Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The Hike
Start the hike at the trailhead on the southwest corner of Calhoun Road and South MacGregor Way.
There is no tree canopy for shade, so bring sunscreen, a hat, and water. The asphalt trail is wheelchair
and stroller accessible. This is a multiuse trail, so stay to the right and be aware of cyclists and joggers.
This segment is part of the 10.2-mile Brays Bayou Hike and Bike Trail, which is part of the Harris
County Precinct One park system. The bayou sides were paved during the 1970s, which eliminated
most wildlife except birds. The right edge of the trail drops off steeply, going about 25 feet down to the
bayou. Note the fenced and gated mini-mansions on the left (south), with their varied styles of archi-
tecture.
There are mixed hardwoods, including Shumard and live oaks, sycamore, and redbud, and scattered
loblolly pines in the green space between the trail and road. Spanish moss hangs from many of the oak
trees. Scan the bayou for birds. Black cormorants and white egrets enjoy the water and bayou edges.
They can provide good photo ops as they look for food or just sun themselves.
Pass an area where the slope to the bayou is less steep; it goes down about 20 feet and then has a flat
area before the bayou. This is an opportunity to walk down and explore the edge of the bayou, but use
good sense and caution.
At the stop sign at Scott Street, turn right (north); using the pedestrian lane, cross the bridge over the
bayou. Brays Bayou and the trail continue west. At the end of the bridge, turn right to complete the
trail loop.
Watch for the Riverside United Methodist Church, an imposing structure, on the left. The trail is
mostly straight, with a few slight bends to the right and left. The green space between the trail and
road varies from 10 to 150 feet. At about 1.8 miles the trail is routed around a large live oak.
Continue following the trail east to the stop sign at Calhoun Road. University of Houston fraternity
houses are across the street. Make a hard right and follow the sidewalk across the bridge to reach the
trailhead.
Time and energy permitting, this hike may be combined with the adjoining MacGregor Park hike.
