Everyone needs to escape the city occasionally, walk in the wilds for while, recharge, and get some fresh air and sunshine. There are a surprising number of beautiful trails near Houston providing you with ample opportunities to get back to nature. Here are our picks for the five best hikes in the Houston area.
Karankawa And Armand Bayou Martyn Trails
One of the best hiking spots in Houston is the Karankawa and Armand Bayou Martyn trails, which boast more than five miles of adventure. Explore all the ecosystems Houston has to offer, from the forest to the prairie and bayou. While you’re out there, don’t miss the stunning beauty of the prairie’s wildflowers.
Bay Area Park
At the southeast end of downtown Houston, you will find Bay Area Park, a great spot to get away without going too far. Flagstone trails through the woodland offer beautiful views of the Armand Bayou, while the gazebo and Oasis garden provides the perfect place to sit, relax, read a book, or simply take in the stunning scenery. Turn your visit into a day trip by bringing a picnic to enjoy by the duck pond.
Brazos Bend State Park
With 4,897-acres of state park just a short drive to the southwest of the city, it’s well worth a trip out to Needville. The park is adjacent to Elm Lake as well as 40 Acre Lake, providing both woodland and water to enjoy. It’s a great place for a good hike, with a 15.8-mile loop trail. Keep an eye out for the many different species of birds that thrive in the park’s wetlands, and enjoy the sounds of nature all around you. The park is also dog-friendly (although your canine companion will need to stay on their leash).
Challenger Seven Memorial Park
A relatively small but beautiful spot on the southeast edge of town, Challenger Seven Memorial Park was named for the brave astronauts who lost their lives in the Challenger disaster of 1986. It has 326 acres of gorgeous green, including nature trails, and offers one of the best spots for hiking inside the city. Pavilions overlooking the water offer a relaxing spot to sit and enjoy the view or spend time with family and friends. Beautiful, large trees provide plenty of shade for escaping from the heat.
Houston Arboretum & Nature Center
Offering both special events and nine trails that allow you to embark on a self-guided adventure, the Houston Arboretum and Nature Center is a great spot. Don’t miss the Outer Loop trail offering two miles of beautiful walking and space for peaceful reflection, and the multi-sensory 1/3 mile Palmetto trail which is perfect for kids and a little sightseeing. Observation decks provide great places for watching wildlife, including small mammals, birds, turtles, fish, bullfrogs, and more.
With so many beautiful hiking spots in and around Houston, there’s no reason you can’t spend at least a little time in the great outdoors every day.
Image by Free-Photos, used under CCO 1.0
Warranties include 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain and 5-year/60,000-mile basic. All warranties and roadside assistance are limited. See retailer for warranty details.