Houston is known for its cute skyline and upscale lifestyle. However, this metropolis is crowded with so many tourists, and hiking is a brilliant way to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Apart from the utmost peace and silence, you will enjoy the unique natural landscape and wildlife.
Read on to find some beautiful bayous, enchanting woodlands, and tranquil lakes you can consider for a day trip or a quick getaway. Here you can comfortably enjoy hiking, running, birding, bike riding, or just walking amidst nature.
1. Houston Arboretum & Nature Center Trail
Address: 4501 Woodway Drive, Houston, TX 77024
Length of trail: 5 miles
This place is a great option for those needing some outdoor time to relax and enjoy nature but also want to stay in town. Houston arboretum & nature center is located in the memorial park. It has beautifully paved, wide, well-maintained network trails that cover 5 miles.
The trails are easily accessible, with the longest being the 1.76-mile loop. Have some fun with your kids as you enjoy the beautiful flora and fauna spot, watch birds and go hiking in the beautiful forested and shaded paths.
2. White Oak Bayou Trail
Address: White Oak Bayou Trail, Houston, TX 77088
Length of trail: 17 miles
This is one of the longest trails in Houston, covering about 17 miles and cutting across authentic areas of Houston. It is the spot for your long-distance run as you enjoy the silence and beauty of nature. However, tag along with a bottle of water since this place has few fountains.
3. Lake Houston Wilderness Park
Address: 25840 FM 12485, New Caney, TX 77357
Length of the trail: 20 miles
This 5000 acres of wilderness is just 30 minutes north of the sprawl of Houston. The place is full of hiking trails, including the 9.6-mile dog-friendly trail loop and the Ameri trail forest loop. Unfortunately, all these trails cover up to 20 miles filled with gravel.
The best part is that they allow camping or overnight stays in their cabins. In addition, the park contains some wildlife which you can enjoy seeing. Also, activities like trail running, canoeing, mountain biking, fishing, kayaking, horse riding, and birding are permitted.
4. Buffalo Bayou Park
Address: 1800 Allen Pkwy& Memorial Dr, Houston, TX 77019
Length of trail: 4.8 miles
This iconic park is found outside downtown. From the place, you will appreciate the heavenly skyline views of the city, the unique underground cistern, and the beautiful trails around the park. What a perfect spot for urban hiking, having millions of trees and plants, industrial bridges, and the flowing buffalo bayou to quench your view.
5. Memorial Park
Address: 6501 Memorial Dr, Houston, TX 77007
Length of the trail: 2.88 miles
Memorial park covers 2.88 miles and is characterized by gravel paths and wooded areas. Join the friendly people in this neighborhood for an evening run, hiking on the weekends, or biking and playing games in the nearby fields.
6. Terry Hershey Hiking Trail
Address: 15200 Memorial Drive, Houston, TX 77079, United States.
Length of trail: 10 miles
Terry Hershey hiking trail is a local park in the green wooded neighborhood of memorial. The park has a mixture of gravel, and paved paths shaded with tree cover. It will save your body the hustle of sweating from running under the hot Houston sun.
7. Armand Bayou Nature Center
Address: 8500 Bay Area Blvd, Pasadena, TX 77507
Length of trail: 5 miles
Are you looking for a place to have fun as you enjoy sporting activities like hiking and watching wildlife? Then, Armand bayou nature center is the place for you. You will have the most immersive experience in your life. It is a habitat to over 370 species of local wildlife, which you can easily see as you hike from the 5 miles trail. It is open from Wednesday to Sunday, and the entry fee is $6 for adults and $ 4 for kids.
8. Brazos Bend State Park
Address: 21901 Farm to market Rd 762, Needville, TX 77461
Length of trail: 37 miles
Brazos Bend is a state park located just 45 minutes from downtown. It is packed with various wildlife like birds, reptiles, and mammals. Here, you will find amazing hike spots to have fun and enjoy with friends or family.
9. Galveston Island State Park
Address: 14901 FM 3005, Galveston, TX 77554
Length of trail: 15 miles
This is one of the best coastal hiking in Houston. You will get to hike and enjoy wildlife, including coastal birds like pelicans and herons. The trails at this park will lead to the coastal ecosystem, paddling sites, canoe, paddleboard, kayak, or wetlands.
Also read: Best Galveston Movers
10. Martin Dies Jr. State Park
Address: 634 Park Road 48 South, Jasper, TX 75951
Length of trail: over 3 miles
This is a small piney wood forest found near the border of Louisiana. It is a lovely place to hike near the town as you appreciate the beauty of nature. You can visit the place for a hiking expedition or camping over the weekend.
11. Sam Houston National Forest
Address: 394 FM 1375 West, New Waverly, TX 77358
Length of trail: 128 miles
Sam Houston National forest is one of the four state forests. It lies 50 miles north of Houston, connecting Huntsville, Richards, and Cleveland towns. The hiking trails in this forest are full of wooding, creating a shady, mossy environment.
12. Big Thicket
Address: FM 420, Kountze, TX 77625
Length of trail: 40 miles
This large sanctuary is close to martin dies jr state park, which habitats local wildlife and unique plant species. Your eyes will not fail to catch the amazing carnivorous marsh plants and turtles all over this place. It is one of the largest hiking areas in Houston, meaning both beginners and experienced hikers will love the place.
