Hiking locations near or around Houston?
September 19, 2010 3:46 PM

Can anyone suggest any decent hiking locations near or around Houston, Texas?

Two 20-something, decently in shape people. Willing to drive up to 90 minutes or so. Doesn't have to be all that "hilly," would be open to hiking through a forest trail. Any ideas?
posted by JPowers to Sports, Hobbies, & Recreation (6 answers total) 5 users marked this as a favorite
What about Armand Bayou Nature Preserve out in Clear Lake?

I think you're looking for something different, but I thought I'd throw it out there anyway. The swamp is really beautiful at dawn and dusk.
posted by vincele at 3:56 PM on September 19, 2010


Here is a link to the Armand Bayou Nature Center. I used to hike there at least once a week. It is about 2 miles from the entrance to NASA and very large. You will definitely see alligators.
posted by vincele at 4:02 PM on September 19, 2010


Brazos Bend State Park has hiking trails.
posted by Ery at 4:49 PM on September 19, 2010


Buffalo Bayou Park has hills and is in Houston. Terry Hershey Park is great, too.

One of our favorite things to do when the weather is nice (soon, I hope!) is to walk from Buffalo Bayou Park, through the Art Park, Sabine-to-Bagby and into downtown.
posted by zinfandel at 5:26 PM on September 19, 2010


Try the Lone Star Hiking Trail in Sam Houston National Forest (scroll down) just west of Cleveland. It's one of the state's best and longest trails.
posted by cross_impact at 9:11 PM on September 19, 2010


There are some trails in Davy Crockett National Forest, which is about 2 hours north of Houston. (I can't personally vouch for their quality, though)

The bad news is, all the really good hiking is out towards Austin and beyond. The good news is, there are a bunch of state parks just west of Austin that are great for weekend trips (3-4 hour drive). In about a month, we'll be getting back into comfortable camping weather. It's easy to schlup a tent into the car, take off after work on Friday, spend all day Saturday hiking and exploring, and then enjoy a leisurely return on Sunday.
posted by chrisamiller at 9:49 PM on September 19, 2010


« Older Peace and yarn be with you   |   How would you react to this? Newer »
This thread is closed to new comments.