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- Alexander Deussen Park To Dwight D. Eisenhower Park Hike 9~9.5 milesWV83+Q7 Houston, Houston, TX
Join us to explore the parks and the trails along the Lake Houston dam. We will start at the boat ramp following the park trails then cross over to Eisenhower park and hike the nature trails along the San Jacinto river then back to the cars
Gathering Point:
We'll meet in the day use area after entering the park gate follow the road to the large parking lot by the boat ramp.Deussen Park is named after petroleum geologist, Alexander Deussen. Alexander Deussen donated a 309-acre site on Lake Houston to Harris County in 1956, and the site was converted into a public park. Below the Lake Houston dam is Dwight D. Eisenhower Park Precinct One operates and maintains Dwight D. Eisenhower Park from the City of Houston in 1995. The park borders the San Jacinto River and has many picnic areas along the water. Take in the scenic views along the nature trails or while casting a line.
Park Websites
https://www.hcp1.net/EisenhowerPark
https://www.hcp1.net/DeussenParkTrail Map click here:
https://www.meetup.com/hatsandmore/photos/31719899/499011483/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 hiker right away.
Weather forecast:
https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=29.9081&lon=-95.1497Optional After Hike: Event: Buffalo Wild Wings
5815 East Sam Houston Pkwy N Suite F
Google Maps LinkAbout HATS:
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.
What to bring on a hike and more about HATs.
https://www.hatsandmore.org/ - Old, Weird Houston Hike. A Celebration of our City's Hidden Histories 9.3 MilesJody Miller Dog Park, Houston, TX
This will be a bit different than our regular hikes because the after hike will be a visit to the Old, Weird Houston Festival nearby.
The festival will be a collection of historians, librarians and archivists presenting and discussing their collections along with food trucks and vendors specializing in Houston-proud books, crafts, and apparel.
From the event page:
The Orange Show Center for Visionary Art presents "Old, Weird Houston," a local alternative history fair and symposium that preserves, interprets, and shares the hidden histories of unusual and creative people, institutions, and events that have made our city one of the most diverse and livable in the country.The Orange Show requires a free registration to attend the festival. You will receive a ticket by text or email.
RSVP on the Event page:
https://www.full.orangeshow.org/old-weird-houstonAbout 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:
Fonde Park
2499 Munger St, Houston
Address is approximate, look for the driveway to the parking lot
Google Maps LinkIf the parking lot it full. Park along Munger Street.
The Hike:
After a walk through Smither Park and by the Orange Show, we will follow Brays Bayou up stream to an HEB store for a break. Unfortunately the Orange Show Monument is closed for restoration.Then we will cross on the Columbia Tap Bridge and walk down the other side of the bayou to the Lidstone Street bridge and back to Fonde Park.
Bathrooms:
Only at the mid-hike break. None at the start or convenient along the way.The Trail:
Mostly hike and bike trail. Short sections of mowed grass.
Full sun exposure.Weather:
Click HereHike Map:
In the photos.
Geolocated Maps:
Old, Weird Houston HikeAfter Hike Event:
Orange Show Center for Visionary Art
2334 Gulf Terminal Drive
Google Maps Link
This is a short drive from Fonde Park
You must have a free ticket to attend. See above for registration.Past Hikes Here:
2019
https://www.meetup.com/hatsandmore/events/265367848/About The Park:
About the Orange Show
The Orange Show Monument
Smither ParkMore about where we hike:
Houston Area Hikes
List of hikes we have made - Lone Star Hiking Trail #19: Winters Bayou 11.2 milesLone Star Hiking Trail - Trailhead # 15, Cleveland, TX
Winters Bayou segment is the final segment of the Lone Star Hiking Trail and the location of one of the two bridges that need replacing. You will see how the stream has undermined the footings of the bridge though it seems safe for now.
Bring three liters of water, a change of shoes, and plenty of bug spray. Oh, and plenty of bug spray.
This hike takes us through Big Thicket-like wetlands and creek bottoms This is a relatively strenuous course through miles of bottom land, best approached in cool weather. So be ready for a great hike
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 #15
15151 FM1725, Cleveland, TX 77328
https://goo.gl/maps/bPJAEixVcVpYNnc5A
Google Plus Code" 9RVR+5M Cleveland, TexasCall or text Alan at 713 863 8038 if you need help.
The Hike:
We will cross Winter's Bayou and the East Fork of the San Jacinto River then follow the ground as it slowly rises to the Mercy Firetower Trailhead. Much of the trail is rough with many trip hazards. This area has several deceptive trail turns so I recommend Avenza App users to be sure to get Tom's PDF maps for the trek. Depending on recent rains, the area could be muddy and mosquito-y. The hike is over the sandy soils of the region and will be mostly shaded.Weather Forecast:
Winter's Bayou National Weather forecastHike map is in the photos.
More maps and tracks:
Seg 19 maps and moreThe Best Map: Any hikers with the Avenza Maps App are encouraged to download the file:
Winter's Bayou Hike PDFEmail the PDF file to your iPhone or Android. 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.
HATs Lone Star Trail ScorecardTo see the groups progress on this quest to complete the trail, see our map.
Click HereCOMMUNITY CARPOOL:
Everyone gets a ride or a rider. My carpool will be going to the after hike lunch. I can take two more riders.
New Location:Leaving at 7:00 AM sharp
DICK'S Sporting Goods Post Oak/Galleria.
2131 Post Oak Blvd, Houston, TX 77056
Google Maps Link
Meet in the parking lot in front of the store. Look for my dark grey F150. Call if you need help finding us. 713-781-1680From 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."
https://www.wildernesspress.com/product.php?productid=16836
After Hike Event:
The Back Pew
https://www.backpewbrewing.com/contact/26452 Sorters McClellan Rd.
Porter, TX 77365Indoor and outdoor seating.
- Cosmos - Total Solar Eclipse Hike ~93 Million MilesBluebonnet Park, Ennis, TX
Please remember this is a very loosely organized event. Flexibility is key to having fun.
This is a road trip rather than a hike. Please read the entire description.
The shadow of the sun will do a hike across Texas (and much of the central USA) on Monday, April 8, 2024. Take the day off work because this is an event not to miss.
Humans throughout the ages have been awed by solar eclipses believing them to be omens of change. The last one in the USA didn't seem to bring the end of the world but I can guarantee it made a difference to those of us who who saw it on a trip to Kentucky in 2017.
This will not be visible in Houston.
Equipment Needed:
Even a short time looking at a partially eclipsed sun can cause profound and permanent eye damage. You MUST bring ISO direct sun viewing certified glasses.NASA Page for Eye Safety During an Annular Eclipse
Click here for glasses on Amazon
How to view the eclipse without glasses:
Click HereWe will be sitting at the park for a few hours. The selected park has a shelter and bathroom. Bring a camp chair, snacks and sunscreen.
The easiest place to reach the centerline from Houston is Ennis, TX. I am expecting lower traffic than if we went west.
COMMUNITY CARPOOL:
Everyone gets a ride or a rider
Look for my dark gray F150.
Be outside your car by the departure time so we can see you.
Contact Tom if you need help finding us - 832-439-5797Leaving at 8:00 AM sharp.
Judson Robinson, Jr. Community Center.
2020 Hermann Dr, Houston, TX 77004
Google Map LinkAllow extra time for traffic to reach the carpool location.
If you haven't done a carpool with us before, we meet to have an opportunity to get a ride or a rider. Anyone may still need to drive. We do this quickly. Do not be late. If you are riding, check with the driver for their plans for lunch and return time.
This is not a caravan. Don't expect to be able to follow other drivers. Be able to use Google Maps for directions.
Without traffic it is about 3 hours to Ennis. With traffic the carpool hopes to arrive 11:30 to noon.
Gathering Point:
Bluebonnet Park, Ennis TX.
A large parking area with a covered pavilion, lakeside walking trails and bathrooms.201 US-287, Ennis, TX 75119
Google Maps LinkAlternate Location:
In the event of overcast weather at the prime spot, we will drive to an alternative west of Houston.Kerrville will be a good location for this. It is about four hours from Houston. Once you pass San Antonio, you will be able to see the full eclipse. If traffic prevents reaching Kerrville, pull off the highway and park anywhere. Watch from your location. By going to Kerrville, the eclipse will be a bit longer and darker.
Kerrville Sports Complex Soccer Fields
117 Sweeper Ln N, Kerrville, TX 78028
Google Maps LinkEvent Schedule:
The eclipse will reach totality at 1:40 in Enis. Totality will last 4:23 minutes. Slightly earlier in Kerrville.You want to plan to be in place before noon to beat the traffic and watch the eclipse develop. There may be larger than expected crowds. Be prepared to stop where wherever you happen to be about 1:00 PM.
We will leave about 2PM as the eclipse is receding to find a place for lunch. Since we will be coming into Houston during rush hour. Count on additional traffic getting home.
More about this Eclipse:
The learn more, or find other places for viewing across the USA, Mexico and Canada, see this site
https://www.greatamericaneclipse.com/About Ennis:
The city is hosting a weekend of events with camping available. There are winerys in the area and it is close to the culture and clubs of the Big D.
https://www.eclipseoverennis.com/