Texas

Southeast of Houston is flat. It's damp, lots of bugs, not the place many visitors think of as having outdoor recreation opportunities. But hidden away about 5 miles south of Alvin, TX is this wonderful county park with a network of trails meandering around the aptly named Chocolate Bayou, a snak...

Park in the dirt lot off of Hunter Road (see map) to access the trail. Trail is open year round and is dog-friendly. 

The Hike and Bike Trail around Lady Bird Lake provides great views of the city skyline from several different perspectives. It's perfect for exercising or just taking a stroll on. It's about a 10 mile looping trail however there are several points in which you can cross the river and make the loo...

The Chalk Ridge Falls Trail can be found within Chalk Ridge Falls Park just outside of Belton, Texas. The trail features one main waterfall as well as a neat suspension bridge. The hike to the waterfall and the bridge are not but about half a mile from the parking lot. Overall the trail is about ...

The Katy Trail cuts through the busy downtown Dallas area and offers the perfect way to get away for a lunch break or afternoon walk. The trail runs from Mockingbird to Houston St and can be traveled in both directions. The best place for parking is at the North end off of Travis and Knox St wher...

The Inks Lake State Park Trail is a 4.7 mile loop trail located within Inks Lake State Park, just outside of Burnet, Texas. Only a small portion of the trail follows the lake, then it veers off through the rocky and hilly terrain of the Texas Hill Country. The trail is only partially shaded at ti...

The loop around the lake is just over one mile, and is great for doing repeats. A six mile run here is a wonderful way to spend a morning, as the ducks and geese come to life and the sun rises over the lake. There are so many varied species, colors, and varieties of ducks here it can be quite ama...

The San Gabriel River trailhead is found within Cedar Breaks Park, just northeast of Georgetown, Texas. The trail is a 7.6 mile moderate out-and-back trail. The trail is heavily trafficked and even more so on weekends. There are several inclines and declines, but nothing too significant. The trai...

The trail runs alongside a river and is primarily used for hiking, walking, and trail running. Dogs are welcome on this trail. There is a pond in the middle of the loop trail, and the park has playgrounds for dogs and for kids.

The Shoal Creek trail is located along the Shoal Creek Greenbelt which stretches the length of central/downtown Austin. It is a 5-mile loop trail following along Shoal Creek. Much of the trail runs through residential area. And though it runs parallel to a creek, itis a city trail and not ideal f...

The Western Oaks Trail is a 1.7 mile trail located in the Legend Oaks neighborhood in Southwest Austin, Texas. The trail is looping however there are several interconnecting trails which can shorten or lengthen the duration of the hike. The trail is mostly flat and made of crushed gravel. It is p...

The Hillview Nature Trail is a 2.9 mile loop hike located in Northwest San Antonio within Eisenhower Park. This trail is extremely heavily trafficked. This is a very family friendly park. There is a playground at the entrance of the trail and an educational area. The park is known for its attrac...

The Violet Crown Trail: 360 Trailhead to 290 trail is a 1.8 mile point-to-point hike that stretches from Loop 360 to Highway 290. Only a portion of the trail follows alongside Barton Creek before heading south towards HWY 290 while the creek veers off to the west. Dogs are more than welcome as lo...

The Good Water Loop is a loop trail around the San Gabriel River through Russel Park and Sawyer Park. Just outside of Georgetown, Texas, this trail is perfect for a lengthy trail run or for an overnight backpacking trip. This trail is open year-round, and dogs are allowed to use this trail if kep...

The trail is used for hiking, trail running, horseback riding, and wild life viewing. The trail is usable year-round and is good for all skill levels. Dogs are allowed on the trail with a leash. The trails are well maintained. 

This trail is shared by hikers, mountain bikers, horseback riders, and trail runners. The trail is open year-round, but is best travelled from October through April. Dogs are allowed on this trail but should be kept on leash. The peak offers scenic views of central Texas. You can park inside or o...