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Search Lake Conroe:
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Search Lake Conroe:
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| American Birding Trails |
| American Hiking Society |
| ATV Trails |
| Horseback Trails |
| League of American Bicyclists |
| Recreation.gov |
| Sierra Club |
| Walking Trails |
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Lone Star Hiking Trail Hiking Trail Hiking is a popular way to enjoy the forest and its beauty. The 128-mile Lone Star Hiking Trail, a portion of which has gained National Recreation Trail status, winds through the Sam Houston National Forest. The trail, marked with two-inch by four-inch aluminum markers to guide hikers, has recreation areas available at three different points. Except during deer hunting season when camping is restricted to designated camps, primitive camping is allowed off the trail. Potable water is available at Double Lake and Stubblefield recreation areas. The Lone Star Hiking Trail consists of three major sections. The 40-mile Lake Conroe section, lying west of Lake Conroe, begins near the intersection of FS 219 and FM 149 and has four connecting loops. The Central Area of the trail runs eastward from Stubblefield Recreation Area, through the Four Notch area to Evergreen and then south down FM 945 to the trailhead parking lot. The Four Notch Loop, a 9.2 mile section, is in the middle of this 60-mile area of trail. The Winters Bayou/Tarkington Creek Area of the trail runs from FM 945 east to Double Lake Recreation Area, then south through Big Creek Scenic Area and then southwest through Winters Bayou. This 27-mile section of the trail has National Recreation status. The Lone star Hiking Trail may be hiked year round, but winter and spring are the most popular seasons due to the mild southeast Texas climate. During deer hunting season in November and December, hikers should wear highly visible clothing. Usually the trail is not crowded, and hikers may observe a multiple-use managed forest with many ages and kinds of trees, plants and wildlife. Trail visitors may also view rivers, creeks, lakes and streams which meander through and around the Sam Houston National Forest. Off-road vehicles are prohibited. |
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Off-Road Vehicle Trails - Sam Houston National Forest ATV Trail Vehicle Trail ORV's: Driving off-road vehicles (ORV's) and horseback riding are two of the many popular recreational uses of the Sam Houston National Forest. Special areas and trails have been designated and developed for multiple uses. Trails in the designated ORV use area are loop trails which return to the starting point. Trailheads have been located to give users a logical starting point and a parking area for vehicles. Camping is prohibited along the trail and in parking areas.ORV use is restricted to marked trails in the designated trail use area. One-way traffic only is permitted on ORV trails and trail direction is marked with red arrows. Pipelines, powerlines, and other utility rights-of-way are closed to ORV use; however, crossing of these rights-of-way is permitted at designated locations. In "cross country" open areas, vehicles may travel off any designated road or trail within the open area, except on pipelines, powerlines or other utility rights-of-way. ORV enthusiasts are encouraged to seek further information and contact the local district ranger's office concerning operating conditions and areas open to vehicular traffic. |
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Sam Houston National Forest Wildlife Management Area Hiking Trail Bicycle Trail Bird Watching Horseback Wildlife Trail Walking Trail Scenic Trail Bicycling is a healthy and enjoyable activity that is available in many of the Wildlife Management Areas of Texas. A developed mountain bike trail is located in the Double Lake Recreation Area. Other bicycles can use the established forest service roads. Equestrian - While in designated campsites, horses should be kept haltered on a lead or in a pen area authorized by department personnel. All horses must be certified to be free of Equine Infectious Anemia. Horse owners/riders must carry such certification (negative Coggins Test results) during their stay and present such documentation upon request. The multiuse trail, forest service roads and areas cleared for pipelines are used as horse riding trails. Hiking is an enjoyable activity that is available in many of the Wildlife Management Areas of Texas. Since potable water is not available on many of the Wildlife Management Areas, it is a good idea to bring plenty of drinking water. The established 130 mile Lone Star Hiking Trail as well as the multi-use trail, forest service roads, areas cleared for pipelines leads through a variety of terrains. Viewing wildlife is an enjoyable activity that is available in many of the Wildlife Management Areas of Texas. Birding is a popular activity at Sam Houston NF/WMA. There are many interpretive areas recommended to view numerous North American bird species, including the red-cockaded woodpecker, bald eagles and migratory game birds. Phone: (936) 327-8487 Address: PO Box 868 Livingston, TX 77351 Contact: Chris Gregory Dates Open: Open year round. |
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Bird Watching - Lake Conroe and surrounding National Forest Lands Bird Watching Lake Conroe and the surrounding National Forest lands provide wintering habitat for the endangered bald eagle. During the winter months, the eagle is not an uncommon sight soaring over the lake, perched on a flooded snag or in a tall pine along the shoreline. Another endangered species, the red-cockaded woodpecker, is found throughout the Sam Houston National Forest and frequently spotted by observant visitors. The small black and white woodpecker with distinctive large white cheek patches is slightly larger than a bluebird. The male has a single streak of red feathers on each side of his head. Its unique high-pitched, squeaky call can be recognized at considerable distances. The woodpecker makes its home by pecking cavities in large, living pine trees. These cavities are later used by a variety of forest wildlife including other woodpeckers, bluebirds, screech owls, wood ducks, squirrels, and honey bees. The red-cockaded woodpecker also chips pitch wells around the entrances to their cavity nests. The resulting pitch flow gives the cavity tree a distinctive waxy appearance below the nest opening and serves to protect the bird from predatory snakes. The red-cockaded woodpecker was designated an endangered species in 1970. This unique little bird and its habitat are fully protected on the Sam Houston National Forest. Wherever these birds are found, the management emphasis is directed toward providing the special habitat they require. |
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Bicycle Trail |
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ATV Trail |
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