What we’re about
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 (4+)
See all- Horsepen Creek - Goforth and Hike ~10.5 Miles76X6W879+JQ, Harris County, TX
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: 832-439-5797What to You Need:
Supportive sports shoes, water, snacks and a hat.Gathering Point:
Parking lot approximate address
9402 Barker Cypress Rd, Cypress, TX
There is no precise address for the parking. Use the Google maps link for driving. Walk across the bridge to the bathrooms.
Google Map LinkThe Hike:
Like many parks in this area, Goforth Park is mostly a large constructed lake. The quarried material was used as construction fill to raise the ground level for houses, leaving a sizable basin to aid in flood control. We will hike around the lake and down the right bank of Horsepen Creek to HWY 6. Returning on the north bank. If water levels permit, we may take the shortcut of crossing a tributary before reentering Goforth Park.Bathrooms:
At the hike start. This is a suburban, mostly treeless creekside hike with few opportunities along the route.The Trail:
Mostly mowed grass levee bank. May be some high grass. Partly on paved park hike and bike trails.The hike is in full sun.
Weather:
Click HereHike Map:
In the photos.Geolocated Maps:
Click HereAfter Hike Event:
Torchy's Tacos
9975 Barker Cypress Rd
https://torchystacos.com/More about where we hike:
Houston Area Hikes
List of hikes we have made - Lone Star Hiking Trail #3: South Wilderness Loop ~10.9 milesLone Star Trailhead #4, Montgomery, TX
Late Spring is here and the heat will be with us. Bring extra water. We will all be walking a bit slower as the morning goes on. On the plus side, B52 Brewery has a new indoor tap room.
Carpools are available around town. See comments below. Carpool at Judson Robinson Community Center, 2020 Hermann Dr, Houston, TX 77004 before 6:45 to snag a ride or a rider. We leave at 6:45.
To find your place on your personal path to hike the LSHT, see our progress sheet. Starting with Quest 5, we will simplify scorekeeping by trimming the list to include active hikers only. All you have to do is show up to be counted.
HATs Lone Star Trail ScorecardGathering Point:
LSHT trailhead #4 is on FM 149, 6.7 miles north of TX 150 in Montgomery.
Trailhead #4The Hike: The route is through the shaded woods over the typical sandy soils of the region. The trail can be uneven and rough but the views off through the trees are worth it. Bug spray is a great idea.
Please use caution. The heat index is now regularly above 90° F before noon. Consider you heat tolerance and bring extra water. If you do get overheated or don't feel well, tell someone right away. We can help. Overheating can happen to anyone, stop walking if you don't feel well so it doesn't become something serious.
Hike map in the photos
Other formats here:
Segment #3 maps and moreThe Best Map: Any hikers with the Avenza Maps App are encouraged to download the file:
South Wilderness 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.Community Carpool: Look for more carpools in Comments below.
Carpool at Judson Robinson Community Center, 2020 Hermann Dr, Houston, TX 77004 before 6:45 to snag a ride or a rider. We leave at 6:45.About HATs and what you need to hike:
https://www.hatsandmore.org/Weather Forecast:
National Weather ForecastAfter Hike Lunch:
B-52 Brewing Co.
12470 Milroy Ln, Conroe, TX 77304
Directions to B-52https://b52brewing.com/
They have a food truck or you can BYOF.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."
- HATS/City Walks @ Kemah - Boats, Galveston Bay, Boardwalk, and Motown!310 Texas Ave, Kemah, TX
Yachts, Sail boats, Amusement Rides and Motown!
Come join this HATS/City Walk at Kemah, Texas. Kemah used to be a sleepy shrimp boat community with a functional draw bridge. Fast forward to today, Kemah has been transform into an active family neighborhood (with plenty of sailing boats and yachts) and a lively, festive boardwalk (established by Houston billionaire Tilman Fertitta). Come along and join the hike, there is a lot to see. Keep in mind that Kemah is a venue that attracts musicians. May 11th happens to be dedicated to Motown Music!
The first part of the hike will take us to the apex of Kemah bridge where one can get a good view of Kemah and Galveston Bay (there might be sail boats out there too!). Second, we walk through a upscale neighborhood of Clear Lake Shore where we will get a good view of Clear Lake with plenty of boats and beautiful homes. Thirdly, we walk through old Kemah to a small park to get an unabated view of Galveston Bay. Last but not least, we will walk through the Kemah Boardwalk complete with amusement rides, restuarants, and bars.
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.
Matt: 281-740-7868, Ezequiel: message via Meetup.What to You Need:
Supportive sports shoes, water, snacks, sun screen and a hat.Special Precautions:
Kemah and Highway 146 has undergone a lot of construction. Please check traffic patterns and traffic 2-3 hours before the event.Most of the hike is on pavement and minimal shade, so sun screen, sun screen, sun screen, and water.
COMMUNITY CARPOOL:
TBD
Houston to Kemah can be an hour+ drive (even with good traffic). However, traffic can get congested getting to Kemah. Confirm your travel time from your departure location. Please check traffic 2-3 hours prior to the hike begin time.Gathering Point:
There is no official address to this parking lot.Go to the parking lot north of Crazy Alan's Swamp Shack:
310 Texas Ave, Kemah, TX 77565This is free parking.
Go to the parking lot north of Crazy Alan's Swamp Shack
Crazy Alan's Swamp Shack address:
310 Texas Ave, Kemah, TX 77565Bathrooms:
Restaurants and shops at the start and along the hike,The Trail:
City streets in full sun.Weather:
Kemah WeatherHike Map:
In the photos.After Hike Event:
Bakkhus Tavern (Greek Restaurant)
605 6th Street, Kemah, TX 77565
Bakkhus website - South LLano River State Park Camping Tubing and Hiking Memoral Day weekendSouth Llano River State Park, Junction, TX$15.00
Join us to explore the LLano river at the South Llano River State Park which is located in the western part of the Texas Hill Country about an hour west of Kerrvill Texas, it's managed by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and lies in the valley of the Llano River. The park, which consists of 2,600 acres along the south bank of the Llano River, opened to the public in 1990.
THIS IS FOR MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND - FRIDAY AND SATURDAY NIGHT CAMPING. RSVP HERE ONLY IF INTENDING TO CAMP WITH US. YOU CAN STAY AT A HOTEL OR MOTEL INSTEAD OR TAKE A DAY TRIP, IF YOU LIKE, AND THEN JUST JOIN US FOR HIKES ON SATURDAY & SUNDAY. THE HIKES FOR SATURDAY AND SUNDAY WILL HAVE SEPARATE POST.
Forecast :
https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=30.2993&lon=-93.2641Park Website:
https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/south-llano-riverI have booked Three camp sites with water/electric restroom and showers with-in walking distance should be good for 18/ small tent spaces.
COST: To RSVP there is a $15 per/ person deposit to cover the 3/camp site reservations.
To sign up click RSVP then choose the option which says Send a payment to a friend.
## Park Rules: "CHECK IN: All campers are required to check in at the park headquarters before occupying a site. ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES: Public consumption or display of an alcoholic beverage is prohibited. PETS: Pets must be attended and on a six-foot leash at all times. Pets are not allowed in any park buildings, cabins, or shelters. Customer must provide proof of current vaccinations for each pet entering the park. FIREWOOD: Gathering of firewood is prohibited. ENTRANCE FEES: Entrance fees are in addition to Campsite or Day Use Facility fees. EXCESS VEHICLES: An excess vehicle fee will be charged for all vehicles over the limit of 2 per site. HORSES: For Parks that allow horses - All horses entering the park, must have a negative Coggins test less than 12 months old. SITE NUMBERS: Sites are assigned on a first come, first served basis. Site numbers are not assigned in advance of arrival at the park. WILDLIFE: Feeding of wildlife is prohibited."
Hiking Plans: The hiking scheduled below is subject to change depending on weather and closures. Review the posting before heading to the hikes in case of sudden changes.
Friday: arrive at campsite set up camp.
Saturday: South LLano River BackCountry Trail Hike
https://www.meetup.com/hatsandmore/events/270259310/Sunday: South LLano River Turkey Roast Trail
https://www.meetup.com/hatsandmore/events/270259342/Saturday Optional Group Dinner:
Drive from campsite into Junction Texas
Paddler's Porch Patio Restaurant 126 Flatrock Ln Junction
https://paddlersporch.net/POLICIES AND WHAT NOT:
Organizers: We (organizers) are volunteering our time sharing this event with you, please be respectful to the group. We are like minded people coming together to share our outdoor adventures with others. In no way do we offer a guided event or take any liability for your well being. Each event is well defined and describes the physical requirements, it's up to you to determine if you are capable of the event . In case of emergencies the appropriate emergency response teams will be notified. You are responsible for all your own camping gear. You must understand this before signing up.
CAMPING LIST FOR BEGINNERS: https://www.hatsandmore.org/camping/packing-suggestions