
Hiking & Outdoor Adventures Nearby in Houston, Texas, United States
1. Sam Houston National Forest
Enjoy a variety of trails through dense forest and wetlands, spot wildlife like deer and armadillos.
- Forest Size: Covers over 150,000 acres, offering numerous hiking opportunities.
- Wildlife Observation: Home to a diverse range of wildlife, making it ideal for nature enthusiasts.
- Camping Availability: Provides campsites for overnight stays amidst nature.
2. Lewisville Lake Environmental Learning Area (LLELA)
Explore wetlands, prairies, and forests on over 1,400 acres of untouched nature.
- Untouched Nature: Remains largely undeveloped, providing a natural habitat for numerous species.
- Educational Opportunities: Offers educational programs and guided tours for visitors.
- Canoeing and Kayaking: Allows access to Lewisville Lake for canoeing and kayaking adventures.
3. Brazos Bend State Park
Hike through diverse ecosystems, including forests, wetlands, and prairies, spot alligators in the park's lakes.
- Alligator Spotting: Offers ample opportunities to observe American alligators.
- Variety of Ecosystems: Features a diverse range of ecosystems, making it ideal for wildlife observation.
- Night Sky Observation: Provides excellent conditions for night sky viewing due to its dark skies.
4. Armand Bayou Nature Center
Explore coastal wetlands and forests, home to diverse wildlife like birds, alligators, and armadillos.
- Coastal Wetlands: Protects a significant portion of Houston's remaining coastal wetlands.
- Educational Programs: Offers educational programs and guided tours for visitors.
- Bird Watching: Serves as a popular spot for bird watching due to its diverse avian population.
5. Big Thicket National Preserve
Hike through the heart of East Texas' Big Thicket, a unique ecosystem combining swamps, forests, and prairies.
- Unique Ecosystem: Features a unique ecosystem that combines several different habitats.
- Backpacking Opportunities: Provides opportunities for backpacking and camping experiences.
- Wildlife Observation: Offers ample opportunities to observe wildlife like black bears, bobcats, and various bird species.
6. Enchanted Rock State Natural Area
Climb the massive pink granite rock formations, explore surrounding scenic trails.
- Granite Rock Formations: Features large, unique pink granite rock formations.
- Scenic Trails: Offers scenic trails for hiking and exploration.
- Stargazing Opportunities: Provides excellent conditions for stargazing due to its dark skies.
7. Guadalupe Peak
Hike to the highest point in Texas at Guadalupe Mountains National Park.
- Highest Point in Texas: Offers a challenging hike to the highest point in Texas.
- Scenic Views: Provides stunning views of the surrounding landscape from the summit.
- Camping Opportunities: Allows camping at designated sites for overnight stays.
8. Dinosaur Valley State Park
Walk among dinosaur tracks along the Paluxy River and explore scenic trails.
- Dinosaur Tracks: Features tracks left by dinosaurs millions of years ago.
- Scenic Trails: Offers scenic trails for hiking and exploration.
- Camping Opportunities: Provides camping opportunities for overnight stays.
9. Padre Island National Seashore
Walk along the longest stretch of undeveloped beach in the United States and observe Kemp's Ridley sea turtles.
- Undeveloped Beach: Features the longest stretch of undeveloped beach in the U.S.
- Sea Turtle Observation: Provides opportunities to observe Kemp's Ridley sea turtles during nesting season.
- Bird Watching: Serves as a popular spot for bird watching due to its diverse avian population.
10. Balmorhea State Park
Swim in the largest spring-fed swimming pool in the world and explore nearby hiking trails.
- Largest Spring-Fed Swimming Pool: Features the largest spring-fed swimming pool in the world.
- Scenic Trails: Offers scenic trails for hiking and exploration.
- Underwater Wildlife Observation: Provides opportunities to observe underwater wildlife like fish and turtles.
11. Garner State Park
Hike through scenic canyons and enjoy beautiful wildflower displays in the spring.
- Scenic Canyons: Features scenic canyons for hiking and exploration.
- Wildflower Displays: Offers beautiful wildflower displays during the spring season.
- River Swimming: Allows swimming in the Frio River for cooling off after a hike.
12. Inks Lake State Park
Hike through scenic hills and enjoy beautiful sunsets over the lake.
- Scenic Hills: Features scenic hills for hiking and exploration.
- Sunset Views: Provides stunning sunset views over the lake.
- Camping Opportunities: Allows camping at designated sites for overnight stays.
13. Longhorn Cavern State Park
Explore the beautiful limestone caverns and scenic trails above ground.
- Limestone Caverns: Features stunning limestone caverns for exploration.
- Scenic Trails: Offers scenic trails for hiking and exploration above ground.
- Educational Opportunities: Provides educational programs and guided tours for visitors.
14. Hueco Tanks State Historic Site
Climb rock formations and explore ancient petroglyphs left by Native American tribes.
- Ancient Petroglyphs: Features ancient petroglyphs left by Native American tribes.
- Rock Formations: Offers opportunities for rock climbing and exploration.
- Educational Opportunities: Provides educational programs and guided tours for visitors.
15. Fort Parker National Historic Site
Learn about the Comanche raids and early Texas history at this historic site.
- Comanche Raids History: Commemorates the site of the infamous Comanche raids in 1836.
- Early Texas History: Provides insights into early Texas history and the relationship between Native Americans and European settlers.
- Educational Opportunities: Offers educational programs and guided tours for visitors.