- LSHT Hike Canceled due to Storms. See description for change information..Cancelled
The Forest Service has closed the LSHT for an indefinite period with a promise to reopen it as the trail clearing work can make an area safe for hikers.
This is a substitute hike and will be at Huntsville State Park.
https://www.meetup.com/hatsandmore/events/301206797/Part road hike, mostly trail walk through the forest in late Spring, this is a nice chance to get out of town for a walk in the woods. And maybe there will even be a little left over snow before summer. This is a shuttle hike so be ready for the car pool ride up to the Evergreen Cemetery where the walk begins.
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 shuttling and follow the best practices to prevent the transmission of COVID.Gathering Place:
LSHT Trailhead #10.
Take the FM 2025 exit from US-59 in Cleveland, turn left on 2025. Go 5.4 miles, turn left onto FM 945. Go 10.6 miles to Butch Arthur Rd. The trailhead is at the corner.
Directions to Trailhead #10The Hike:
We will shuttle to the Evergreen Cemetery then walk to the East Fork of the San Jacinto River and back to the trailhead.Evergreen Cemetery:
https://goo.gl/maps/ymPTmLPuqZ6cDa7x7The Trail:
The hike is on the typical sand soils native to the region. Plus a few miles of road shoulder.Hike Map:
In the photos.
Geolocated Map Click HereSpecial Note: Any hikers with the Avenza Maps App are encouraged to download the file:
San Jacinto River.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. (Thanks Tom)Weather:
Weather forecast for today's walkTo find your place on your personal path to hike the LSHT, see our progress sheet.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zEtzUZKDpnMAhztfpL1Q5oc6fO6EPrU_/viewTo see the groups progress on this quest to complete the trail, see our map.
https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1--T_vgt48uPog4J-Gq9OmeZ7CSkwKCWJAfter Hike Event:
Back Pew Brewery
26452 Sorters McClellanThey offer indoor and outdoor seating.
Directions to the Back PewSupport the Lone Star Trail:
If you wish to make a donation to the Sam Houston Trails Coalition to support the maintenance of structures and parking areas for the LSHT, please visit their site. When you make a donation, select “Hiking” in the box labeled “I certify this donation goes to.” You can also volunteer for trail work with the Coalition.
https://www.samhoustontrails.org/make-a-donation/
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."
- Hike Relocated to Jones State Forest ~8.6 MilesWilliam Goodrich Jones state forest, Conroe, TX
If you signed up for Huntsville State Park, that hike has been relocated to Jones State Forest. Making this the substitute hike for the substitute hike. Currently the trails at Jones state Forest are open.
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:
The heat index is now regularly above 100° F before noon. Consider your heat tolerance. Start the day well hydrated and bring at least a third more water than you carry in cooler weather.
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.Weather:
Click HereGathering 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 parkingThe 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 central portion of the reserve using the wide roads that divide the research sections and the occasional single path trails through the woods. Out break is at the instructional are near the largest pond.
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. This is tick country. Take precautions.
Sun exposure. Partly shady with sun on the wider trails.Hike Map:
In the photos.Geolocated Maps:
Click HereAfter Hike Event:
Woodson's Local Tap + Kitchen
Just across the highway.
2330 Farm to Market Rd 1488, The Woodlands, TX 77384
Google Maps LinkAbout 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. Users include schools, youth organizations, higher education institutions, landowners, community members and groups, science researchers, and various professional groups.
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.Past Hikes Here:
https://www.meetup.com/hatsandmore/events/300846867/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
Summer time, and the living is easy. This however is a somewhat strenuous hike but with nice views of the wilderness and Pole Creek.
This is the make up hike for the one that got flooded out in early May. Hopefully the ground should be dry by now. 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."
- Lone Star Hiking Trail # 13: Big Woods South, 10.0 milesLone Star Hiking Trail - Trailhead #9, Coldspring, TX
THIS WILL BE A SHUTTLE HIKE SO YOUR COOPERATION IS APPRECIATED. Please bring a mask to wear when shuttling.
This is another reschedule from another rain out.
This is a nice hike through the woods along trails, forest service roads, and the farm roads of East Texas.
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.Gathering Place:
Lone Star Trailhead #9.
on Ira Denson road.
Google Maps LinkCall or text Alan at 713 863 8038 if you need help.
The Hike:
Shuttle to Evergreen Cemetery
Google Map LinkHighways 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.pdfand 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. 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.
Click HereTo 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 HereMake sure to bring plenty of water, sunscreen, hat, and mosquitoes spray. The weather is warming, 3 liters of water is good.
After Hike Event:
Ingenious Brewing Company
1986 S. Houston Ave
Humble, TX 77396
832-412-2142
Google Maps Link