When most people think of Houston, Texas, they think of space exploration, energy production, and the Houston Astros. As a city of 88 super neighborhoods, Houston, TX, has so much more to offer, especially when it comes to the great outdoors.
There are more than 100 hiking trails in Houston, each one offering unique sights, sounds, and experiences. Additionally, each trail is set at a different level of difficulty, ensuring that there’s a perfect trail for every hiker.
Peach Creek Trail at Lake Houston Wilderness Park
Located just 30 minutes from downtown Houston, Lake Houston Wilderness Park is a popular hiking area for locals and tourists alike. In total, there are seven hiking trails in Lake Houston Wilderness Park, the longest one being 9.6 miles and the shortest being just a mile.
Of all the trails inside the park, the Peach Creek Trail is the most popular. As the name implies, it runs alongside the peaceful and serene Peach Creek–so you’re in for some killer views on your ride. It’s a fairly easy route that’s open to hikers, bikers, and runners. If you’re feeling ambitious, however, and want to go on a longer hike, the Ameri Trail Forest Loop is 9.6 miles and is nearly as popular as the Peach Creek Trail.
- Level of Difficulty: Easy
- Duration: 4.2 miles
- Parking Options Nearby: On-site
- Is the Trail Dog-Friendly?: Yes, but dogs must remain on a leash
- Is the Trail Bike Friendly?: Yes
- Admission Fees: $3 for adults
Armand Bayou Trail at Armand Bayou Nature Center
Whether you’re training for a 5k or simply want to go for a long walk in nature, the Armand Bayou Nature Center is a great place to do it. There are three trail options in the nature area: the Armand Bayou Lady Bird, Karankawa, and Martin Loop.
At just 3 miles long and only 19 feet of elevation gain, the Armand Bayou trail is great for hikers of all experience levels. Although easy, this trail is also rewarding as it offers beautiful views of the Bayou while providing a large sample of the wildlife in the area, including white-tailed deer, birds, and more.
- Level of Difficulty: Easy
- Duration: 3 miles
- Parking Options Nearby: Parking on-site
- Is the Trail Dog-Friendly?: No
- Is the Trail Bike Friendly?: No
- Admission Fees: $7 for adults
George Bush Park Hike and Bike Trail
Just outside of the Houston city limits on the west side of town, you’ll find George Bush Park, which is home to the George Bush Park Hike and Bike Trail. The park is a great way to get out of the hustle and bustle of the big city and delve into nature.
The George Bush Park Hike and Bike Trail is 10.6 miles long, and most people hike small portions of it at a time. The trail is also open to bikers and runners and is one of the more popular all-purpose trails in the Houston area.
After your hike, you can head into the George Bush Presidential Center, which is located on the same property!
- Level of Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Duration: 10.6 miles
- Parking Options Nearby: On-site parking
- Is the Trail Dog-Friendly?: Yes, if kept on a leash
- Is the Trail Bike Friendly?: Yes
- Admission Fees: None
Memorial Park Trails – Seymour Lieberman Exercise Trail
With more than 10,000 reviews on All Trails, Memorial Park is easily the most popular outdoor and hiking area in Houston. In addition to offering plenty of outdoor sports, picnic areas, and grassy areas, Memorial Park is filled with miles of hiking trails. Plus, Houston and all that the downtown area has to offer is just a ten-minute drive away if you want to do some shopping and grab lunch after your hike.
While there are more than a dozen trails in Memorial Park, the Seymour Lieberman Exercise Trail is the most popular. The trail encircles the Memorial Park Golf Course and Sports Complex and is a great option for hiking, running, or getting some fresh air with the family. Not to mention, the trail is stroller-friendly.
- Level of Difficulty: Easy
- Duration: 3 miles
- Parking Options Nearby: On-site parking
- Is the Trail Dog-Friendly?: Yes
- Is the Trail Bike Friendly?: No
- Admission Fees: None
Houston Arboretum & Nature Center Trail Loop
If you want to enjoy one of the shorter Houston hiking trails surrounded by flowers, water, and wildlife, the Houston Arboretum and Nature Center Trail Loop is the perfect option. In addition to being one of the more beautiful trails in the area, the Houston Arboretum and Nature Center is a 155-acre urban sanctuary that’s popular with birders.
- Level of Difficulty: Easy
- Duration: 2.3 miles
- Parking Options Nearby: On-site parking
- Is the Trail Dog-Friendly?: Yes, if dogs are kept on a leash
- Is the Trail Bike Friendly?: No
- Admission Fees: No admission fees, but there is a $5 parking fee
The Quail Trail at Terry Hershey Park
Located just south of Interstate 10, Terry Hershey Park has been a hotspot for hikers and bikers, as well as for families wanting to spend the day out in nature. The park offers more than 13 miles of paved trails that are open to hikers, runners, bikers, road cyclists, and more.
While there are nine trail loops to choose from, the Quail Trail is the most popular and encompasses several of the smaller trails. Additionally, you can take the Buffalo Bayou Bike Trail all the way from Terry Hershey Park to George Bush Park, which is located adjacent to the park!
- Level of Difficulty: Moderate
- Duration: 10 miles
- Is the Trail Dog-Friendly?: Yes, if dogs are on a leash
- Is the Trail Bike Friendly?: Yes
- Admission Fees: None
Buffalo Bayou Loop at Buffalo Bayou Park
Also known as the Sandy Reed Memorial Trail, the Buffalo Bayou Loop is located in Buffalo Bayou Park. The trail is wide and scenic and runs on either side of the Buffalo Bayou. If you want to do the full loop, you can cross two bridges.
In addition to being a popular area for hikers, bikers, and runners, the Buffalo Bayou Loop is a great place to bring the whole family. There’s a natural play area for kids, plenty of picnic spots, public art on display, gardens to tour, and more. There are even bike rentals, food trucks, and a boat launch area for canoeing and kayaking.
- Level of Difficulty: Easy
- Duration: 5.4 miles
- Parking Options Nearby: Yes
- Is the Trail Dog-Friendly?: Yes, if dogs are kept on a leash
- Is the Trail Bike Friendly?: Yes
- Admission Fees: None
Elm and Horshoe Lake Loop at Brazos Bend State Park
If you want to get out of the city and really immerse yourself in nature, Brazos Bend State Park is the place to do it. Located along the Brazos River and with more than 20 hiking trails stretching nearly 50 miles, there are plenty of options to choose from.
If you’re only going to do one hike in Brazos Bend, we recommend doing the Elm and Horseshoe Lake Loop. This trail includes the Elm and Horseshoe sections, which are two of the most scenic and beautiful trails in the park. This loop encircles all of Elm Lake and crosses part of Pilant Lake. While it’s popular for birders (and those wanting to see a Bald Eagle), there are also gators in the area, so watch out and keep your pets and little ones close by!
- Level of Difficulty: Easy
- Duration: 4.2 miles
- Parking Options Nearby: Yes
- Is the Trail Dog-Friendly?: Yes, if dogs are on a leash
- Is the Trail Bike Friendly?: Yes (Horses are also permitted)
- Admission Fees: $7
Lone Star Hiking Trail at Sam Houston National Forest
If you want to take hiking to the next level, you need to check out Sam Houston National Forest. Sam Houston National Forest is adjacent to Huntsville State Park, and both areas are absolutely packed with nature trails.
While there are more than 40 hiking trails in Sam Houston National Forest, the pinnacle of the park is the Lone Star Hiking Trail. This 92-mile hiking trail is one of the most popular among long-distance hikers who want to spend several days or weeks in nature.
- Level of Difficulty: Difficult
- Duration: 92.4
- Parking Options Nearby: At various trailheads along the trail
- Is the Trail Dog-Friendly?: Yes, if your dog is on a leash
- Is the Trail Bike Friendly?: Yes
- Admission Fees: None
Final Thoughts
If you recently moved to Houston and love nature, the good news is that there are plenty of great hiking trails in the area.
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