7 Scenic Hikes Near Houston

Houston, Texas, is famous for its space exploration, but take your eyes off the sky for a minute, and you’ll find some different kinds of trails to blaze. Though the Houston area is rather flat, what it lacks in elevation, it more than makes up for in scenery. From the coastal terrain to the fastest trail in Texas, the Houston’s hiking trails flaunt gator-filled ponds and quirky art installations.

Embark on an expedition and plant your own flag on the best hiking trails near Houston:

Lake Houston

Image caption: Via mc2architects.com

25840 FM 1485

New Caney, TX 77357

(832) 395-7690

Houston’s trails have the dimensions of a pancake, so you won’t find ultra-challenging hikes in the area. But just because the Forest Trail may not have hills, don’t let it fool you. It’s nearly 10 miles long, so your calves are definitely in for a workout. Feel the burn on this lengthy trail, which meanders through the forest and around a swamp.

Brazos Bend State Park

Image caption: Via visithoustontexas.com

21901 FM 762 Rd

Needville, TX 77461

(979) 553-5102

Looking to clock your speed? Brazos Bend 100 hosts a 100 mile-run each year for the ultimate challenge. Caroline Boller set the record for the fastest trail run in the US—50 miles in 5:49:01. If a brisk trot is more your speed, hit up Elm Lake Loop Trail. It’s only 1.7 miles around the water, and yes, that lake is swarming with gators.

Buffalo Bayou

Image caption: Via houstonpublicmedia.org

1800 Allen Pkwy & Memorial Drive

Houston, TX 77019

(713) 752-0314

When you fancy a more city-style hike, hit the pavement in Buffalo Bayou, which has 15 miles of urban trails. Search for the bat colony that lives under Waugh Drive Bridge and go on a quest to find the famous Red Button on Preston Street Bridge. No one can resist pressing a big red button, so go on, click it. The whimsical art installation creates bubbles in the water to aerate it, which locals call burping the bayou.

Big Thicket National Preserve

Image caption: Via texashillcountry.com

FM 420

Kountze, TX 77625

(409) 951-6800

Get into the thick of it in Big Thicket. Home to 40 miles of trails, this forest region is considered one of the most biodiverse areas outside of the tropics. Skip along Sundew Trail to see some wildflowers and longleaf pines and trek Kirby Nature Trail for some epic birdwatching. There are traditional hiking trails at Big Thicket, but you’re also encouraged to mix it up on the water with kayak paddling trails.

Houston Arboretum & Nature Center

Image caption: Via houstoniamag.com

4501 Woodway Drive

Houston, TX 77024

(713) 681-8433

Sometimes you’ve got to stop and smell the flowers. Forget strenuous hikes—mosey along one of the many trails at the arboretum instead. Take a stroll along the Carol Tatkon Sensory Garden and give the Biomimicry Trail a whirl for a peaceful and educational experience.

Sam Houston National Forest

Image caption: Via itsnothouitsme.com

394 FM 1375

New Waverly, TX 77358

(936) 344-6205

Eying the Appalachian or Pacific Crest Trail? Texans like to break in their boots on the Lone Star Trail, which is a great introduction for those legendary hikes. This 129-mile trail winds through the Sam Houston National Forest and is the longest continuous hiking trail in the state. Stick around for a spell—primitive camping is allowed any time except during hunting season.

San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge

Image caption: Via fws.gov

6801 County Rd 306

Brazoria, TX 77422

(979) 964-3639

Cruise 70 miles south of Houston and we promise the trip will be so worth it. Hoof it on the San Bernard Oak Trail. It may be short (only 1.25 miles) but it offers a quiet retreat through the wetlands, where you’ll come face to face with the Texas Champion Live Oak. This old timer has a circumference of 32.2 feet and is between 200 and 300 years old!

Whether you venture down the road less traveled, or go for the one that sparks your interest, you’ll be living the good life when you put on your explorer’s hat and see what’s out there.