{"id":97,"date":"2019-07-03T05:00:00","date_gmt":"2019-07-03T11:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.oyorooms.com\/us\/thegoodlife\/example-blog-post-5\/"},"modified":"2021-10-12T08:57:37","modified_gmt":"2021-10-12T08:57:37","slug":"scenic-hikes-houston","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.oyorooms.com\/travel-guide\/us\/scenic-hikes-houston\/","title":{"rendered":"7 Scenic Hikes Near Houston"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Houston, Texas, is famous for its space exploration, but take your eyes off the sky for a minute, and you\u2019ll find some different kinds of trails to blaze. Though the Houston area is rather flat, what it lacks in elevation, it more than makes up for in scenery. From the coastal terrain to the fastest trail in Texas, the Houston\u2019s hiking trails flaunt gator-filled ponds and quirky art installations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

 Embark on an expedition and plant your own flag on the best hiking trails near Houston:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

 Lake Houston<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Image caption: Via mc2architects.com<\/p>\n\n\n\n

25840 FM 1485<\/p>\n\n\n\n

New Caney, TX 77357<\/p>\n\n\n\n

(832) 395-7690<\/p>\n\n\n\n

 Houston\u2019s trails have the dimensions of a pancake, so you won\u2019t find ultra-challenging hikes in the area. But just because the Forest Trail may not have hills, don\u2019t let it fool you. It\u2019s nearly 10 miles long, so your calves are definitely in for a workout. Feel the burn on this lengthy trail, which meanders through the forest and around a swamp.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Brazos Bend State Park<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Image caption: Via visithoustontexas.com<\/p>\n\n\n\n

21901 FM 762 Rd<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Needville, TX 77461<\/p>\n\n\n\n

(979) 553-5102<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Looking to clock your speed? Brazos Bend 100 hosts a 100 mile-run each year for the ultimate challenge. Caroline Boller set the record for the fastest trail run in the US\u201450 miles in 5:49:01. If a brisk trot is more your speed, hit up Elm Lake Loop Trail. It\u2019s only 1.7 miles around the water, and yes, that lake is swarming with gators.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Buffalo Bayou<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Image caption: Via houstonpublicmedia.org<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1800 Allen Pkwy & Memorial Drive<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Houston, TX 77019<\/p>\n\n\n\n

(713) 752-0314<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When you fancy a more city-style hike, hit the pavement in Buffalo Bayou, which has 15 miles of urban trails. Search for the bat colony that lives under Waugh Drive Bridge and go on a quest to find the famous Red Button on Preston Street Bridge. No one can resist pressing a big red button, so go on, click it. The whimsical art installation creates bubbles in the water to aerate it, which locals call burping the bayou.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Big Thicket National Preserve<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Image caption: Via texashillcountry.com <\/p>\n\n\n\n

FM 420<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kountze, TX 77625<\/p>\n\n\n\n

(409) 951-6800<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Get into the thick of it in Big Thicket. Home to 40 miles of trails, this forest region is considered one of the most biodiverse areas outside of the tropics. Skip along Sundew Trail to see some wildflowers and longleaf pines and trek Kirby Nature Trail for some epic birdwatching. There are traditional hiking trails at Big Thicket, but you\u2019re also encouraged to mix it up on the water with kayak paddling trails.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Houston Arboretum & Nature Center<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Image caption: Via houstoniamag.com<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4501 Woodway Drive<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Houston, TX 77024<\/p>\n\n\n\n

(713) 681-8433<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sometimes you\u2019ve got to stop and smell the flowers. Forget strenuous hikes\u2014mosey along one of the many trails at the arboretum instead. Take a stroll along the Carol Tatkon Sensory Garden and give the Biomimicry Trail a whirl for a peaceful and educational experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sam Houston National Forest<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Image caption: Via itsnothouitsme.com<\/p>\n\n\n\n

394 FM 1375<\/p>\n\n\n\n

New Waverly, TX 77358<\/p>\n\n\n\n

(936) 344-6205<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Eying the Appalachian or Pacific Crest Trail? Texans like to break in their boots on the Lone Star Trail, which is a great introduction for those legendary hikes. This 129-mile trail winds through the Sam Houston National Forest and is the longest continuous hiking trail in the state. Stick around for a spell\u2014primitive camping is allowed any time except during hunting season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Image caption: Via fws.gov<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6801 County Rd 306<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Brazoria, TX 77422<\/p>\n\n\n\n

(979) 964-3639<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cruise 70 miles south of Houston and we promise the trip will be so worth it. Hoof it on the San Bernard Oak Trail. It may be short (only 1.25 miles) but it offers a quiet retreat through the wetlands, where you\u2019ll come face to face with the Texas Champion Live Oak. This old timer has a circumference of 32.2 feet and is between 200 and 300 years old!
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Whether you venture down the road less traveled, or go for the one that sparks your interest, you\u2019ll be living the good life when you put on your explorer\u2019s hat and see what\u2019s out there.
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Are you looking to visit Houston? Visit our listings<\/a> or call 1-844-BOOK-OYO to find available rooms in the Houston area today. <\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Houston, Texas, is famous for its space exploration, but take your eyes off the sky for a minute, and you\u2019ll find some different kinds of trails to blaze. Though the Houston area is rather flat, what it lacks in elevation, it more than makes up for in scenery. From the coastal terrain to the fastest […]","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":568,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[8,7],"tags":[6,4],"post_cities":[36],"yoast_head":"\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n