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- Lone Star Trail Seg #17: Tarkington Loop: 9.6 milesLone Star Hiking Trail - Trailhead # 13, Coldspring, TX
Hot weather is a thing so we have to leave early to get off the trail early. Tarkington segment of our trek is on the eastern end of the Lone Star Trail and as such it is incrementally a bit more humid, hotter, more bugs, and thicker vegetation. But only relatively more. This late spring hike takes us through the Gulf Coastal Plain in much the same biome as the Big Thicket so keep your eye out for wildlife. Free bottle of water to anyone who sees an Ivory-billed Woodpecker( and a $50,000 reward). Weather will most likely be hot. (see weather link below, and weather report in photos). See you on the trail.
Be prepared for the extra effort. This is a relatively strenuous course through miles of 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:
Trailhead #13
Directions to Trailhead #13
(FM 2666, Coldspring, TX 77331)Call or text Alan at 713 863 8038 if you need help.
The Hike:
Weather Forecast:
https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=30.343&lon=-95.0897&unit=0&lg=english&FcstType=graphicalHike map is in the photos.
Special Note: Any hikers with the Avenza Maps App can download the file: Tarkington Loop.pdf
Next, email the PDF file to your iPhone. Open the pdf in your phone and "share" it with Avenza Maps. That way you can see exactly where you are on the geolocated map during the entire hike. With this you will always know exactly where you are. (Thanks Tom)
More maps and tracks:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1c-2xORpyaBQRnXuEiyLTw_M4-TImu6gkAfter Hike Event:
The Back Pew Brewing Co.
https://www.backpewbrewing.com/
26452 Sorters McClellan Rd, Porter, TX 77365
Google Maps DirectionsIndoor and outdoor seating.
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_COMMUNITY CARPOOL:
Alan Foster is setting up a Community Carpool.
Everyone gets a ride or a rider
Leaving at 6:15 AM sharp
Judson Robinson, Jr. Community Center.
2020 Hermann Dr, Houston, TX 77004
Judson Robinson Pick Up pointFrom 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."
- Walk the Downtown Houston Tunnels ~5.0 milesThe Water Works in Buffalo Bayou Park, Houston, TX
For those new to Houston, The downtown are has the longest network of pedestrian tunnels in the country. Probably in the world. They connect office towers, government buildings, shopping centers, parks, hotels, and entertainment venues together. This environment includes everything the urban natives needs to live and thrive allowing the downtown denizens to move about oblivious to the notorious "Houmidity" and occasional torrential rains.
Let's explore them.
The Hike
Following a short walk from the Cistern to downtown, we will enter the tunnel system. The normal hustle of downtown should be muted today because of the Columbus Day holiday. But you will still see many of the denizens of this urban space within their native underground habitat.Highlights:
Wortham Center sculptures by William Paley
Artwork of the Marriott in the Humble Building (if available)
Texas Commerce Bank Lobby (in the art deco Gulf Building)
Julia Ideson Library building (if open)Gathering Point:
Water Works Plaza
105b Sabine St, Houston, TX 77007
Google Maps Link
Call or text Tom at 832-439-5797 if you need help.Bathrooms:
At the start and various places within the tunnels.The Trail:
Paved and mostly indoors. About a mile or so outside.Weather:
Click HereHike map in the photos.
After Hike Event:
Phoenicia
1001 Austin St, Houston, TX 77010
Google Maps Link
Free parking in the garage. Entrance in the 1400 block of McKinney St.About The Park:
https://www.downtownhouston.org/district/downtown-tunnels/ - 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
