Houston may be known for its sprawling cityscape and oil industry, but it also boasts an impressive park system and some of the best hiking in Texas.

There's no question that Houston is a massive city, but don't let that stop you from exploring everything it offers! One of the best ways to experience Houston is by hitting the trails.

Whether you're looking for a rigorous hike or a leisurely stroll, Houston has something for everyone. Tie your shoe laces up and get ready to explore some of the best trails Houston has to offer!

Buffalo Bayou Loop

This 4.78-mile loop is one of the most popular trails in Houston. It takes you through some of the city's most scenic areas, including Buffalo Bayou Park and Memorial Park. This trail, which stretches from Shepherd Drive to Sabine Street, is a fantastic urban park. It comprises 160 acres of grasslands and wooded areas, with a gentle slope that's perfect for an easy stroll or a significant trek.

Elm Lake Loop Trail

For good reason, this 2.11-mile loop is one of Houston's most popular trails, wherein you'll be rewarded with views of Elm Lake. This is a multi-purpose, wide wide gravel path around a lake that can accommodate a large number of people so there isn't much crowding. Inside Brazos Bend State Park, the loop goes around Elm Lake, then a small babbling brook. The trail is mostly flat with a few gentle hills, making it great for all skill levels. Plus there is plenty of wildlife in the area. 

Houston Arboretum and Nature Center

                           The Arboretum is a 155-acre nature preserve located just inside the 610 Loop near Memorial Park. The nature center offers five miles of hiking trails that wind through forests, wetlands, and meadows. It's a fantastic location to visit if you want to be in nature since it also includes special botanical gardens such as the Sensory Garden, Wildlife Garden, and Hummingbird & Butterfly Garden.

Peach Creek Trail

The trail is rated as moderate and offers views of Peach Creek and the surrounding forest. Peach Creek is roughly a 5-mile walk and is part of the greater Lake Houston Wilderness Park. 

Sundew Trail - Big Thicket

One of the most popular trails in Big Thicket National Preserve, the Sundew Trail is a great place to see some of the area's diverse plant and animal life. The 1-mile loop winds through a variety of ecosystems, including longleaf pines, summer wildflowers, birds, and the tiny red sundew plants.

Green Ridge Trail

This beautiful trail is located near Houston, Texas. It's a great option for a shorter hike, at just over two miles long. This route goes through wooded areas along the northern bank of a broad creek. There are numerous altitude gains, but they aren't particularly difficult.

White Oak Bayou Trail

                           White Oak Bayou Trail is one of the best hiking trails in Houston. It is an 8.4-mile out-and-back trail that starts at Harris County and ends at White Oak Bayou Greenway Trailhead. The White Oak Bayou Greenway also connects to the Houston Heights Hike and Bike Trail three times, going through the historic Heights and Woodland Heights neighborhoods. This trail is mostly flat with some small hills. 

There are several beautiful locations along the route, as well as many parks, including major linear parks that border the main channel and some tributaries, which provide excellent possibilities for bird viewing and other outdoor activities.

Terry Hershey Hike and Bike Trail

The Terry Hershey Park Hike & Bike Trail is an east-west route along the banks of the Buffalo Bayou in western Houston, Texas. The park is home to more than 10 miles of trails, some of which are paved. The majority of the Terry Hershey Park's trails are shared-use pathways for road cycling, jogging, and walking. This trail is the most direct way to link different pathways in the park, allowing for a long and pleasant walk. The park also has restrooms, exercise equipment, and picnic areas.

Lone Star Hiking Trail

This roughly 96-mile trail traverses the Sam Houston National Forest. The longest continuous footpath in Texas and considered a challenging route, it will take an average of 34 hours to complete this trail. The terrain is varied and includes everything from pine forests to wetlands. There are also several lakes and streams along the way, making it a great place to spot wildlife. The best thing is that it is open all year round and is great for different activities such as backpacking, camping, and hiking.

Bay Area Park Loop

The best part about Bay Area Park is that it offers something for everyone. There are hiking trails, a fishing pier, bird-watching spots, and even an outdoor fitness center. The park also has a playground and picnic tables, making it the perfect place to bring the family for a day of fun. With its lush landscaping and scenic views, the park is a great place to spend an afternoon. And because it’s so close to downtown Houston, you can easily make a day trip out of it.

Challenger Seven Park Loop

                           The Challenger Seven Park pays homage to the fallen astronauts of the Space Shuttle Challenger with a short but challenging 1.6-mile loop hike. The trailhead is located at the intersection of Nasa Road 1 and FM 528 in Clear Lake City. From the trailhead, follow the red blazes as the trail loops around a small pond before climbing a short, steep hill. The trail then levels out and winds through woods and open fields before reaching another small pond. Continuing on, the trail climbs another hill before descending to a boardwalk that takes you through wetlands teeming with wildlife. The final section of the hike takes you back to the beginning of the loop.

Mayde Creek North Hike & Bike Trail

Mayde Creek North Hike & Bike Trail is a great option for those looking for an easy to moderate hike in Houston. The trail is 1.3 miles long and features gorgeous views of the Mayde Creek. The trail is also great for bird watching, as there are many different species of birds that can be seen along the way. The park contains a play area and picnic tables. The route leaves the park and wanders west along the creek.

Conclusion

If you're looking for a new and exciting hike to explore in the Houston area, be sure to check out one of these trails. With something for everyone, these hikes are sure to get your heart rate up and provide some amazing views. What are you waiting for? Get outdoors and explore!