lost_but_found

Hi all,
I am looking for someone who has had some experience on the the Lone Star Trail and that knows the Richards Loop well. My girlfriend has insisted on going bping for v-day weekend. Still not sure if it is a set up or not, but I have backup plans anyway.

We just want to get about 15-20 miles in and would prefer a loop. If there is a more recommended section, please let me know. I know copuswalker has some good info (so cough it up buddy). But the LHST club site isn't much help and their maps are about as bad as guessing.

I appreciate any help offered!
Thanks,
Brett

copuswalker

Arghhh, Hack cough cough... All I can say is there appears to be many loops in the area. The national forest service at New Waverly has maps.. Don't know if REI has em? I hear the campsite at Lake Conroe is one of the nicest on the trail.
I have not been on that section in probably 20 years? And then I hiked with a six pack.
I agree about the help fprm the Lone Star folk. Never answerered one question for me?
I am going into Houston Today, Shortly I can pick up a map at New Waverly if you want to meet. Or I can drop it somewhere and you can pay me back sometime? Or you can borrow mine and send it back? My cell is 713-826-6959 or pager 713-612-2266 I will bring it with me and will be in town till after lunch.

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There are those that hike and those that don't and those that say they will but won't.

lost_but_found

I have to work all day. Could possibly meet around lunch. Are you going to REI by chance? I could meet you there around 11:30. Other than that, I am chained to a computer all day. If I don't hear back from you this morning, I will probably give you a call.

Thanks for the help!

ploddinTod

Brett, You've probably already read my mini trip report on the LST day hike I took. That was 7 miles but you guys could bypass the crossover trail and just keep hiking until you enter the Little Lake Creek Wilderness. It eventually loops around and reconnects with the main trail for at least a total mileage of 15 miles. The problem that I think you will encounter is some serious standing water from all the recent rains (some of this area is very low). But you can't really get lost on this trail as it is very well marked ( 2 X 4 inch aluminum strips). Mile markers are in place so you know how far you've travelled. So the worst case scenerio is that you get turned back by calf high standing water, although you may choose to trudge on through.
Well, that's a little bit of insight anyway. Congrats on getting the young lady out on the trail with a backpack. Hope this helps and if you have any other questions, ask away.
P.S. You may see signs of equestrian activity in spots (yeah, I mean horse droppings). That's a no-no since this is a hiker trail only.

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PloddinTod

ploddinTod

I pulled out my copy of Mildred Little's "Hiking and Backpacking Trails of Texas" and found that the high water that I encountered while in the Little Lake Creek Wilderness was shortly after I had accessed the loop from a trailhead on Hwy 149. So, Brett, if you are hiking south or southeast from the Richards Trailhead, it should be a ways before you encounter standing water, certainly well beyond the section that I completed in January.
There are some frog ponds in the area around which you may spot wildlife in the evening or early morning. FYI

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PloddinTod

lost_but_found

I am a little weary on going at the moment. We both have dogs that must either be watched, or taken with (which I am never keen on). And it has become a problem finding someone to watch them. Plus the weather is supposed to be a little wet this weekend. Looking around still, and trying to decide what to do. She really wants to go, but we are both aprhensive about taking the dogs and cold wet conditions. Hopefully I will know for sure by tonight.

Thanks for all the help by the way!