23 Houston Hiking Trails In and Around The City
There are Houston hiking trails? Yes! It may come as a shock that there are trails to explore in and around the largest city in Texas. Don’t let the concrete sky bridges fool you. There are so many habitats, different types of wildlife, and so many trails to be explored in Houston, TX.
Below is a custom Roam the Outer Space map that pinpoints each location listed in this article. Save it, share it, and use it to explore all these natural spaces in and around the city.
From urban strolls to nature escapes, one of these 23 trails will be sure to give you a perfect adventure.
Places to Go Hiking in Houston
These incredible Houston hiking trails, within the city, are ranked from the nearest to the farthest from downtown.
Buffalo Bayou Park
Distance from Downtown Houston: 4 minutes
Trail Highlight: Buffalo Bayou Loop (~5.1 miles)
Fees and Reservation Information: No Fee or Reservation Needed
Trail Map: View Here
Buffalo Bayou Park, a 160-acre green space just west of downtown Houston, holds a blend of beautiful gardens, native landscaping, and a variety of recreational amenities. Stretching along a 2.3-mile stretch of the Buffalo Bayou, the park features hike and bike trails, a nature play area, a dog park, and spots for picnics and relaxation.
White Oak Bayou Trail
Distance from Downtown Houston: 7 minutes
Trail Highlight: White Oak Bayou Trail (17 miles)
Fees and Reservation Information: No Fee or Reservation Needed
Trail Map: View Here
White Oak Bayou Trail is nestled within the expansive White Oak Bayou Greenway. With over 17 miles of greenspace and hike-and-bike trails, including the West White Oak Bayou Trail, the park provides a nice trek. This extensive trail system connects Houstonians to the downtown area, transit centers, and recreational spaces.
Memorial Park
Distance from Downtown Houston: 10 minutes
Trail Highlight: Seymour Lieberman Exercise Trail (3 miles)
Fees and Reservation Information: No Fee or Reservation Needed
Trail Map: View Here
Memorial Park has an extensive network of over thirty miles of trails, featuring six miles of mountain and recreational bike trails along the bayous. Among these trails, the Seymour Lieberman Exercise Trail is a popular 3.0-mile loop known for its ease and scenic surroundings, welcoming hikers, runners, and walkers year-round. With distance markers every 1/4 mile and a well-maintained path, the park provides a versatile outdoor experience.
Keith-Weiss Park
Distance from Downtown Houston: 15 minutes
Trail Highlight: Keith Weiss Loop Trail (2 miles)
Fees and Reservation Information: No Fee or Reservation Needed
Trail Map: View Here
Keith Weiss Park, nestled in the heart of Houston's north side, offers a hiking experience with easy trails that wind through its nearly 500-acres. The park features paved trails, providing a scenic loop around a central pond and through lush forests. The trails offer shade and natural scenery, making it suitable even during the heat of a Houston summer. The trail includes a lovely bridge over Halls Bayou, a retention pond with a pier, and a boardwalk.
Houston Arboretum & Nature Center
Distance from Downtown Houston: 16 minutes
Trail Highlight: Outer Loop Trail (1.76 miles)
Fees and Reservation Information: Free! Parking is $5.50 but free on Thursdays for all non-members.
Trail Map: View Here
The Houston Arboretum & Nature Center offers a serene escape with five miles of winding trails across its 155-acre nature sanctuary. Exploring the trail system allows you to explore diverse habitats, each showcasing native grasses, trees, and wildflowers that evolve with the changing seasons. The self-guided Habitat Hikes provide an insider's perspective, passing educational Field Stations and featuring naturalist-recommended stops like lively ponds, trees with intriguing stories, insect houses, and other points of interest.
Terry Hershey Hiking Trail
Distance from Downtown Houston: 19 minutes
Trail Highlight: Quail Trail via Blue Jay Trail (11.5 miles)
Fees and Reservation Information: No Fee or Reservation Needed
Trail Map: View Here
Terry Hershey Park, stretches across 500 acres along the banks of Buffalo Bayou and South Mayde Creek in western Houston. With 12 miles of trail, amenities like restrooms, gazebos, a lighted walking trail, exercise stations, a playground, and picnic sites, are all available to everyone. Named after conservationist Terry Hershey, the park preserves a 6-mile stretch of Buffalo Bayou.
Dwight D. Eisenhower Park
Distance from Downtown Houston: 30 minutes
Trail Highlight: San Jacinto Trail Loop (3.3 miles)
Fees and Reservation Information: No Fee or Reservation Needed
Trail Map: View Here
Dwight D. Eisenhower Park is a 628 acre recreational area that is located in northeast Houston along the San Jacinto river. At this park there are a few trails you can explore that run through wooded areas. This is also the perfect spot if you are looking to fish, have a picnic, or relax in nature. Dogs are also allowed in this park on leash!
Lake Houston Wilderness Park
Distance from Downtown Houston: 31 minutes
Trail Highlight: Peach Creek Trail (4.2 miles)
Fees and Reservation Information:
Ages 13-65: $3/day
Children, seniors, and Military: Free with ID
Trail Map: View Here
Lake Houston Wilderness Park covers almost 5,000 acres just a half hour outside of Houston, TX. With over 20 miles of trails weaving through lush forests, it's the ultimate hiker’s escape from the city. LHWP is also a perfect spot if you're into camping, trail running, mountain biking, canoeing, kayaking, birding, and fishing.
Armand Bayou Nature Center
Distance from Downtown Houston: 32 minutes
Trail Highlight: Discovery Loop + Lady Bird Trail Loop (~2 miles)
Fees and Reservation Information:
3 Years & Under: Free
4 - 12 Years: $4.00
13 - 59 Years: $6.00
60 & Above: $4.00
College Students, Teachers, Active Duty Military, and First Responders: $4 with ID
Trail Map: View Here
Armand Bayou Nature Center offers hikers with 5 miles of well-maintained trails, featuring a discovery loop boardwalk and a bison viewing platform. This vast nature preserve offers educational activities, including guided night hikes for ages 6 and above. The night hikes provide a unique opportunity to experience the prairie, forest, and bayou after dark, with the chance to encounter nocturnal creatures.
Brazos Bend State Park
Distance from Downtown Houston: 45 minutes
Trail Highlight: Elm Lake, Horshoe Lake and Big Creek Loop (5.8 miles)
Fees and Reservation Information:
Reserve a day pass on the Texas Parks and Wildlife website for the following fees:
Under 12 years old: Free
13+ years old: $7/day
Trail Map: View Here
Brazos Bend State Park is a nature lover's playground with 37 miles of trails for walking, biking, and horse riding. Check out the Creekfield Lake Nature Trail, a sweet half-mile stroll through a wetland spot. If you're into starry nights, the George Observatory has your back on Saturdays.
Places to Go Hiking Near Houston
These are some of the best hikes near Houston ranked from the nearest to the farthest from downtown.
Montgomery County Preserve
Distance from Downtown Houston: 35 minutes
Trail Highlight: Big Oak Loop + Greenway Trail (1.1 miles)
Fees and Reservation Information: Fees may apply
Trail Map: View Here
Montgomery County Preserve, a 71-acre green space, is a great spot for birdwatching, native plant observation, and hiking. What sets it apart is its permanent protection through a conservation easement held by the Legacy Land Trust, making it the first of its kind in the nation. The preserve is open to the public daily, free of charge, attracting ecotourists to southern Montgomery County.
William Goodrich Jones State Forest
Distance from Downtown Houston: 40 minutes
Trail Highlight: Middle Lake Trail Loop (3.1 miles)
Fees and Reservation Information: Free
Trail Map: View Here
Discover the natural wonders of W.G. Jones State Forest, one of the largest working urban forests in the nation. Boasting nearly 15 miles of trails and pathways, the forest offers a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, horseback riders, and those seeking exercise and relaxation. Visitors can explore geocaching opportunities, native plant and grass nurseries, demonstration gardens, and the Sweetleaf Nature and Fitness Trail.
Spring Creek Greenway
Distance from Downtown Houston: 40 minutes
Trail Highlight: Creekside Park West Trailhead to Rob Fleming Recreation Center Trailhead (6 miles)
Fees and Reservation Information: Fees may apply
Trail Map: View Here
The Spring Creek Greenway, located near Humble, Texas, holds a 15.9-mile point-to-point trail. This popular area is frequented by birders, anglers, and horseback riders, offering a year-round scenic experience. As the longest connected urban forested corridor in the nation, the Greenway spans over 40 miles from Highway 249 in Tomball to US 59 in Kingwood, covering more than 12,000 acres.
George Mitchell Preserve
Distance from Downtown Houston: 40 minutes
Trail Highlight: Spring Creek and Fitness Loop (5.6 miles)
Fees and Reservation Information: Fees may apply
Trail Map: View Here
Embark on a nature-filled adventure at The George Mitchell Nature Preserve, spanning 1,800 acres and seamlessly connecting to the Spring Creek Greenway in The Woodlands. The preserve offers two miles of hiking trails, where migrating birds and diverse wildlife can be spotted, and three miles of invigorating bike trails winding through majestic trees and lush flora.
Burroughs Park
Distance from Downtown Houston: 45 minutes
Trail Highlight: Burroughs Park Eastern Trail Loop (3.3 miles)
Fees and Reservation Information: Free
Trail Map: View Here
Explore the natural beauty of Burroughs Park, located northeast of Tomball, Texas. The over eight miles of hiking trails wind through dense woodlands, offering a peaceful escape beneath the lush pine tree canopy. Whether you're seeking a quiet stroll or a family outing, Burroughs Park has a nice trail system in its serene and well-maintained surroundings.
Stephen F. Austin State Park
Distance from Downtown Houston: 55 minutes
Trail Highlight: Barred Owl Trail (.7 miles)
Fees and Reservation Information:
Reserve a day pass on the Texas Parks and Wildlife website for the following fees:
Under 12 years old: Free
13+ years old: $5/day
Trail Map: View Here
Stephen F. Austin State Park, located just 50 minutes west of Houston, is a place for hikers to immerse themselves in nature on the banks of the Brazos River, exploring five miles of hiking and biking trails winding along the riverbank, shaded by tall hardwood trees and through the upland swamp. The park is a perfect spot for picnics, wildlife observation, camping, and geocaching. A 0.1-mile Nature Trail provides insights into the local plant life. Trail closures due to muddy conditions are possible, so check with the park before planning a visit!
Sam Houston National Forest
Distance from Downtown Houston: 1 hour
Trail Highlight: Lone Star Hiking Trail to Double Lake via Trailhead #11 (3.5 miles)
Fees and Reservation Information: $5/day
Trail Map: View Here
Sam Houston National Forest, divided into three major sections, has a trail system that offers diverse landscapes, from the 40-mile Lake Conroe section to the Central Area with connecting loops and the Winters Bayou/Tarkington Creek Area. Hikers can enjoy year-round trekking through a managed forest, observing a variety of trees, plants, and wildlife. Off-road vehicles are prohibited to protect the natural environment.
Galveston Island State Park
Distance from Downtown Houston: 1 hour 6 minutes
Trail Highlight: Oak Mott, Eskimo Curlew, and Clapper Rail Loop (1.9 miles)
Fees and Reservation Information:
Reserve a day pass on the Texas Parks and Wildlife website for the following fees:
Under 12 years old: Free
13+ years old: $5/day
Trail Map: View Here
Galveston Island State Park, situated just an hour from Houston, offers a tranquil refuge with its diverse coastal habitats. Visitors can explore four miles of trails winding through the park, featuring observation platforms, photo blinds, and boardwalks over dunes and marshes. Whether you're strolling along the beach, splashing in the waves, fishing, or birdwatching, the park provides a range of outdoor activities.
Lake Livingston State Park
Distance from Downtown Houston: 1 hour 15 minutes
Trail Highlight: Trinity Trace, Fó:si, and Bakba Loop (2.7 miles)
Fees and Reservation Information:
Reserve a day pass on the Texas Parks and Wildlife website for the following fees:
Under 12 years old: Free
13+ years old: $6/day
Trail Map: View Here
Lake Livingston State Park, located just an hour north of Houston, invites families to create lasting memories in the serene Pineywoods setting. Hikers can choose from a variety of trails, such as the two-mile Babka Trail for a forest loop, the wildlife-rich 1.8-mile Trinity Trace Trail, the mountain biking-friendly Fó:si Trail, or the picturesque Piney Woods Boardwalk Trail offering views of wetland and woodland habitats.
Lone Star Hiking Trail
Distance from Downtown Houston: 1 hour 15 minutes
Trail Highlight: Always wanted to do a thru-hike? Start here in Texas at this trail!
Fees and Reservation Information: Fees may apply
Trail Map: View Here
The Lone Star Hiking Trail, stretching for 96 miles with an additional 32 miles of loop and crossover trails, stands as the longest continuous hiking trail in Texas, connecting the public lands of the Sam Houston National Forest and private lands. Located near Richards, Texas, this 92.4-mile point-to-point trail offers a moderately challenging route, ideal for backpacking, camping, and hiking. With an average completion time of around 30 hours, it provides a secluded and serene outdoor experience.
Huntsville State Park
Distance from Downtown Houston: 1 hour 20 minutes
Trail Highlight: Chinquapin Trail (3.5 miles)
Fees and Reservation Information:
Reserve a day pass on the Texas Parks and Wildlife website for the following fees:
Under 12 years old: Free
13+ years old: $7/day
Trail Map: View Here
Huntsville State Park, nestled in the East Texas Pineywoods within the Sam Houston National Forest, offers a picturesque retreat just north of Houston. With 21 miles of trails, playgrounds, a bird blind, and a nature center, visitors can immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the forest. The park's extensive trail system spans over 2,000 acres, connecting to the national forest trails, offering a diverse range of hiking options, from shorter lakeside trails like Loblolly Trail to longer, more challenging routes like the 8.5-mile Triple C Trail.
Big Thicket National Preserve
Distance from Downtown Houston: 1 hour 40 minutes
Trail Highlight: Kirby Nature Trail (2.4 miles)
Fees and Reservation Information: Free
Trail Map: View Here
Big Thicket National Preserve, situated in southeast Texas, is a haven for biodiversity, preserving the remarkable diversity of life where various habitats intersect. The preserve holds approximately 40 miles of hiking trails that wind through nine distinct ecosystems, ranging from longleaf pine forests to cypress-lined bayous. Visitors can choose from trails of varying lengths, each leading through diverse plant communities, including bogs with carnivorous plants and towering longleaf pine stands.
Martin Dies Jr. State Park
Distance from Downtown Houston: 2 hours
Trail Highlight: Martin Dies Jr. State Park Loop (~2.2 miles)
Fees and Reservation Information:
Reserve a day pass on the Texas Parks and Wildlife website for the following fees:
Under 12 years old: Free
13+ years old: $4/day
Trail Map: View Here
Martin Dies Jr. State Park, nestled on the eastern edge of Texas where two rivers converge, showcases rich wild, and diverse habitats. Hiking and paddling trails provide opportunities to delve into the forest both by land and shore. The Slough Trail and Forest Trail form a scenic 3-mile loop, guiding hikers through the forest, across bridges over small marshes, and under towering pines.
Houston's Hiking Terrain Awaits
Houston offers a diverse array of hiking trails! Whether you're a seasoned hiker or a beginner, the city and its surroundings have something to offer everyone. Lace up your boots and get ready to make more memories in the outdoors. Happy trails, Houston!
Did I miss one of your favorite Houston trails? Please leave it down in the comments and I’ll be sure to add it to the list!
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