Lone Star Trail Seg #5: Kelly's Pond Summer Loop: 8.6 miles
Details
Kelly's Pond Summer Loop is a short hike at 8.6 miles but often quite challenging as we are partly on the Multi-Use Trails (MUT) and share them with the motorsports users of the National Forest trails. In addition to the sandy uplands we will check out some of the creek bottoms, flood zones, and recently renovated bridges.
Weather will be hot. The plan is to hike unless there are high winds and lightning and we will know at the start of our hike whether that will be a significant threat.
This may be the shortest hike of our seventh circuit to complete the LSHT. And the Warmest Hike of 2025. Be prepared for the extra effort. This is a relatively strenuous course through miles of creek bottom land.
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:
Kelly's Pond Rd, Montgomery, TX 77356
https://goo.gl/maps/twBDbo1Hkx6UjxSw6
Plus Code: 8626F8J3+G2
Call or text Alan at 713 863 8038 if you need help.
The Hike:
Mostly shaded, part of the hike is on trails shared with motorcycle riders. Please listen for them and step off the trail. In our experience motor users are very courteous to hikers and we have never encountered a problem on the shared trails.
Weather Forecast:
https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=30.3939&lon=-95.533&unit=0&lg=english&FcstType=graphical
Hike map is in the photos.
More maps and tracks:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1AJNr453bfClyd688JBpdL4F2HIqFurFh?usp=sharing
After Hike Event:
B-52 Brewing Co.
12470 Milroy Ln, Conroe, TX 77304
Indoor and outdoor seating.
https://goo.gl/maps/GwVSLLSCqkH2
86268CRX+7J
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.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zEtzUZKDpnMAhztfpL1Q5oc6fO6EPrU_
To see the groups progress on this quest to complete the trail, see our map.
https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?mid=19KnZUyqYn0OK0lQ1NvP1dscHWimo99Tg
COMMUNITY CARPOOL:
Look for carpooling options in the comments section. See you at the hike.
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 Trail Seg #5: Kelly's Pond Summer Loop: 8.6 miles