What we’re about
This group is for people who want to explore the the Houston area on foot. We hike every weekend. Our hikes are normally 10-12 miles so a reasonable fitness level is needed. We plan camping trips around Texas with occasional trips to National Parks and other special hiking location.
HATs leaders are fellow hiking enthusiast, not guides. We encourage all members to plan for hikes as if they are going solo as the best way to assure safety.
To find out more about our hikes and what you may need to prepare for a hike. https://www.hatsandmore.org/
See our Houston hikes map for more on where we hike.
https://www.hatsandmore.org/houston-hikes
Then join us to trace out your own path on the map.
Join us for less intensive activities at our social Meetup group, More and More.
https://4142298.xyz/More-and-More/
If you know of places to hike or you'd like to revisit a favorite hike, please let Tom know. If you are visiting Houston and want to hike with us, let Tom know in advance and we will try to accommodate you.
HATs is friendly with other Meetup groups that also offer great outdoor activities.
Houston Urban Trekkers
https://4142298.xyz/HoustonUrban-Trekkers/
City Walks Houston
https://4142298.xyz/city-walks-houston/
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Lone Star Trail Seg. #12: Big Woods North ~10 milesBig Woods Hunters Camp, Cold Spring, TX
We have a new starting location for this hike with ample parking so hopefully no more stuck cars.
We are now meeting at the Big Woods Hunters Camp on John Warren Road. See the links below.
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Very Important: Take care when you park to leave plenty of room for ambulance or fire truck access along the road. There is plenty of parking in the Hunter's Camp.Big Woods North is a really nice walk through the forest. 2/3 trail and 1/3 forest service roads and nearly complete shade.
About HATs and what you need to hike:
https://www.hatsandmore.org/Weather Forecast:
https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=30.6445&lon=-95.3306&FcstType=graphicalGathering Point:
The hike will start at the Hunter's camp on FS 202.
Google Maps LinkJust a link to apple maps location
The Hike:
The hike covers a loop in the northern part of the Big Woods area of the LSHT. The path is about 2/3 native trial and 1/3 forest service road.Avenza users can get geolocatable pdf map here:
Google Drive Link
Other map formats and GPX tracks:
Google Drive LinkHATS seventh quest to hike the entire Lone Star Trail System:
Google Maps LinkHere is the list of hikers and segments completed on the since the first cycle started:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zEtzUZKDpnMAhztfpL1Q5oc6fO6EPrU_
If your name is not on the list, just let us know.From the Official Guidebook for the Lone Star Trail
"One of the hidden jewels of Texas, the Lone Star Hiking Trail is the only long-distance National Recreation Trail in the state. At 128 miles (including loop trails), it is also the state’s longest continuously marked and maintained footpath. The trail meanders through flat and gently rolling forests of pine, oak, and mixed hardwood, and cypress swamps and bayous in the famed Big Thicket area in east Texas, in the Sam Houston National Forest. The seemingly endless variation of forests, much of it designated wilderness, provides a paradise for tree-lovers and bird watchers year-round. The trail is well-suited for both short and long hikes (of up to 10 days), appealing to dayhikers, overnight backpackers, long-distance hikers, and others seeking a peaceful outing."
https://www.wildernesspress.com/product.php?productid=16836
After Hike Event:
Pacific Yard House
101 Metcalf St, Conroe, TX 77301
https://goo.gl/maps/t5RWm9ipZaazs6WK9 - Day Trip - Exploring Seaside Towns of the Gulf Coast & Camping at Mustang Island2821 Business Center Dr, Pearland, TX
Something Different, This is a And More Event.
Join us on a day trip exploring the Gulf Coast area and towns along Old High way 35.For this trip we will head Southwest down HWY 35, We will be visiting the towns of Palacios down to Port Arasas at Roberts park. before sunset we'll head down to Mustang Island state park to set up camp Then we'll enjoy a big campfire on the beach.
You can join us on just the day trip then head back to Houston or
if you would like to camp with us use the link below to RSVP a camping spot. I have reserved Two campsites at Mustang Island State park down from the beach. their is room for 14 small tents. There is No Charge for the Camp sites.***
Sunday morning after we break camp, we'll drive over to Corpus Christi and tour the USS Air Craft Carrier Lexington.
Website:Click HereMeeting Spot: We will meet 8:30AM in the parking lot next to the
Wells Fargo bank in the HEB shopping center. Hwy-288 And FM-517
Look for my Maroon GMC SUV My number in case you need to call is:832-607-4203Agenda: Scenic Drive down Old HWY 35
1st Stop: Matagorda Jetty Park. Jetty Park is a county park where the Colorado River meets the Gulf of Mexico.
Website:Click Here2nd Stop: Palacios Fisherman's Memorial
Website:Click Here3rd Stop Port Lavaca
Halfmoon Reef Lighthouse Known as the oldest surviving wooden lighthouse structure in Texas, the Halfmoon Reef Light Station, a six-sided building, is made mostly of cypress wood and originally was attached to iron piles that had been screwed into the shallow bottom of Matagorda Bay. Built in the late 1850s, it guided ships past the treacherous Halfmoon Reef, a mud and oyster shell shoal on the east side of Matagorda Bay.
Website:Click Here4th Stop Rock Port Texas Maritime Museum
Website Click Here5th Stop Port Aransas Roberts Point Park.
Around 4pm we'll head over to Mustang island state park to set up camp. I have Two sites booked good for 14- tent spaces. After dark we'll walk over to the beach and enjoy a campfire on the beach.
Mustang Island State Park Web site: Ckick here
Sunday Morning: drive over to Corpus Christi and tour the
USS Air Craft Carrier Lexington.
https://www.usslexington.com/tours/POLICIES AND WHAT NOT: We (organizers) are volunteering our time sharing this event with you, please be respectful to the group. We are like minded people coming together to share our outdoor adventures with others. In no way do we offer a guided event or take any liability for your well being. Each event is well defined and describes the physical requirements, it's up to you to determine if you are capable of the event . In case of emergencies the appropriate emergency response teams will be notified. You are responsible for all your own camping gear. You must understand this before signing up.
CAMPING LIST FOR BEGINNERS: Click Here
You may not need everything on this list. Adapt to your tastes or circumstances. - Lake Somerville State Park - Birch Creek Trail 10.5 MiLake Somerville State Park & Trailway, Somerville, TX
Let's welcome a new hike leader to the group. Brian Graves from New Braunfels has hiked with us many times and has offered to lead this hike. Let's help him make it a good one.
Join us to explore Lake Somerville State Park Birch Creek. Somerville Lake is a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reservoir on Yegua Creek in the Brazos River basin, 10 miles northwest of Brenham, Texas, United States. The town of Somerville in Burleson County is adjacent to the reservoir. The lake extends into portions of Burleson County, Washington County, and Lee County.
Gathering Place:
After You enter the park follow Park Road 57 to the Boat Ramp Parking Lot.
Google Maps LinkThe Hike:
This will be a combination of several trails in the park over to the tramway trail and back to the cars.Bathrooms: At the start
The Trail:
Mostly open. Periodic shade. The trail is light gravel & dirt.
Note this is Lake Somerville Birch Creek on the north side of the lake and not Nails Creek on the south side of the lake.
I am camping Friday and Saturday at site 44 with a view of the lake and sunset. There are currently several sites available near me.
Trail Map: in the pics below
Weather Forecast :
HourlyOptional After Hike event:
Brazos Valley Brewing Company
206 S Jackson St, Brenham, TX 77833
https://brazosvalleybeer.com/About HATS:
HATs organizers are not guides nor do we have any special training. We are here to come up with hiking ideas and get the hike started. Expect the same risks and take the same precautions you would take if you were hiking alone, including the fitness level make long hikes. Then enjoy the hike among friends.
What to bring on a hike and more about HATs.
https://www.hatsandmore.org/
