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Houston Area Trails & More

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Houston, TX, US

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About us

This group is for people who want to explore the the Houston area on foot. We hike every weekend. Our hikes are normally 10-12 miles so a reasonable fitness level is needed. We plan camping trips around Texas with occasional trips to National Parks and other special hiking location.

HATs leaders are fellow hiking enthusiast, not guides. We encourage all members to plan for hikes as if they are going solo as the best way to assure safety.
To find out more about our hikes and what you may need to prepare for a hike. https://www.hatsandmore.org/
See our Houston hikes map for more on where we hike.
https://www.hatsandmore.org/houston-hikes

Then join us to trace out your own path on the map.
Join us for less intensive activities at our social Meetup group, More and More.
https://www.meetup.com/More-and-More/

If you know of places to hike or you'd like to revisit a favorite hike, please let Tom know. If you are visiting Houston and want to hike with us, let Tom know in advance and we will try to accommodate you.
HATs is friendly with other Meetup groups that also offer great outdoor activities.

Houston Urban Trekkers
https://www.meetup.com/HoustonUrban-Trekkers/

City Walks Houston
https://www.meetup.com/city-walks-houston/

Upcoming events

11

Port Bolivar/Galveston Ferry - North Jetty - Fort Travis ~ 9mi
Sat, Apr 25 · 9:00 AM CDT
Galveston Ferry, 1194 Ferry Rd, Galveston, TX, US
FOR PARKING SITUATION READ BELOW UNDER GATHERING PLACE! The total distance of 13 miles includes 5 miles on the ferry and 8 miles on foot.

Trail Map Below

http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/d/7/4/600_446763444.jpeg

Forecast:
https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=29.3945&lon=-94.7373

Gathering Place: We will leave our cars at the Galveston Ferry parking lot and board the ferry as pedestrians. This way we can avoid the long ferry lines.

NOTE IF THE FERRY PARKING LOT IS FULL THEN PARK IN LINDALE PARK ON MARINE DRIVE THEN WALK ON OVER TO THE FERRY. GIVE YOURSELVES AN EXTRA 20+ MINUTES IN CASE YOU WILL NEED TO DO THIS.

There are bathrooms at the landing and on the ferry. While on board feel free to hike around the upper and lower decks while you enjoy the view and most likely spot some dolphins. (30 minutes)

The Hike: Upon arriving on the Port Bolivar side, we will hike a small granite jetty out and back, then continue along the coast line as far as tides and weather permit. From there we will come out to Hwy 87 for a small stretch and head to the North Jetty on 17th. http://www.fishingbolivar.com/jettyfish.htm http://www.crystalbeach.com/northjetty.htm The Jetty is a total of 2 miles out and 2 miles back. It is paved for approximately a 200 yards then the surface changes to large blocks of granite, requiring attentive footing. We will hike about a mile of jetty and a mile back. Hiking the full distance is optional, and if you choose to do so you may be heading back on your own. (2 hours) There is a restroom and cold drinks available at the bait shop.

After the Jetty, we will make our way around the costal neighborhood roads and Hwy 87 back to Fort Travis. http://www.crystalbeach.com/travis.htm Here we will break for lunch, then walk the perimeter of the park and up and over the bunkers. There’s lots to explore, some mini-elevation training and great views. From there we will head back to the Ferry. (1.5 Hours)

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.

After Hike Event: Island Time Beach Bar & Grill
3102 Seawall Blvd, Galveston
https://islandtime.bar/
46 attendees
Huntsville State Park Raven Lake Loop ~10 Miles
Sat, May 2 · 8:30 AM CDT
Huntsville State Park, 565 Park Road 40 west, Huntsville, TX, US
Join us to explore Huntsville State Park about a hour drive north of Houston.

The Hike: Raven Loop Hike covers most of the trails in the park to make a loop around Lake Raven, the main feature of the park.

Weather forecast: Click Here

Gathering Point:
A pre-purchased day pass is helpful to speed entry. A State Parks pass gives no cost entry for and entire car.

We'll meet in the day use area parking lot where the boat rental concession is. Look for the group of hikers. ALLOW EXTRA TIME TO CHECK INTO THE PARK AND DRIVE TO THE DAY USE AREA.

Google Map to Gathering Point

Bathrooms:
At the start.

The Trail:
The typical sandy soils of the region plus some improved paths. Mostly shady.

Hike Map:Click here

About HATs and what to bring on a hike:
https://www.hatsandmore.org/

HIKE SAFETY
We are here to help each other and want every hiker to have a enjoyable time. However, our hike leaders are fellow hikers, not guides, and have no special training in handling emergencies. Each participant should plan for the hike as if hiking alone, then enjoy the hike in the company of friends.

If you ever experience trouble at an event, or see someone who may need assistance, please speak to a HATs leader or fellow hikers right away.

Huntsville State Park Web Page:
Click Here

Optional After Hike:
Cracker Barrel (Conroe) - on our drive back off I-45. Yes, they have food and alcohol.
1301 League Line Rd, Conroe, TX 77304

About HATs and what you may want to bring on a hike:
https://www.hatsandmore.org/
Each person assumes responsibility for their own safety. Therefore, you should be in good health and physically fit, know your own limitations. Minors must be accompanied by a responsible adult/guardian.
HATs leaders are fellow hiking enthusiast, not guides. We have no special training related to outdoors activities. We encourage all members to plan for hikes as if they are going solo as the best way to assure safety. Hiker's planning should including of being of reasonable fitness for the event and carrying the needed water and food for a long hike. Then to enjoy the day with friends.
15 attendees
Lone Star Trail Hike #16, Big Creek Scenic Area, 11.4 miles
Sat, May 9 · 8:30 AM CDT
Lone Star Hiking Trail - Trailhead # 13, FM 2666, Coldspring, TX, US
The Hike:
The 11.5 mile loop hike that follows the LSHT, several short loops. The return uses shortcut on a nice FS road. The route is through the shaded woods over the typical sandy soils of the region.

This hike is many people's favorite stretch of the whole Lone Star Hiking Trail. Miles through the open woods next to a sandy bottom creek.

Community Carpool leaving at 6:45 AM

Everyone gets a ride or a rider
Judson Robinson, Jr. Community Center.
2020 Hermann Dr, Houston, TX 77004
Carpool pickup point

Nice weather is almost gone! Come on out for a walk. Big Creek Scenic Area hike is a very nice walk in the woods following a distinctive sandy-bottomed creek through the open woodlands of east Texas. It is part of the Lone Star Hiking Trail, a 96.5 mile hiking only trail through the Sam Houston National Forest. With a system of 132 total miles of trails.

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 take if you were hiking alone, including the fitness level make long hikes. Then enjoy the hike among friends.

Gathering Place:
LSHT Trailhead # 13 We'll be obvious in the parking area. Please don't block the forest service gate.

Take US 59 to Cleveland, TX. Exit for FM 2025 and turn left onto FM 2025. In 10.2 miles turn right onto FM 2666. The trailhead is 1.2 miles on the left.

Google Maps Link

Wear comfortable clothes and bring plenty of water. Bug spray and sunscreen are useful.

Forecast :
Weather at Big Creek

See our progress on Quest 7 to hike the LSHT
Google Maps

How much of the Lone Star Trail have you done already? Here is the list of hikers and segments completed on the LSHT since the first cycle started:
LSHT Hikes Completed.pdf

Hike Map:
In the photos
Geolocated Map:
Big Creek Scenic Loop

Please Note: HATS organizers are volunteers. Fellow hikers, not guides. Each hiker should prepare for the hike as if walking alone. Then enjoy the day in the company of friends

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 gently rolling forests of pine, oak, cypress, beech, magnolia, palmettos and mixed hardwood. The seemingly endless variation of forests, part of which is designated wilderness, provides a paradise for backpackers and trail hikers.

HATs in one of the largest users of the trail. The Sam Houston Trails Coalition has plans to improve the parking lots and build a bridge over the San Jacinto River but need our help. Donations can be made at the following link. Specify "hiking" from among the choices on the bottom.

https://www.samhoustontrails.org/make-a-donation/

Official LSHT Club:
http://lonestartrail.org/

Official Park Website :
http://www.fs.usda.gov/main/texas/home

Ask about carpooling in the comments section. Lots of people like to share rides.

Optional after hike event:

TBA
32 attendees
Lone Star Hiking Trail, Seg #7: Possum Walk Out and Back, 11.9 miles
Sat, Jun 13 · 8:30 AM CDT
Stubblefield Lake Recreation Area, Forest Service Rd 216, Huntsville, TX, US
Nearly summer, and the woods are green all over. This is a nice walk from the lakeside deep into the forest with a mix of trail and quiet back roads to hike. It's not hunting season, but it is never a bad time to wear your orange regalia. The Possum Walk hike is the 1st hike in HATS' Eighth quest to hike the entire Lone Star Hiking Trail Trek. Lots of trees and shade and a nice temperature is in store.

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.

HEAT PRECAUTIONS:
The heat is always a factor . Consider your heat tolerance. Start the day well hydrated and bring at least a third more water than you carry in cooler weather. Consider bringing three liters if you are not experienced hiking in hot weather.

Hiking is supposed to be fun. If you don't feel well and can't keep up, tell someone right away and stop walking so it doesn't become something serious. Call the hike leader. We can help get you off the trail.

Tom - 832-439-5797

THE HIKE: Shady woods, mostly native trails and some forest service roads

Gathering Place: We will start at 8:30 at the Stubblefield Overflow Camping area. (This is near the developed campground. Follow the provided link.)

Stubblefield Overflow Campground

Maps of our hike: Possum Walk Hike
Tom's map stash

Special Note: Any hikers with the Avenza Maps App can download the file:
Possum Walk Hike.pdf

Open the pdf in your phone and "open in" Avenza Maps. How this works depends on your phone. With this you will always know exactly where you are. (Thanks Tom)

Weather:
Stubblefield Local Weather Conditions

The Trail: A somewhat strenuous hike with some uneven ground through the creek beds. There are a few false leads on the trail so always keep an eye on the rectangular white trail blazes along the trail.

Hike Map in the photos.

Find you place in your personal quest to hike the entire LSHT with us.
Link to LSHT Progress Chart

After Hike Event:
B52 Brewery in Conroe
12470 Milroy Ln, Conroe, TX 77304
Directions to B52
30 attendees

Past events

1380

Organizers

Tom Peacock and 14 others

Tom P. and 2 others are Super Organizers

Members

23,933

www.hatsandmore.org

Related topics

Outdoor Fitness

Outdoor Adventures