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- San Jacinto River-Kingwood West Fork Summer Hike ~8.3 milesThree B's Grill, Kingwood, TX
The Hike:
We'll do a counter clockwise loop through some of the southern trails for this large suburban system. We’ll take our break where the trail touches a beautiful panorama view of the West Fork section of Lake Houston.This hike has winding trails and many turns with short sight lines. It is easy to miss a turn. There is no practical way to assure the group stays together. Please save a copy of the map on your phone. You can use the Google or Apple Maps apps to find your way to the finish at Three B's Grill if you get separated.
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.
Safety Precautions:
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 and stop walking so it doesn't become something serious. Call the hike leader. We can help get you off the trail.
What to You Need:
Supportive sports shoes, water, a snack and a hat.Gathering Point:
Meet in the parking lot between the Three B's Grill and La Madeleine. Kindly do not park directly in front of business so their customers are not inconvenienced.4590 Kingwood Dr, Kingwood, TX 77345
Google Maps LinkBathrooms:
La Madeleine has bathrooms near the start point. There are no bathrooms along the trail.The Trail:
The path is along mostly shaded, paved hike and bike trails.Weather Forecast:
Click HereHike Map in the photos.
Geolocated Maps:
Click HereAfter Hike Event:
Our traditional after hike is the Three B's Grill.4590 Kingwood Dr, Kingwood, TX 77345
https://threebsgrill.com/An overview of some of our hikes in this area.
Google Maps LinkPast Hikes on this trail:
2024
2023
2019
2012About The Park:
https://www.kingwood.com/community/greenbelt.php - Garner State Park Camping, Tubing, and HikingGarner State Park, Concan, TX$15.00
Join us to explore the park and trails at Garner State Park the park is located in the community of Concan, Texas in Uvalde County, Texas in the United States. Garner State Park, in the Texas Hill Country, is the most popular state park in Texas for overnight camping.
THIS IS FOR 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 THE HIKES POSTED SEPARATELY.
COST: $15 per/ person. I have reserved Two campsites in the River Crossing section by the river good for 14 Small One person Tents.
## When you RSVP you will be prompted to pay by Pay Pall
Hikes will have their own posting. So if not camping and just hiking RSVP there and leave this RSVP free for campers.
Friday: Arrive at park and setup camp
Saturday Hike:
Garner State Park Up and Down HikeSunday Hike:
Lost Maples SNA Rock & Pole HikePark Website: Click here
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."
POLICIES AND WHAT NOT: 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: Click Here
You may not need everything on this list. Adapt to your tastes or circumstances. - Garner State Park Up and Down Hike 9 ~10 Miles ~1200 FeetGarner State Park, Concan, TX
Join us to hike Mount Ol' Baldy trail at Garner state park.
Gathering Place: Garner Nature/Education Center. This is near the Shady Meadows Camping Area.
https://goo.gl/maps/jBkbjpFwhYA2The Hike: We will focus on going up and down the ridges and valleys. The surface is rugged with loose or slick rock in places. It can be very slippery when wet. (HATs has considerable experience with wet trails here.) If you have poles, this is a good place to use them.
Trail conditions: mostly unpaved nature trails mostly gravel and granite
Gathering Place: After entering the park follow the map to the Walk-in Camping parking lotHike Map:
In the photos
Geolocated mapsForecast :
Park website: Click here
Optional After Hike Event : Head back to the campsite and enjoy a splash in the river you can tube or swim in the river for the afternoon.
Saturday Optional Group Dinner: 6pm Neals Dining Room
20970 TX-127, Concan, TX 78838
https://goo.gl/maps/AvvjSvbg6vgNu7eJ8
Google Plus Code: 76X2F7VQ+Q3
https://www.nealsdiningroom.com/menuAbout 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.
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 - Lost Maples SNA Rock & Pole Hike -11 Miles 1200 Ft. ElevationLost Maples State Natural Area, Vanderpool, TX
Join us to visit the park and trails at Lost Maples State Natural Area. The park is a 2,906-acre area of hills and canyons on the upper Sabinal River in the Edwards Plateau Region of Texas. It is designated a Natural Area, rather than a State Park, which means the primary focus is the maintenance and protection of the property's natural state
Weather Forecast:
Associated camping event:Click here
Gathering Place: After entering the park stay to your left on the main park road. Go past the campsite entrance on your right and then at the next road fork make a left and park at the East/West Trailhead parking lot. See the hike map above to get an idea of the location. We should be visible at the lot.
The Hike: We will be doing the main outer loop of the park in a counter clockwise route and this will include the rugged West Loop trail, the Scenic Overlook trail and of course the bluff into the Sabinal Canyon.
The hike is difficult for flatland hikers. For those that have not been doing our weekly hikes this may be a challenge. So if you want to do this hike without too much soreness start doing the weekly hikes.
Hike Map: Click here
Lost Maples State Natural Area Info Website:Click here
Optional After Hike Event : O.S.T. Restaurant
311 Main St, Bandera, TX 7800 830-796-3836
https://www.ostbandera.com/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.
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
