One of the easiest places to go hiking when you live in Downtown Houston is Lake Houston Wilderness Park. I have been here countless times and even have several other blogs from various hiking trails within the park: Ameri-Trail and Forest Trail. On my most recent visit my friend and I took the dogs and explored the Peach Creek Trail North and South Loops. Prior to this visit I had never actually hiked these trails or seen the lake. Admittedly on this hike I slacked on the photo taking.
Peach Creek Loops
These trail made for a great morning hike! And with the summer temperatures rising these two trails offered a shorter hiking option. This kept the dogs, and us, out of the heat of the day. The dogs love coming out here – all the smells really get them going. While they are on the paper maps, the Peach Creek Loops are not well marked by trail signs. However, once you’re hiking, it is easy to follow them. Once we got oriented we were off for the races, heading south from the trail head near the parking lot and restrooms by the nature center. There is also a trail head for these trails near the park entrance.
These trails, like all the trail at Lake Houston Wilderness Park, and very well shaded. The Peach Creek South Loop offers great views over the creek. This trail also interconnects to the Forest Trail and the Ameri-Trail. Both of these are longer trails within the park I have hiked previously. The loop connects to the trail which goes around Lake Dabney and then continues to the Peach Creek North Loop. The Peach Creek North Loop Trail is a smaller loop which connects to Dogwood Trail. Overall, the hike was easy and the perfect distance for the summer morning in Texas.
Before you go – Lake Houston Wilderness Park
The entrance fee for day use is $3. We usually park near the Nature Center/Park Headquarters and hike from there. You can head east on the Forest Trail, and South on Peach Creek Loop Trail or AmeriTrail. There is also a trail head for Logging Loop Trail nearby.
Houston Parks and Recreation Department has a little bit of information about Lake Houston Wilderness Park on their website. They do not have a lot of information about the trails.
Leave no Trace
The environmental activist in me comes out at the end of every post. If we want to keep being able to enjoy the great outdoors, we have to take care of it! I have a bag to put all my trash in that I carry in my day pack. Using a refillable and reusable water bottle or camelbak instead of using a plastic bottle from the convenience store is a must.
When I hike with dogs, who are lucky enough to have nature as their restroom, I always carry plenty of baggies to clean up after them. Most parks don’t have trash bins along trails, so be prepared to carry it out.
Look for more posts about hiking in Houston and around Texas here. For more dog friendly hiking and camping, check out my blogs on the All Things Winter page.