Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The Hike
There is no official trailhead for this hike. Use the north entrance parking lot; cross the sidewalk to the
wide crushed-gravel trail and turn right. The trail has no signs, but it is virtually impossible to get lost.
It is wheelchair and stroller accessible and is lighted for hiking after dusk. The Texas Medical Center
is on the southwest edge of the park, so occasionally a helicopter may be heard.
The children's train crosses the trail numerous times, winding its way around the park. This is a
“people person” park, and there are always hikers, walkers, joggers, and tourists and generally a bus-
load of schoolchildren. The various park users combine with all the amenities to make this an interest-
ing hike.
Pass near a fenced area on the left, which encloses the Japanese garden. For this short section of the
hike, Fannin Street will be on the right. The trail bears generally left or straight ahead. Large live oak
trees are scattered along the trail, many with Spanish moss trailing from them. In spring 1920 the War
Mothers of Houston planted 240 oak trees around the park to honor Harris County soldiers killed in
World War I. Many of these trees furnish shade today.
Cross a wooden bridge that spans a portion of McGovern Lake. The 3-acre lake attracts many birds,
including a variety of ducks and black cormorants. Some sections around the lake have been left un-
mowed to help support wildflowers and wildlife. There are benches and picnic tables here, as well as
the docking area for rental paddleboats.
Go past the entrance to the Japanese garden on the left and a large graveled area on the right that has
benches and lots of shade. The Mary Gibbs and Jesse H. Jones Reflecting Pool adjoins the resting area.
Follow along the reflecting pool to where it ends, and turn right.
A statue of Sam Houston can be seen across Fannin Street. Continue following the trail as it curves
right. The Museum of Natural Science is across the street on the left. Follow around the hill that leads
to the Miller Outdoor Theatre. Continue until you reach the reflecting pool and, at its head, see the
Mecom Fountain, which flows into the pool. At this point turn left and return to the parking lot.
The Hermann Park Conservancy, working in partnership with the City of Houston, has made world-
class improvements to the park.
