Lone Star Trail Hike #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.
About 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. Take the same precautions you would if hiking alone, including the fitness needed to make long hikes. Then enjoy the hike among friends.
https://www.hatsandmore.org/
Trail Safety:
The heat index is now regularly above 100° F before noon. Consider your heat tolerance. Start the day well hydrated and bring 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. Contact the hike leader. We can help get you off the trail.
Alan: 713-863-8038
Gathering Place:
Kelly's Pond Campground
Kelly's Pond Rd, Montgomery, TX 77356
https://goo.gl/maps/twBDbo1Hkx6UjxSw6
Plus Code: 8626F8J3+G2
The Trail:
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.
The motor trails are not marked with blazes. Pay attention to the map so you know when to turn and the right place to get on the LSHT.
The motor trails area predominantly loose sand.
Weather Forecast:
Click Here
Hike Map:
In the photos.
To use the geolocated map on your phone, try the FO Maps app.
Geolocated Maps
After Hike Event:
B-52 Brewing Co.
12470 Milroy Ln, Conroe, TX 77304
Indoor and outdoor seating.
To find your place on your personal path to hike the LSHT?
Individual hike progress.
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."