Houston area state parks offer a variety of hiking opportunities. This trail covers 13 miles between the Birch Creek and Nails Creek units on opposite shores of Lake Somerville. Stands of yaupon, oak, and hickory punctuate the gently rolling terrain. The route crosses Yegua Creek and skirts Flag Pond, a water impoundment in a natural depression in the creek’s watershed. A bird blind overlooks the pond, where waterfowl like great blue herons, canvas backs, and wood ducks hang out. Bird checklists are available at park headquarters. Covered shelters provide spots to rest and snack, and have maps and graphic time lines so hikers can gauge their progress. The start and finish points are about a 30-minute drive apart.
Big Thicket Woodlands Trail
Big Thicket National Preserve , managed by the National Park Service, contains 97,550 acres of pine, cypress, and hardwood forest; meadow; and blackwater swamp, home to 85 tree species, 26 ferns, 20 orchids, four carnivorous plants, some 186 species of birds, and 50 reptiles. Eight hiking trails include the 5.4-mile Woodlands Trail across the Big Sandy Creek flood plain, with dense stands of hardwoods like sweetgum, water and basket oaks, magnolia, beech, cypress, bamboo and, of course, pines. A section parallels the creek, where rumor has it that otters live.
Lone Star Hiking Trail
A 27-mile section of the 128-mile Lone Star Hiking Trail is a designated National Recreation Trail, running roughly between Evergreen and Cleveland. Tree tags 25 to 50 yards apart mark the trail, and maps are available from the Sam Houston National Forest Ranger office in New Waverly. The trail is often shaded by pines and magnolias, passes through thick brush and swampy areas, and crosses several creeks and the East Fork of the San Jacinto River. Hikers might see white-tail deer, turkey, quail, rabbits, foxes and bobcats, or at least signs of them.
Huntsville State Park
A 7.7 mile trail loops around 210-acre Lake Raven, through stands of some of the tallest loblolly and shortleaf pines around. The hike also traverses several swampy areas, stands of palmetto and American beautyberry, and crosses 19 wooden bridges. Alligators live in the park, so those with dogs along are advised to keep them well clear of the water. Other wildlife that may be spotted include frogs and birds, mainly waterfowl on the lake. The park has campgrounds, picnic areas, boat ramps, and horseback riding. The nature center makes a good starting and ending point for the hike.
Brazos Bend State Park
Several hiking trails explore this park. The Pilant Slough Trail is an interesting and mostly shady route that leads through wooded bottomlands and open woods before intersecting the Elm Lake Loop. This route circles one of the park’s lakes and includes several observation decks, excellent places from which to spot alligators, herons, and other waterfowl. The park offers campgrounds, picnic areas, and fishing piers as well as an observatory with regular stargazing programs.
Tips for Safe Hiking
Good preparation and a few simple rules help ensure a good hiking experience. Hikers should stay on established trails; yield to horses and uphill travelers; and never feed, approach or disturb wildlife. Trash and dog waste must be packed out. Hikers should wear sturdy, comfortable and broken-in shoes or boots, and carry adequate water, food, a first-aid kit, map, compass, flashlight, and matches or other fire-starter. Hikes in the heat of summer and out in the open increase risk of heat stroke, which can affect dogs as well as humans.
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