A Dozen Underrated Hikes Around Houston to Explore

Lace up your boots and hit these lush hikes just a short drive from Space City.

We get it: Hiking isn’t typically the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Houston. While our dear city is surprisingly heavy on parks and green spaces, it’s also flatter than a Dr. Pepper that's been open all night. That does not mean there aren’t some pretty epic natural escapes within spitting distance, however (and by spitting distance, we mean around two hours or less from the city). The 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. Lace up those hiking boots and hit these 12 striking and serene trails near Houston.

Sam Houston National Forest
Distance from Houston: 67 miles
Winding for 129 miles through the largest national forest in Texas, the wondrous, relatively flat Lone Star Hiking Trail is probably not one you’re going to conquer in a day. Rocking soaring pines and live oaks, swampy bayous, and easy crossing bridges, the tremendous footpath is carved into three main sections where you can pick your poison: the 40-mile Lake Conroe run with four loops stretching from Richards, TX to the north end of the lake; the Central Area running 60 miles around the Stubblefield Recreation Area, Huntsville State Park, Four Notch (with the popular 9.2-mile Four Notch Loop), and Evergreen, TX; and the 27-mile Winters Bayou/Tarkington Creek Area, which rocks National Recreation Trail status. Find your unicorn trailhead via the guides and maps on the Lone Star Trails Hiking Club.

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. Note: Dogs (on leash) are only allowed on the west side of the park, not in the botanic gardens.

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 to peep the remnants of the 2015 Hidden Pines Wildfire. For an easier hike with less elevation, try 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. There are also guided hikes with tours from Master Naturalists. Got a long weekend? Reserve a cabin or pack a tent for prime views under the stars; and if you’re visiting in warmer months, don’t forget your swimsuit for a jump in the 30-acre lake.

Spanish moss in trees at Lake Somerville State Park Nails Creek, Texas. | Getty Images/Ralph Barrera

Lake Somerville State Park
Distance from Houston: 105 mi
Head Northwest of Houston to find Lake Somerville State Park; then set out on the Cedar Creek loop and stop at Lake Somerville for a relaxing swim, or choose any of the 9 other trailways to wander. The park is bustling with wildlife including white-tailed deer, foxes, coyotes, bobcats, river otters, and yes, gators (so keep your distance). Springtime visits to the park are especially memorable as the wildflowers bloom; but no matter when you go, do knock one off the Houston bucket lists by popping into Blue Bell Creamery in Brenham for a taste of Texas’ most beloved ice cream.

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.

An egret walks through a flooded field at a closed Stephen F. Austin State Park along the Brazos River west of Houston, Thursday, June 2, 2016. | Photo by Mark Mulligan/Houston Chronicle via Getty Images

Bastrop State Park
Distance from Houston: 130 miles
Legitimately rising from the ashes after sustaining forest fire and flood damage in recent years, Bastrop State Park is a 660-acre getaway that’s home to the famous Lost Pines. The 13-mile forest of 18,000-year-old loblolly pines and hardwoods sits 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 use the inset trail map to explore the park’s hills, meander by the lake, and bask in serene 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.

galveston island state park sign
Photo by Travelviews/Getty Images

Galveston Island State Park
Distance from Houston: 58 miles
There’s something for everyone at Galveston Island State Park. Thrill seekers can make contact with gators on Alligator Loop, an easy one-miler that meanders around one of the park’s many freshwater ponds. If you’re not up for the spook, Prairie Trail is another popular footslog, giving you a glimpse into the island’s history as prairie land was once its main habitat. The 3.3 mile loop is open-year round. Bird watchers will want to take the Clapper Trail to catch birds wading along the bayous, and there are paddling trails, wetland walks, and more hiking loops to hit up, too.

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.

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Brooke Viggiano is a Houston-based writer whose work has been published across the internet and in print with Thrillist, Chron, Houstonia, Houston Press and 365 Houston. When not searching every corner of Houston for the unicorn cool-but-not-too-cool patio bar, you can find her sharing her breakfast on Instagram @brookiefafa or on Twitter @brookeviggiano.

Jupiter Contreras contributed to this article.