Title

Click on a map below to find a trail in one of our nearby state parks.

LOTO             Map            Map

 

Some Safety Tips Before You Go
  1. Be prepared.  At a minimum, bring water, food and a cellphone.  If there's any chance it might get dark before you're done, bring a flashlight or bike light.  A trail map and GPS unit would be very helpful.  The trail paths are usually easy to follow, but late in the season, tall grass or leaves can obscure them.

  2. Dress properly.  Trails can have very rough footpaths, so wear appropriate shoes.  (Flip-flops are a definite no-no.)   Ticks are abundant from around April to October, so use repellent spray and wear long pants.   Don't forget that most of these trails have sections (and creek crossings) that will be muddy for days after a rainfall.

  3. There's safety in numbers.   Avoid hiking or biking alone.  But, if you do go alone, let someone else know beforehand which trail you'll be hiking or biking, and when to expect your return.  It's also a good idea to leave a note on your vehicle if you're parked at a trailhead.  Write down the time you started, your cellphone number, whether you're hiking or biking, and, if there are multiple trails accessible from that trailhead, exactly which trail(s) you'll be on.  All of this information would be valuable to a park ranger or search and rescue team that's looking for you.
     
  4. Check the weather forecast before you go.  If there's a chance of a thunderstorm or heavy rain, don't go.  If you're on a trail and the weather is taking a threatening turn, head back to your vehicle as quickly as you can.  (For some of the longer trails, that could take 30 minutes to an hour.)  Other than the Katy Trail, there are no shelters along these trails.  Finally, many of these trails have creeks running through them.  A heavy rainstorm could make crossing a creek dangerous.  Be very careful attempting to do so.