Tom's 65th B-Day Hike - WG Jones State Forest Outer Loop 8.6 Miles

I am inviting all HATs members to help celebrate my 65th birthday at Jones State Forest. (Actual B-day is the 21st but I am told I have plans that Saturday.)

Tall trees, deep shade and wide trails! Today's hike takes us to the WG Jones State Forest. Also on the trail are horse riders and all kinds of wild life, let someone know if you see an Ivory-billed Woodpecker.

The Hike:
The forest is a HATs favorite. It combines twisting single track trails, broad shaded straight walkways and a suspension bridge. It is often used by horses so pay attention to your surroundings. We will focus on the outer trails of the forest and leave the narrow inner ones for another 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. 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 90° F before noon. Consider your heat tolerance.

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 Tom at 832-439-5797 if you need help. We can help get you off the trail.

What to You Need:
Supportive sports shoes, plenty of water, a snack and a hat.

Weather:
Click Here

Gathering Point:
There is no precise address for the trailhead. It is on the left, just before you leave the forest heading west from I-45.
Google Map Link

Parking at 2330 FM 1488, The Woodlands is OK.

Parking:
This is a small parking lot. Park on the highway shoulder or the shopping center across the road where we are going for the after hike lunch.

Bathrooms:
No bathrooms at the start or along the trail. Gas stations nearby.

The Trail:
The trail is mostly the typical sandy soils of the region. We have to cross the highway twice. Drivers typically yield for the group.

Hike Map:
In the photos.

Geolocated Maps:
Click Here

After Hike Event:
Woodson's Local Tap + Kitchen
Just across the highway.
2330 Farm to Market Rd 1488, The Woodlands, TX 77384
Google Maps Link

Limited vegetarian options.
1488 Menu – Woodson's Local Tap + Kitchen

About 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.