Winter Hiking? - Wild Texas Forums: Parks, Travel & Recreation

mickf66 · 11-15-2006, 09:45 AM

Hello, I am kinda new to the Houston area and was wondering where to hike in the winter during hunting season. I am looking for some day hikes somewhat close to Houston where my wife and I won't get shot at! We haven't been out anywhere since we've moved here, so all suggestions are welcome.

Thanks in advance! (great site by the way)

mickey

Shannon · 11-15-2006, 11:29 AM

Brazos Bend State Park is one. Access [i]is[/is] restricted for a couple weeks in the fall for hunting season, but I wouldn't rule it out entirely. For example, the first week's closure is almost done (November 13-17, 2006) and the only other one is December 4-8, 2006.

For all Texas State Parks and Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs), do check TPWD's Calendar for parks with restricted access before heading out to a park during hunting season: TPWD Calendar: Restricted Access

I don't live in the Houston area so I'm not a fount of information on that area. Others can fill in the copious gaps I've left by recommending only a single park.

ploddinTod · 11-16-2006, 03:41 PM

Lake Houston Park, recently transferred from the TPW to the City of Houston, is one of my favorite parks for hiking during hunting season. Take US 59 NE to the New Caney exit and follow the signs.

The park used to allow hunting on certain dates and closed the hiking trails then. But I'm not sure that the City of Houston is going to continue that. Soooo, happy trails.

mickf66 · 11-17-2006, 02:36 PM

Thanks for the replies! I saw that Lake Houston trail, and it is very close to where I live. It is scenic at all, or is it mainly swampy woods? It just looks a little claustrophobic on their website, but we still might give it a try. glad to hear the good report for it!

I talked to the ranger station for the Double Lake hiking trail, and they said that they do not allow hunters within 150 yards of their trails. That's not much comfort, except for the fact that hopefully the hunters go farther back into the woods by this time in the season. We may have to chance it.

Thanks and God bless!

mickey

ploddinTod · 11-17-2006, 03:42 PM

For the most part I found the trails wide enough that two could walk side by side. And they're graded and raised in most spots for hiking and biking. I remember a boardwalk or two for areas that get real swampy.

There's a nice foot bridge over Peach Creek and the trails terminate on the banks of the San Jac River. The trails are a series of intersecting loops, so you can plan your own mileage. They even built some benches along the trail for rest stops.

The people that I've taken out there before have really enjoyed themselves.

Call the office for current trail conditions, if you like. (281)354-6881

And if you go, report back and let us know how you liked it.

copuswalker · 11-18-2006, 11:33 AM

Huntsville state park has a nice 7 mile loop around the lake>> most State parks should be "hunter" safe. They do sometimes open for hunts so check first!!