Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
and Hike and Bike parking lot. The trail is 20 miles west of downtown Houston.
DeLorme: Texas Atlas & Gazetteer: Page 128 I1. GPS: N29 44.154' / W95 41.138'
The Hike
Start at the trailhead at the entrance gate on the north side of the parking lot. The trail is asphalt, 10
feet wide, and wheelchair and stroller accessible. This trail has little canopy cover, so be sure to take
water, a hat, and sunscreen. The closest potable water is at the sports center, about 2 miles north. The
American Shooting Center is adjacent to the trail, on the right (east) side. The center is shielded by a
fence and woods, but on weekend a few “pop-pops” from the trapshooters can be heard.
Follow the trail straight (north) from the trailhead. Both sides of the trail are mowed grass, with few
trees until the edge of the woods. This is a multiuse trail, so keep to the right and be wary of cyclists.
Stay on the trail and do not attempt to explore the woods—copperheads and water moccasins, both
venomous snakes, call the bayou home.
Pass a clearing on the left with a wide mowed path heading west toward Buffalo Bayou that is used
by park maintenance personnel. Both sides of the trail are mowed for about 40 feet to the edge of the
woods. After heavy rains, the sides of the trail can be swampy. The hardwood trees get larger, and a
few ferns can be seen at the edge of the woods. Depending on the season, butterflies flit across the trail
and a variety of birds can be heard in the woods.
Bend slightly right (east) and reach the large wooden bridge over the bayou. Famous in its own
right, the bridge is known locally as “the Boardwalk.” It is about 0.25 mile long and includes observa-
tion platforms and opportunities for photo ops. The bayou meanders lazily from the left (west) about 4
feet below the bridge. Heavy woods, water plants, and ferns fill the swampy area. Large turtles, white
egrets, great blue herons, and a variety of warblers may be seen at various times of year.
The boardwalk is the high point of the hike, so take time to enjoy it. Cross the bridge and continue,
bearing slightly left toward the bayou. Follow the trail north as it runs parallel to the bayou for about
300 feet. This is a good point to turn around and backtrack to the trailhead. For the more energetic, the
park contains more than 12 miles of trails to explore.
