The best walks and hikes in Walker County

If you are on a backpacking adventure through the area, this is an ideal spot to refill your water bottles. Located right at the intersection, the Evergreen Baptist Church has granted hikers permission to use the outdoor water tap located behind the sanctuary. The water taps are outside on the back side of each of the two buildings. There is no need to ask permission, but please be considerate and make sure the tap is turned off before you leave.

Lake Conroe spans an impressive 22,000 acres and is a popular destination for water sports of all types, bustling with outdoor enthusiasts, especially in the southern and central areas. There are several marinas, resorts, restaurants, and boat rental locations dotted around its 157 miles of shoreline. The West Fork San Jacinto River feeds into the lake on the quieter northern end, which is surrounded by the beauty of the Sam Houston National Forest.

The Big Creek Scenic Area spans 1,460 acres and is a designated special area within the Sam Houston National Forest. With its meandering creeks, diverse flora and fauna, and lush pinewood forests, it provides an exceptional opportunity to observe many typical bird species found in the eastern Texas Piney Woods and Big Thicket region. While camping is not permitted within the Big Creek Scenic Area, there are several nearby options available at the Double Recreation Area or Tarkington Trail Camp.

The East Fork of the San Jacinto River, begins just a few miles west of Lake Livingston, flowing south through Cleveland. In northeast Harris County, it meets the West Fork at a confluence that creates Lake Houston with the help of a dam. Continuing its journey south, the river merges with Buffalo Bayou before emptying into Galveston Bay, forming an integral part of the Houston Ship Channel.

This junction offers a short detour south to Huntsville State Park, which spans 2,083.2 acres in the lush piney woods of the Sam Houston National Forest. Dominated by loblolly and shortleaf pine trees, the park features camping and picnic areas, with the 210-acre Lake Raven serving as its centerpiece. The lake offers fishing opportunities for crappie, perch, catfish, and bass. There are hiking trails, potable water, showers, restrooms, fishing piers, boat rentals, and launching ramps, making it an excellent spot for plenty of opportunities to enjoy this beautiful area.

This dam is situated and the edge of the lake in a small residential community. Camelia Lake, although modest in size, offers a peaceful setting for residents and is a lovely spot along the trail to enjoy the waters flowing into Prairie Branch.

This trailhead, also known as Richards Trailhead Parking Lot #1, is the official access point for the Wilderness Section—the first of 11 segments of the 96-mile Lone Star Hiking Trail (LSHT) from west to east. Parking is available, and there is a posted sign with up-to-date trail information. Access to the trailhead is free to the public. There is no restroom here, and potable water is available only at Double Lake and Stubblefield recreation areas, so bring a filter or pack plenty of water. From this trailhead, the Little Creek Loop Trail, also part of the designated LSHT system, branches off in a 13-mile loop, connecting back onto the main trail. It is popular with day hikers looking to spend a few hours exploring, as well as backpackers heading out on the “Grand Loop”—a 30-mile hiking adventure that connects with several other trails in the area.

This small recreation area within the Sam Houston National Forest is a popular stop for those hiking the Lone Star Trail, or cycling along the quiet county roads. The campground is well maintained, with clean bathrooms and hot showers.