Heading to Houston, Texas is a great opportunity to make the most of city-center fun. It’s also a chance to embrace nature at its best if you happen to love hiking and are looking for nearby trails to explore for a hike’s journey. The following stops are must-visit routes when you’re ready to focus on hiking fun and head to Houston in style.
Day 1: Explore and Hike Lake Houston Wilderness Park
A mere 32 miles from the center of Houston, those who head to Lake Houston Wilderness Park will feel they’re worlds away when they arrive for a day of hiking fun. This area is known and loved for its lush terrain and over 5,000 acres of landscape to explore sitting at the northern edge of the lake itself. A hiking experience here can be a great way to balance out the hustle and bustle of city fun and many hikers are thrilled by the scenic 20 miles and more of trails that wind their way through this inviting wilderness park. Whether you check them all out or pick and choose, you’ll be glad you did.
Day 2: Trek Through the Armand Bayou Nature Center
You’ll only have to head 26 miles out of town to access one of the country’s largest urban wilderness preserves known as the Armand Bayou Nature Center just outside of Houston. This is a hiking mecca of fun for adventurers who are looking to explore the Bay Area and trek through 2,500 acres of scenic terrain. A trip this way offers up five miles of hiking trails to follow and learn on independently. If you’re looking for more insight, the nature center offers guided night hike options as well upon request and bat hikes for immersing yourself in education about the unique wildlife species that inhabit the ecosystems here. From spotting armadillos to alligators, there’s no shortage of options for adventure when you set your hiking sights on this nature center.
Day 3: Bask in the Hiking Fun at Brazos Bend State Park
Hiking enthusiasts will be delighted to find they can easily trek their way to fun in Brazos Bend State Park no more than 45 miles outside of central Houston. You’ll travel less than an hour to reach this scenic and inspiring stop that hosts 37 miles of tantalizing trails to explore as well as an observatory to check out. As you walk through Brazos Bend State Park, you’ll be treated to ever-changing terrain that transitions from woodland and prairie to marsh in a minute. This state park is brimming over with wildlife-watching opportunities that make hiking here even more thrilling.
Day 4: Experience Hiking Through the Sam Houston National Forest for Yourself
In total, the Sam Houston National Forest encompasses an impressive 163,000 acres of National Forest ground, making it well worth the 50-mile journey to explore it for yourself. Many hikers are stunned to learn that this National Forest within reach of Houston actually spans three counties, and many experts believe the area was housing tribes as far back as 12,000 years ago. It’s an area rich in history and wildlife that provides visitors with over 128 miles to explore along the captivating Lone Star Trail. This is one you won’t want to miss.
Day 5: Enjoy Hiking Memorial Park
If you’re looking to stay closer to the city center but still want to add hiking adventures to your Houston getaway, be sure to set your sights on Memorial Park. Just 4.7 miles from downtown, this park offers hikers access to 10 miles of trails over 1,500 acres of land. Situated west of downtown, Memorial Park is known to be twice the size of New York City’s Central Park and has a rich history dating back to World War I when it was utilized as a training camp. There are several different rail systems that run through Memorial Park thanks to its unique past and a hike through the park offers up an opportunity to check out breathtaking flora and fauna along the way.
Day 6: Make Time to Hike Through Buffalo Bayou Park
Another great option when you’re looking for a Hike’s Journey in Houston but don’t want to travel far is Buffalo Bayou Park. This park hosts 160 acres of scenic nature to explore and is a popular hiking spot with good reason. The green spaces are gorgeous, and the trails total up to about 15 miles of trekking opportunities on-site. The park is currently being expanded, which is exciting for future hiking excursions this way. There are side trip opportunities at Buffalo Bayou Park to see inspiring wildlife like the Mexican free-tailed bats as well as options to stop at a historic water cistern system that dates back to 1926. Just 1.5 miles from downtown, this park and hiking experience is always well within reach.
Book Your Houston Adventure Today
Enjoy every minute in Houston whether you’re here to hike or explore it all and make sure you have luxurious accommodations to match when you book through Porter. Reach out today to learn more about our exciting and inviting vacation rental options in the city and how we can help you elevate your Texas stay!
