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
5
Lone Star Hiking Trail Hike 18, Mercy Fire Tower Hike ~12.1 Miles
Lone Star Hiking Trail - Trailhead # 14, FM 2025, Cleveland, TX, USThere is a new state rule. That applies to the SHNF and to our Lone Star hike for the Nov, and Dec.
"All persons on public hunting lands (state, national forests, and grasslands) during daylight hours when hunting with firearms is permitted must wear at least 400 square inches of hunter orange material with orange headgear, and at least 144 square inches appearing on both chest and back."
https://tpwd.texas.gov/.../hunter.../blaze-orange-lawsThe Hike:
Mercy Fire Tower Loop is the hike for today's segment of HATS' 8th quest to complete the ~120 mile Lone Star Hiking Trail. Be sure to touch base with Cindy after you park to get counted for completing this hike.We will follow the LSHT by Tarkington Bayou then return along FS Roads and ROWs.
Of special note is a turn that many hikers miss. Not making the turn adds extra miles to the day. Bring and use the hike map. Or follow the hike leader after the break until we turn off the LSHT.
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.
The Trail:
The hike is over the loam soils of the region and will be mostly shaded. This area is typically dry even after a rain.Geolocated Maps:
With the demise of Avenza, we now suggest the FO Maps app to load the PDF map.COMMUNITY CARPOOL:
Alan is organizing a community carpool. The goal is that everyone gets a ride or a rider.
Leaving at 7:30 AM sharp
Judson Robinson, Jr. Community Center.
2020 Hermann Dr, Houston, TX 77004
Google Map LinkGathering Place:
Lone Star Trailhead #14
https://goo.gl/maps/snfN4rJvLGE2Call or text Alan at 713 863 8038 if you need help.
There is no bathrooms at the trailhead or along the hike. Stop on FM 2025 near the freeway.
Weather Forecast:
https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=30.4714&lon=-95.106&FcstType=graphicalHike Map:
In the photos.
Geolocated Maps:
Mercy Winter LoopAfter Hike Event:
Back Pew Brewing Company
26452 Sorters McClellan Rd, Porter, TX 77365
https://g.page/backpewbrew?sharehttp://www.backpewbrewing.com/
To find your place on your personal path to hike the LSHT, see our progress sheet.
Link to LSHT Progress ChartTo support work on the LSHT donate or volunteer with either of these great organizations.
The Sam Houston Trails Coalition
https://www.samhoustontrails.org/The Lone Star Trail Hiking Club
https://lonestartrail.org/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."
55 attendees
HATS 16th Anniversary Hike Brazos Bend State Park ~9.4 Miles
Brazos Bend State Park, 21901 FM 762 Rd,, Needville, TX, USBrazos Bend - where it all began on Saturday, November 13, 2010, the cosmos aligned to witness the birth of a legend and the forging of a tradition. A monumental hike was embarked upon, and from its crucible, Hugo ascended, forevermore known as Fearless Leader!
AI enhanced wording here. So blame the clouds not Tom.
Join us for a celebration of our 16 years of hiking the trails in the Houston area. And more.
The Hike:
We will hike the remote Creekwood Lake Hike. This often closed part of the park is my personal favorite. It is the place of some memorable and muddy hikes in the past. If the trail is not open. we will have an alternate route.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.
Safety:
Hiking is supposed to be fun. If you don't feel well or can't keep up, tell someone right away and stop walking so it doesn't become something serious. Speak to someone immediately and contact the hike leader. We can help get you off the trail.If you notice someone having difficulty walking, stop and talk to them. If there is any doubt in you mind, contact the hike leader.
Tom: 832-439-5797
Park Entry:
Pre-purchase of day passes for the 8:00 AM entry period is recommended for this hike. If the weather is particularly nice they may sell out before Saturday.https://texasstateparks.reserveamerica.com/
Day passes for the entire car are free with a state parks pass.
Without a state parks pass entry is $7 per person. If you are carpooling, you can purchase a one person pass and riders can pay at the gate. Correct change cash is highly encouraged to speed up entry.
Please allow extra time for entry and the long slow drive to the trailhead. Particularly if the weather is nice.
Weather:
Click HereCommunity Carpool:
Everyone gets a rid or a rider.
Leaving at 8:00 AM sharp.Brick House Tavern + Tap
19740 Southwest Fwy, Sugar Land, TX 77479
Google Maps LinkBathrooms:
At the gathering point.Gathering Point:
Meet at the Hale Lake parking area.
Google Maps LinkThe Trail:
The hike is mostly on native and improved trails. The native trails can be very sticky after a rain. Mostly shaded.Hike Map:
In the photos.
Geolocated Maps:
Creekwood HikeAlternate Hikes:
Five Lakes Hike 8.5 Miles
Seven Lakes Hike 10.7 MilesAfter Hike Event:
Brick House Tavern + Tap
19740 Southwest Fwy, Sugar Land, TX 77479
Google Maps Linkhttps://www.brickhousetavernandtap.com/location/brick-house-tavern-and-tap-sugar-land-tx/
About The Park:
Brazos Bend State Park includes 5,000 acres of bottomland and upland coastal prairie just southwest of the rapidly expanding Houston metro area. Tallgrass prairie covers much of the western border of the park. These prairies are home to native grasses that range in height from 2 to 6 feet tall. The park prairie offers a glimpse of a once widespread, but now vanishing ecosystem. Woodlands include live-oak gallery forests and mixed bottomland hardwood forest. In places, a mature forest canopy reaches for the sky. The trees provide refueling stops for migratory birds and sanctuary for native wildlife species. The park has several types of wetlands: swamps, lakes, marshes and short-lived ponds that form on the prairies during the rainy season.Due to its various ecosystems, the park is famous for its species diversity. Thousands of species, ranging from grasses and wild flowers to trees and aquatic plant life, grow in the park. Animal life is just as diverse. The white-tailed deer is the largest of more than 25 different species of mammals. Other mammals here include feral pigs, raccoons, squirrels, river otters, bobcats, foxes and more. About 21 species of reptiles and amphibians, including the American alligator, live in the park. Mild days in the spring and fall or any mild winter day are the best time to view reptiles or amphibians.
48 attendees
Keith-Wiess Park & Halls Bayou ~10.5 Miles
Keith-Wiess Park, 12300 Aldine Westfield Road, Houston, TX, USThe Hike:
A generally clockwise tour of the beautiful park, mostly on hike and bike paths. With an excursion down the Halls Bayou hike and bike trail. I am rerouting the hike to bypass a washed out area. I’m shooting for the 10.5 mile hike.Cover Photo:
Hugo in the lead of our first hike here in 2011.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.Safety Precautions
Hiking is supposed to be fun. If you don't feel well or 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.Gathering Point:
The address Is unreliable. Use the Google Maps link.12300 Aldine Westfield Rd, Houston, TX 77093
Bathrooms:
Portacans at the start. No other facilities.The Trail:
Mostly paved hike and bike trail. Some walking through mowed grass.Weather:
Click HereHike Map:
In the photos.Geolocated Maps:
After Hike Event:
If you know a place in the area that can take a group please let me know.Otherwise:
Spindletap Brewery
10622 Hirsch Rd, Houston, TX 77016
https://www.spindletap.com/https://maps.app.goo.gl/qQYFLxMRdsjQeBMbA
Past HATS Hikes Here:
2011
https://www.meetup.com/hatsandmore/events/40858032/
2014
https://www.meetup.com/hatsandmore/events/219185999/
2015
https://www.meetup.com/hatsandmore/events/219530344/
2017
https://www.meetup.com/hatsandmore/events/243509136/
2018
https://www.meetup.com/hatsandmore/events/251017777/
2018
https://www.meetup.com/hatsandmore/events/254183192/
2019
https://www.meetup.com/hatsandmore/events/266328528/
2022
https://www.meetup.com/hatsandmore/events/290572028/About The Park:
Houston Parks BoardEARLY DAYS AT KEITH-WIESS PARK
Archaeological surveys along Hall’s Bayou have uncovered evidence of what appears to be a bison kill dating from the Late Ceramic Period, which stretched from 800 AD to 1750 AD. It is likely that local Native Americans regularly hunted game in East Texas pine forests, including this one.Thomas S. Lubbock attained a first class land grant in 1838, apparently on the basis of his having settled the property by 1835. It changed hands several times after that, and was home to Barry’s Dairy Farm by 1915. Several varieties of orchards were planted on the farm. By 1918, the farm implements were sold and the dairy closed. Bootleggers used the dairy structures until they accidentally burned the place down.
Trails along Halls & Greens Bayous:
The city is planning on connecting these bayous with walking paths. To see the project and plans.
Click Here11 attendees
Lone Star Trail: Hike. #15: Double Lake, 11.2 shady miles
Lone Star Hiking Trail - Trailhead # 11, San Jacinto County, TX, USTHIS IS A SUNDAY HIKE!!
There is also Camping at Double Lake Campground on Friday and Saturday nights. I am in Campsite #11 fpr Friday and Saturday nights, #13 and #15 are available and plenty more. Please sign up for the days you are interested in camping. We will be driving to Stubblefield Lake for the volunteer work on Saturday morning. ..
This year our first HATS hike of the year will also be our Volunteer Work Weekend. Details are TO BE ANNOUNCED but our hike will be on Sunday Jan 5, 2025 so that we can enjoy our handiwork with the trail maintenance weekend. Consider staying overnight with your friends on the trail crew.
This is a nice hike in the woods with over 90% shade so come and get 18-19,000 steps closer to finishing the HATS Lone Star Trek and enjoy the walk in the forest on the weekend.
Don't forget to put your HATS card (see in photos below) on your dashboard: it helps us know that we have everyone off the trail in this heat. We will be handing them out to all drivers.
Today's Winter hike is a big one but our half-way break is at the parking lot so if the heat or cold is really too much you call it a day early.
About HATs and our hikes
https://www.hatsandmore.org/HEAT PRECAUTIONS:
But don't freeze all your water! It may not melt fast enough for you.
If you don't feel well or find that you can't keep up, tell someone right away. We can help. But stop walking so it doesn't become something serious.
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.
Gathering Place:
Trailhead #11 on FM 2025 near Cold Spring
Directions to Trail Head #11Special Note: Any hikers with the Avenza Maps App can download the file: Double Lake Hike.pdf
from Tom's Map StashNext, 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. With this you will always know exactly where you are. (Thanks Tom)
The Hike:
A shaded trail through the forest, much along Double Lake Branch. This hike is in two 5+ mile halves with the parking lot in the middle in case the heat is too much, or the snows too deep.The Trail: The hike is on the typical sand soils native to the region and largely on the SHNF trails.
Forecast :Double Lake Weather
See all the Lone Star Hiking Trail segments:
HATS Hikes for the Lone Star Hiking TrailAfter Hike Event:
The Back Pew Brewing
https://maps.app.goo.gl/keH6bnHjRNYGTYid9?g_st=com.google.maps.preview.copy
33 attendees
Past events
1413
