something serious. Contact the hike leader. We can help get you off the trail.
Tom: 832-439-5797

What to You Need:
Supportive sports shoes, water, snacks and a hat.

The park is about 1.5 hours from central Houston.

Community Carpool:
Leaving at 8:00AM sharp.
Brick House Tavern + Tap
19740 Southwest Fwy, Sugar Land, TX 77479
Google Maps Link

Gathering Place:
Follow these instructions.

• 1. Go to the office at the entrance to Lake Texana Park to pay the entry fee of $5 per vehicle.

Google Maps Link

Your State Parks pass is not valid here.

• 2. Once you have paid, drive across the highway to the equestrian trailhead. Google will not route this.
  Drive to this location and right toward the trailhead.
  https://maps.app.goo.gl/UaNGcLMVbsqxp33NA
• 3. Use the hike map for more detail.

We will start walking when everyone in line to buy a day pass at 9:30 AM has arrived at the trailhead. We can't wait for latecomers.

The Trail:
I partially scouted this on bike on a stormy day in 2019.
Photos from that trip.

The equestrian trails are mowed grass along the bank of Lake Texana. They are flat and level with some roughness from horse use. The native grasses in these coastal plains tend to grow in clumps and may not be recently cut. This makes for an uneven surface that is more tiring to walk on than the levees around Houston.

Hike Map:
In the photos
Geolocated Maps:
Click Here

Forecast :
Click Here

Prior Hike Here:
2023 Event Page
Photos

After Hike Event:
Prasek's Family Smokehouse
29714 US-59, El Campo, TX 77437
https://www.praseks.com/locations/el-campo/
Google Maps Link

About The Park:
About the equestrian trail

Lake Texana is a reservoir on the Navidad River, 8 miles east of Edna, in Jackson County, Texas. The reservoir is formed by the construction of Palmetto Bend Dam. The dam and lake are managed by the Lavaca-Navidad River Authority to supply water to surrounding communities and industries.

THIS WILL BE A SHUTTLE HIKE SO YOUR COOPERATION IS APPRECIATED. People with large vehicles are asked to help out by shuttling other walkers over to the Evergreen Cemetery.

This is a nice hike through the woods along trails, forest service roads, and the farm roads of East Texas. Dog Owners: have your animal on a leash: there are some landowners along this route whose dogs are running loose.

Wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water. The heat in Texas is always a concern so let someone know if you are having a hard time.

About HATs and our hikes
https://www.hatsandmore.org/

HATs organizers are not guides nor do we have any special training. We are here to come up with hiking ideas and get the hike started. Take the same precautions you would if hiking alone, including the fitness needed to make long hikes. Then enjoy the hike among friends.

COVID PRECAUTIONS:
Bring and wear a mask when not hiking and follow the best practices to prevent the transmission of COVID. We have had a COVID spreading incident in a carpool and recommend that you don't carpool.

COMMUNITY CARPOOL:
Everyone gets a ride or a rider
Look for my gray Prius.
Be outside your car by the departure time so we can see you.
Contact Alan if you need help finding us - 713 863 8038

Leaving at 7:00 AM sharp
Judson Robinson, Jr. Community Center.
2020 Hermann Dr, Houston, TX 77004
Google Map Link

Gathering Place:
Lone Star Trailhead #9.
on Ira Denson road.
Google Maps Link

Call or text Alan at 713 863 8038 if you need help.

The Hike:
Shuttle to Evergreen Cemetery
Google Map Link

Highways and byways of rural Texas, the hike includes 10% pavement, 40% sandy woodland trails, and 50% forest service roads.

Weather Forecast: Click Here

Hike map is in the photos.

All Maps: Special Note: Any hikers with the Avenza Maps App are encouraged to download the file:
Big Woods South Loop.pdf

and email the PDF file to your iPhone. Open the pdf in your phone and "share" it with Avenza Maps. That way you can see exactly where you are on the geolocated map during the entire hike.

To find your place on your personal path to hike the LSHT, see our progress sheet. All you have to do is show up to be counted.
Link to LSHT Progress Chart

To see the groups progress on this quest to complete the trail, see our map. Click Here

From the Official Guidebook for the Lone Star Trail

"One of the hidden jewels of Texas, the Lone Star Hiking Trail is the only long-distance National Recreation Trail in the state. At 128 miles (including loop trails), it is also the state’s longest continuously marked and maintained footpath. The trail meanders through flat and gently rolling forests of pine, oak, and mixed hardwood, and cypress swamps and bayous in the famed Big Thicket area in east Texas, in the Sam Houston National Forest. The seemingly endless variation of forests, much of it designated wilderness, provides a paradise for tree-lovers and bird watchers year-round. The trail is well-suited for both short and long hikes (of up to 10 days), appealing to dayhikers, overnight backpackers, long-distance hikers, and others seeking a peaceful outing."

The LSHT Club: Click Here
Sam Houston Trails Coalition: Click Here
Sam Houston National Forest Website: Click Here

Make sure to bring plenty of water, sunscreen, hat, and mosquitoes spray. The weather is warming, 3 liters of water is good.

After Hike Event:
Back Pew Brewing Company
26452 Sorters McClellan Rd, Porter, TX 77365
Directions to Back Pew Brewing

Join the four major Meetup walking groups in Houston on a joint quest to complete a marathon of hikes on the same weekend as the official Houston Marathon.

Look for the four hikes with
1. Thursday Evening Houston Urban Trekkers
2. Friday Evening NEO Houston
3. Saturday, Houston Area Trails and More,
4. Sunday, City Walks Houston

The idea is to complete the four segments over the weekend so you can brag on Monday that you did a marathon over the weekend.

No need to say which marathon.

About HATs and our hikes
https://www.hatsandmore.org/
HATs organizers are not guides nor do we have any special training. We are here to come up with hiking ideas and get the hike started. Expect the same risks and take the same precautions you would if hiking alone, including the fitness level to make long hikes. Then enjoy the hike among friends.
We hike about 3 MPH. This is faster than many walking groups.

Hike Safety:
Hiking is supposed to be fun. If you don't feel well or can't keep up, tell someone right away. Stop walking so it doesn't become something serious. Contact the hike leader. We can help get you off the trail.
Tom: 832-439-5797

What to You Need:
Supportive sports shoes, water, snacks and a hat.

Weather:
Click Here

COMMUNITY CARPOOL:
TBD

Gathering Point:
There is no precise address for the trailhead. 2443 Farm to Market Rd 1488 is the closest.
Google Map Link
This is a small parking lot. Park on the shoulder or the shopping center across the street where we are going for the after hike lunch.
Directions to Woodson's for overflow parking

The Hike:
Jones Forest a annual favorite for HATs. It is a managed research forest and habit to protect endangered native woodpecker. This hike covers the perimeter trails of the reserve using the wide roads that divide the research sections and the occasional single tacks through the woods.

Jones Forest is actively used for horse riding. Keep an eye out and give them plenty of room.

Bathrooms:
There are no bathroom at the trailhead or along the hike. Use a service station on the way to the hike.

The Trail:
A mix of improved double track trails and native material single track trails that maybe overgrown.

Sun Exposure:
Partly shady with sun on some of the wider trails.

Hike Map:
In the photos.

Geolocated Maps:
Click Here

After Hike Event:
Woodson's Local Tap + Kitchen
Just across the highway.
2330 Farm to Market Rd 1488, The Woodlands, TX 77384
Google Maps Link

About The Park:
https://tfsweb.tamu.edu/jones-state-forest/
W.G. Jones State Forest is one of the nation’s largest working urban forests. The primary purpose of this forest is resource education. Sound scientific forest management that protects and perpetuates native flora and fauna is practiced. Demonstration and research areas have been installed to test various forest management techniques, forest genetics, and forest product utilization studies.
Jones State Forest is surrounded by Conroe, The Woodlands and unincorporated Montgomery county on all sides. Each year, approximately 80,000 people visit the forest.
The forest’s location and special ecological distinctiveness makes it one of the region’s unique resources for showcasing research and demonstration in urban forestry issues, environmental education, atmospheric studies, and a host of other opportunities with tomorrow’s leaders, improving communities’ health and outdoor nature connections, and connecting diverse community members to the benefits of natural resource conservation through continuing education.

More about where we hike:
Houston Area Hikes
List of hikes we have made