Hit These 10 Underrated Hikes Around Houston
Lace up your boots and hit these lush hikes in and around Space City.
When you think of Houston, hiking isn’t typically the first thing that comes to mind. We get it. Our city—while surprisingly heavy on parks and green spaces—is super flat. But don’t take that to mean there aren’t some pretty epic natural escapes within spitting distance (and by spitting distance, we mean around two hours or less from the city). Our local topography is a vast network of marshes, forested land, swamps, and prairies just begging to be unearthed. All you need to do is pack some water and hiking gear; pick up some Buc-ee’s jerky on the way if you know what’s good for you; and explore these awesome day trip–worthy treks.
Looking for scenic trails to conquer within the city limits? We’ve got those, too including Buffalo Bayou Park and Terry Hershey Park, among other beauts. So lace up those hiking boots and hit these great trails in Houston.
Mercer Botanic Garden and Arboretum
Distance from Houston: 25 miles
The Arboretum Loop is a shaded, leisurely, and accessible 2.4-mile trail at the 250-acre Mercer Botanic Garden and Arboretum in Humble. The park sits along Cypress Creek and hosts a butterfly house, picnic areas, and restrooms. Leave time in your visit to stop by the botanic gardens to check out the nationally recognized collection of native and cultivated plants and florals. Admission is free and kids are welcome, but leave your pups at home for this one.
Buescher State Park
Distance from Houston: 122 mi
Load up the car, drive west for a couple of hours, and get lost on the trails at Buescher State Park in Smithville. The 4-mile round trip Pine Gulch Trail is our pick for one of the best. Navigate the hills under towering loblolly pines for a glimpse of the remnants of the 2015 Hidden Pines Wildfire. For an easier hike with less elevation, check out the heavily shaded Winding Woodland trail. Make sure to stop by and visit the Big Tree– it’s a former state champion and still going strong. Got a long weekend? Pack a tent or reserve a cabin and spend the night. Don’t forget your swimsuit– the 30-acre lake is perfect for cooling off on a sunny spring day.
Lake Somerville State Park
Distance from Houston: 105 mi
Northwest of Houston find Lake Somerville State Park. Set out on the Cedar Creek loop and stop at Lake Somerville for a relaxing swim, or choose any of the 9 other trail ways and get “lost”. Spring visits to the park are especially memorable as the wildflowers bloom, so don’t forget to pack your camera! The park is bustling with wildlife including white-tailed deer, foxes, coyotes, bobcats, and even river otters. Like most places in East Texas, there are gators out here, so be mindful and keep your distance. Stop by the Blue Bell Creamery in Brenham on your way in and stock up on some pre-hike fuel in the form of ice cream. If you decide to stop again on your way home? We promise we won’t judge you.
Lake Houston Wilderness Park
Distance from Houston: 32 miles
If you don’t believe Houston is pretty, head up to the lush woods surrounding Lake Houston in New Caney. On the northern edge of the lake, you’ll find the heavily forested nearly 5,000-acre expanse known as Lake Houston Wilderness Park. A slice of serenity just a quick ride from the Big City, the park rocks overnight camping opportunities like super cute A-Frames and 20-plus miles of trails to get lost (hopefully metaphorically) in.
Huntsville State Park
Distance from Houston: 65 miles
The Chinquapin Trail is one of the best ways to experience Huntsville State Park. This 6.9-mile roundtrip trail takes you around Lake Raven for the full experience of the park’s terrain. Wildflowers adorn the trails in the spring, creating a beautiful escape from city life. If that’s not your vibe there are 5 other trails of various lengths and difficulties to choose from. Dominated by gorgeous loblolly pine and shortleaf pine trees and brimming with 218 species of birds, animal friends from white-tailed deer to armadillos—plus some alligators on the lake– this park is teeming with opportunities to give your senses a break from the hustle of the city. Before you head back to the city, take a 15-minute detour into Huntsville and grab a baked potato from Potato Shack. IYKYK.
Armand Bayou Nature Center
Distance from Houston: 26 miles
Did you know one of the country's largest urban wilderness preserves sits right over in the Bayport Area? That’d be the Armand Bayou Nature Center, in all of its 2,500-acre glory. Break a sweat on the Karankawa Trail leading to the bayou, or choose your own adventure on any of the nature center’s four other introspective trails. Try out the guided night hikes and bat hikes, or just visit to get some steps in amongst the ‘dillos and gators.
Bastrop State Park
Distance from Houston: 130 miles
Bastrop SP is a 660-acre getaway (which is literally rising from the ashes after sustaining forest fire and flood damage in recent years) is home to the famous Lost Pines. The 13-mile forest containing 18,000-year-old loblolly pines and hardwoods is over 100 miles from the Piney Woods, which covers nearly 55,000-square-miles of East Texas, Southern Arkansas, Western Louisiana, and Southeastern Oklahoma. Get exploring, and be sure to snag a few panoramic selfies at stunning lookout points like Fehr’s Overlook. Hop on Tree Army Trails and create your own adventure, using the inset trail map to explore the park’s hills, meander by the lake and take in the views.
Stephen F. Austin State Park
Distance From Houston: 50 miles
For a bit of isolation without the travel, venture out to this peaceful 12-acre park located just outside of town on the Brazos River. The site is home to Texas’ first colony, where Stephen F. Austin—a.k.a. Big Daddy (okay, fine, a.k.a. The Father of Texas)—settled with the Old Three Hundred under a contract with the Mexican government. Stroll along the Brazos River on the Brazos Bottom Trail or relive fourth grade Texas History class on any of the 9 other hike and bike trails on site.
Angelina National Forest
Distance from Houston:135 miles
One of four national forests in the Lone Star State, Angelina offers more than 153,000 acres of gently rolling terrain right on the shores of the 114,500-acre Sam Rayburn Reservoir (fishing enthusiasts take note). Longleaf pine, loblolly, and shortleaf pine trees provide much-needed shade throughout the expanse. Stretch your legs along the five-and-a-half-mile Sawmill Hiking Trail, where a spur near the middle leads to an abandoned sawmill site.
Davy Crockett National Forest
Distance from Houston:130 miles
Named for (most likely) the only Davy Crockett you know, this East Texas national forest spans over 160,000 acres within the Neches and Trinity River basins, rocking sky-scraping pines, boggy swamps, and primo hiking trails (including one for horseback riders). Gear up for the 20-mile-long Four C National Recreation Trail off Ratcliff Lake, or head out to the hardwood-draped Big Slough Wilderness area.