Best Place to Hike in the Woodlands, Texas

The Woodlands, Texas is located roughly 30 miles north of Houston. As the name suggests, The Woodlands prides itself on being connected with nature. Not only are there lakes and 160+ miles of hike and bike trails, The Woodlands has had an active hand in preserving the land around it. It backs up to nature preserves and a state forest. Nestled inside these areas are three great hiking trails not to be missed.

George Mitchell Nature Preserve

George Mitchell Nature Preserve is located in Creekside Village and is part of Montgomery County Spring Creek Greenway. The nature preserve offers a short ½ mile hike (1 mile up and back) and then another 2 mile loop. Both trails are nestled near Spring Creek. Opportunities for bird watching and catching other wildlife abounds; George Mitchell Nature Preserve is approximately 1700 acres and connects to other preserves for a total of 12000 acres of wildlife refuge. Hikers should be on the lookout for snakes. The trails are natural, no pavement here. It is a perfect beginner trail for leisure hikers just starting out. Hikers that find they want to continue can add on to their hike with 5 miles of additional rustic trails at the Creekside Forest Drive trailhead located in the village of Creekside Park, The Woodlands.

Jones Forest

Jones Forest is located in Magnolia, Texas right next door to The Woodlands. In fact, many people do not know where The Woodlands ends and Magnolia starts. Reach Jones Forest easily by taking FM 242 West and then turning right onto FM 1488.

The state forest offers various trails for experienced and novice hikers alike whether they are looking for a short half-day hike, or miles of trails for an all-day outing. The hiking trails are rustic; hiking boots are highly recommended. Red-cockaded woodpeckers, an endangered species, make their home in Jones Forest. Also, expect to see deer, rabbits, and snakes. Learn about the plants, trees and general environment of the area with over 60 informational signs. There are bridges to cross, including a suspension bridge, to make your experience feel like you are truly out in the middle of nowhere. Some trails border Middle Lake. Hikers can also come across seasonal, unnamed creeks during their hikes if the weather is right.

Peckinpaugh Preserve

Peckinpaugh Preserve is located just east of The Woodlands off Riley Fuzzle Road (Grand Parkway). The preserve is over 25 acres and has miles of trails for hiking. Hikers can park their cars at the Spring Creek Greenway Nature Center and walk to the start of several trails.

It is possible to hike this trail over a dozen times and never follow the exact same path twice. The hiking trails follow Spring Creek and connect to many other hiking trails. Connecting trails include paths through Spring Trails neighborhood and all along Spring Creek east to Humble and west to Tomball. Hikers can go up to Mercer Arboretum, Pundt Park, Jessie H Jones Park and many other points of interest. Hikers can combine their hikes along Peckinpaugh Preserve with kayaking or canoeing, with several launch sites available.

Several species of birds, including Swainson's warbler, snakes, and fish make their home within Peckinpaugh Preserve. It is not unusual to see deer, or even an alligator or two. Vegetation is lush. Peckinpaugh Preserve is a nature-loving hiker's paradise.