Hike the Mercer Arboretum and Botanic Gardens Trail

This hike is enjoyable for anyone. The trails are open for use year round and are shared by hikers, mountain bikers, and trail runners. Parking is available off of Nature Center Rd. Avoid after heavy rains as trails may be damaged due to flooding. 

This trail is great for all skill levels and a number of different activities like walking, hiking, running, and bird watching. The trail itself is partially paved, but has access to more wooded, grassy, and dirt areas too. Be on the lookout for both wildlife and wildflowers along the way. To avoid getting lost, study or bring a trail map with you. There are many off-shoots to embark on that ...

Boasting 160 acres, Buffalo Bayou is a common go-to destination for some relaxation and recreation for local Houstonians. At any given time you will find people here enjoying a picnic, playing pick-up volleyball or basketball games, walking their dog, biking, or simply just enjoying the views of the Houston skyline. The park is situated between Memorial Drive and Allen Parkway, while stretching...

Memorial Park is a hub for Houstonians looking to escape that busy day-to-day urban rush. With a 3 mile running loop and 10 miles worth of multi-use trails to offer, the park does tend to get pretty busy, however it is rare that you would not be able to find parking on any given day.The best trails of Memorial however are the Color Trails (formerly Ho Chi Minh Trails) on the South end of the pa...

The Arboretum is a 155 acre nature sanctuary located within Memorial Park, about 6 miles from downtown Houston. The trails alternate between gravel, dirt, and wooden walkways and wind through a variety of Houston habitats: everything from bayou, to pond, wetland, meadow and prairie with virtually no elevation change. This easy-going walk can add up to 5 miles, but is composed of multiple smalle...

Park at the Houston Audubon Society (see map) to access the trail. Great place for birding and wildlife viewing. This trail is accessible from 7am-7pm and is good for all skill levels.