Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
9
Hermann Park
This is a great hike for the entire family. Three new islands on the enlarged McGovern Lake supply wet-
land habitat. There are many amenities for young hikers, including a miniature train ride and the Hous-
ton Zoo—advantages a city hike can have over country hikes. Hermann Park is Houston's most deve-
loped park and, with more than five million visitors, one of the most visited. Philanthropist George Her-
mann gave Houston 285 acres for the park in May 1914.
Distance: 1.8-mile loop
Approximate hiking time: 1 hour
Difficulty: Easy; flat paved trails
Trail surface: Crushed packed granite, concrete
Best season: Year-round
Other trail users: Dog walkers, joggers, cyclists, tourists
Canine compatibility: Leashed dogs permitted
Fees and permits: No fees or permits required
Schedule: 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Maps: USGS Bellaire; park maps available at www.hermannpark.org/directions.html
Trail contacts: Houston Parks & Recreation Department (HPARD), 2999 S. Wayside
Dr., Houston 77023; (713) 865-4500; www.houstontx.gov/parks/trails.html
In addition: Water fountains are scattered throughout the park. Restroom facilities are
located at the Miller Outdoor Theater.
Finding the trailhead:
From Memorial Park turn left onto Memorial Drive and then
make an easy left onto Woodway Drive. After 0.5 mile turn left onto the West Loop
Freeway North. Merge onto I-610 South, and in less than 2 miles merge onto US 59
North at exit 8A toward downtown. Take the Main Street exit and keep straight to go
onto Wentworth Street. Follow Wentworth to Fannin Street and turn right. Turn into
Hermann Park, north off Fannin Street. DeLorme: Texas Atlas & Gazetteer: Page 134
B1. GPS: N29 43.254' / W95 23.506'
