ploddinTod

There seems to be more interest lately in the Lone Star Trail and I came across an interesting and informative journal with pictures that may help those wanting to hike the trail.
It's on www.trailjournals.com
Do a search at the top of the page for Nocona (thru-hiker's trail name). When her page loads, click on 2006. She just completed this hike a week or two ago, so it's hot off the press.
She's also completed thru-hikes of the PCT and the AT, which are also documented on this site.
I just thought I'd throw this out there for those that want more info on the LST, as the trail is underpublicized and underused but very well maintained. And now is the time of year to hike it......no bugs, no snakes, no heat and humidity. But that could all change tomorrow. Oh....the redbuds and dogwoods will soon be in bloom too.

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PloddinTod

CyberCelt

Thank you for posting this. I worked for the State tourism office in 2000 and did research on the LST. At that time, there was little or nothing. I am glad there is renewed interest in this trail...another Texan treasure.

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CyberCelt

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WestTexas

I've almost got all the GPS tracks done for the main trail (96 miles).

I'll be putting them up on www.everytrail.com when I get the last section done.

Rgds,
WestTexas

WestTexas

Well, it's a year later (Happy 2008 !) and we're planning on finishing up our last section, Magnolia Section (the Evergreen area on 150 through the Big Creek Scenic Area finishing at the end at the TH on 1725, about 26 miles total).

I was wondering if anyone had done this area lately, and if the little bridge over San Jacinto had been fixed.

Thanks in advance for any info.

Regards,
WT

WestTexas

It was just brought to my attention that the LSHT GPS trails I had on EveryTrail.com had disappeared. Just reloaded them labeled LSHT Part 1, Part 2, Part 3 and Part 4.

They are pretty accurate, I'd say about 95% due to changes in the trail over time due to flooding, forestry work, oil work, new developments, etc.

But they'll keep you pretty much on track and definitely keep you from getting lost.

Enjoy,
WT

hdbint

Thanks for the GPS info on LSHT. I've been looking for that for a while now. Keep us posted on your last leg hike.

WestTexas

Weather permitting, we'll be going in two weeks. I had read on the LSHT Yahoo forum that at least as of last October, there was a log a little upstream from the downed bridge over the east fork of the SanJac river.

WT

baytownbert

West Texas: How about an updater. I'm wanting to hike this entire trail in sections, starting at the Cleveland end.

WestTexas

We did finally do the last leg after much discussion about the crossing at the SanJac east fork. I had gone a few weeks prior, just after some pretty heavy rain. I shot some video, link below...

YouTube - Lone Star Hiking Trail: East Fork San Jacinto River

As you can see in that video, the river was pretty darn full, and running pretty hard. Hard to tell in the video, but the water was about 10-12 feet deep here, as the river trench is pretty deep. We went back about 48 hours later, and it was down about halfway, but no log crossings to be seen anywhere near. We actually stowed a cheap inflatable raft on one side to try the crossing with.

But when we came back a week later to do the actual hike, the river had gone down quite a bit and we did find a big log right just north of the old bridge. The water was pretty shallow, and we considered just fording it, but the issue was the mud. It wasn't a nice sandy bottom and felt like trying to slog through quicksand. And even with the log you have to get down one bank and up the other. Not too bad if it's been dry.

You can see that it will be a long, long time before they rebuild that bridge. It was a pretty significant structure and was totally wiped out during the big flood a few years ago.

After that, the rest of the hike was uneventful. But I'd watch the weather. The trail follows along the San Jac east fork for a ways after the bridge on the east side and if the water has been up, the trail can be swamped in a few areas for about a half mile or so.

TX

baytownbert

Well, that's a lot of good information. I bet right now that log is high and dry, as dry as it's been. I may just drive up there tomorrow and try to hike it. It's actually supposed to rain Wednesday and since the bottom end tends to get boggy, now is the time to knock-out that section.

I plan to walk all of in steps, as time permits. Thanks again.

Oh, I'll have to watch the video from home after I get in from work.

ploddinTod

I noticed that The Lone Star Trail: The Official Guide by Karen Somers is available on Amazon for pre-order. I believe the guides will start shipping in May. Karen is the hiker/journalist referenced above.

FYI

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PloddinTod

baytownbert

I think I'll get on the list. A person cannot have to much reference material.

WestTexas

That's great!! I pre-ordered two copies. She does a great job.