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
8
Lone Star Trail Hike #2: N. Wilderness Loop ~11.4 Miles
Lone Star Trail Trailhead 3, FM 149, Montgomery, TX, USIt could snow. Really, it could.
More walking in the woods including miles through the Little Lake Creek Wilderness.
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 #3.
Directions to Trail Head #3
8626G76J+4XCall or text Alan at 713 863 8038 if you need help.
The Hike:
We will follow short sections of the LSHT and the Little Lake Creek Loop and the complete distance of the North Wilderness Crossover, West Fork and Sand Branch loops.The hike is over the sandy soils of the region and will be mostly shaded.
Weather Forecast:
Hourly
MobileHike Map:
In the photos.
Geolocated Maps:
PDF Map for use with Avenza AppAfter Hike Event:
B-52 Brewing Co.
12470 Milroy Ln, Conroe, TX 77304
Indoor and outdoor seating.
Directions to B-52 Brewing
86268CRX+7JTo find your place on your personal path to hike the LSHT, see our progress sheet. Starting with this hike, we will simplify the tally of hikes by trimming the list to include active hikers only. All you have to do is show up to be counted.
Your progress on LSHT TrekTo see the groups progress on this quest to complete the trail, see our map.
Group progress on LSHT TrekTo 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."
https://www.wildernesspress.com/product.php?productid=1683635 attendees
Oxford Ranch Camping For Hiking at Enchanted Rock
Oxford Ranch Campground, Co Rd 315 and TX-16, LLano, TX, USCamping at Oxford Rach Campground for two days of hiking at Enchanted Rocks. Details to come.
Location.
Oxford campground is an active private ranch. Go through the gate and check in at the ranch house if it is open. If they are not open, you need to check in in the morning before we leave for the hike.Google map to gate
https://maps.app.goo.gl/7J2oj5LFv25v4eDj7Cost:
Tent $15 per person per night
Electric only RV Site $25 per night
Full Hook Up RV Site $30 per nightYou must pay the ranch directly for yourself.
This is a primitive camping area. There is no water or power in the camping area. The bathrooms and showers are near the ranch house.
Facebook page of Oxford campround
Hikes:
Each driver will need to get separate day passes for E-Rock to gain entry to the park on both days.Day entry permits are free if you have a parks pass. Always select the maximum number for your vehicle.
Saturday Nov 7
Enchanted Backcountry HikeSunday Nov 8
Enchanted Rock HikeCamping With HATs:
There have been some questions from a few hikers who are not used to traveling with us. This is a camping trip. Joining the trip means you take responsibility for bringing a tent, weather appropriate sleeping needs, cooking gear and food.We typically have Saturday dinner in a nearby town.
25 attendees
Enchanted Backcountry Hike Between 9 and 13 Miles
Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, 16710 Ranch Rd 965, Fredericksburg, TX, USPre Hike:
Get a day pass for your car before the hike. They are available one month in advance and guarantee admission to the park. A state parks pass covers the entire car so register for the largest number of possible passengers.The Hike:
This is our first trip to hike the newly opened backcountry sections of the natural area.The hike has a nine mile base loop with three extensions. Distance depends on the weather. We won't do all of of the extensions as a group. Hikers are free to do none or all of the extra trails on their own.
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.
Trail Safety:
Hiking is supposed to be fun. If you don't feel well or can't keep up, tell someone right away. Contact the hike leader. We can help get you off the trail.
Tom: 832-439-5797Cell service is unreliable in the park.
What to You Need:
Supportive sports shoes, water, snacks and a hat.Gathering Point:
Meet at the E-Rock Summit trailhead bathhouse.Plus Code:
8623F5XJ+6GGoogle Map Link:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/tzaxh14p4dCU9eMEABathrooms:
At the start
Mid hike outhouseThe Trail:
Rolling terrain with rock and sand natural surface trails. Full sunWeather:
Click HereHike Map:
In the photos.Geolocated Maps:
Enchanted Backcountry HIkeAfter Hike Event:
Fredericksburg
TBD
Suggestions welcomed if you know a place that can serve a group.About The Park:
https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/enchanted-rockhttps://tpwd.texas.gov/spdest/parkinfo/maps/gis/enchanted_rock/
More about where we hike:
Houston Area Hikes
List of hikes we have made37 attendees
Past events
1407
