If you love discovering the best hikes in Texas, we have a grand adventure for you. The Lone Star Hiking Trail spans 129 miles in its entirety, making it the longest continuous trail in the state. Whether you tackle the whole thing in one go or just do a section or two, you’re in for a real treat. The trail is gorgeous from end to end, and it’s the perfect way to unleash your inner explorer.
The only long-distance hiking trail in Texas, the Lone Star Hiking Trail - with its towering pine trees and crisp, refreshing air - is East Texas splendor at its finest.
Wikimedia Commons/Parksandrick
Spanning 129 miles in its entirety, the trail leads through the lush and verdant Sam Houston National Forest. It begins south of Richards and terminates northwest of Cleveland.
AllTrails/Ioana Lowe
Three major sections make up the trail. The 40-mile Lake Conroe section passes through the Little Lake Creek Wilderness, featuring four loops that all intersect to form one continuous hike.
AllTrails/Jane Fuller
The longest leg of the trail is the 60-mile Central Area, which runs from the Stubblefield Recreation Area to just north of Huntsville State Park. Many hikers - especially those who are traversing the entire trail in one go - re-up on supplies at the state park, as it’s located about midway along the full route.
AllTrails/Grant Tang
Finally, the last stretch is 27 miles long and begins west of the Double Lake Recreation Area. Ending at the Winters Bayou Scenic Area, this section is the only part of the hike with National Recreation Trail status.
AllTrails/Grant Tang
Although the trail is complex, with many interconnecting parts, there are numerous signs all throughout to ensure nobody gets lost.
AllTrails/Grant Tang
You’ll cross the beautiful West Fork of the San Jacinto River and marvel at its vastness from several expansive lookout points.
AllTrails/Ioana Lowe
There are also plenty of picnic areas and designated campgrounds along the way, so whether you’re just looking to relax for a spell or settle in for the night, you’ll be able to do so.
AllTrails/Grant Tang
The Lone Star Hiking Trail is best enjoyed in the fall, winter, and spring, as summers in East Texas are hot and humid. If you happen to visit in the fall, the foliage is positively gorgeous!
AllTrails/Grant Tang
Visit the USDA Forest Service website to learn more about the Lone Star Hiking Trail.
Wikimedia Commons/Parksandrick
AllTrails/Ioana Lowe
AllTrails/Jane Fuller
AllTrails/Grant Tang
Have you ever undertaken this grand Texas adventure? If so, we’d love to hear all about your experience! Tell us in the comments. Don’t forget to check out our previous article to learn about the three other national forests in Texas (they’re just as breathtaking!).
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Address: Sam Houston National Forest, 394 FM 1375 West, New Waverly, TX 77358, USA
