Big Creek Scenic Area

The 1,420-acre Big Creek Scenic Area was established in 1962 as a special interest area. Noted for its vegetative diversity and scenic qualities, the area was set aside primarily for recreational enjoyment. No camping is allowed in Big Creek Scenic Area. The Lone Star Hiking Trail goes through the scenic area offering four trail loops of various lengths for hikers to enjoy. Big Creek Scenic Area is approximately six miles west of Shepherd, and a parking lot is conveniently located off FS 217. This area, a testimony to the way things used to look, is situated about five miles from the Double Lake Recreation Area and well worth a visit. There are four hiking loops in the scenic area all under a mile long. Mature trees, wildlife and picturesque terrain abound throughout the entire area. Exotic plants and the red-cockaded woodpecker, an endangered species, are often spotted.

Lone Star Hiking Trail

A 140-mile long trail which has received National Recreation Trail status is located between Coldspring and Cleveland on FM 2025. The southeast section wanders through the Big Creek Scenic Area. Relatively flat with some wet areas, bridges allow for easy crossing of creeks. The southern portion of the trail follows an old railroad tramway. Trail markers explain directions. Hiking is a popular way to enjoy the forest and its beauty.

The 128-mile Lone Star Hiking Trail, a portion of which has gained National Recreation Trail status, winds through the Sam Houston National Forest. The trail, marked with two-inch by four-inch aluminum markers to guide hikers, has recreation areas available at three different points. Except during deer hunting season when camping is restricted to designated camps, primitive camping is allowed off the trail. Potable water is available at Double Lake and Stubblefield recreation areas.

The Central Area of the trail runs eastward from Stubblefield Recreation Area, through the Four Notch area to Evergreen and then south down FM 945 to the trailhead parking lot. The Four Notch Loop, a 9.2 mile section, is in the middle of this 60-mile area of trail. The Winters Bayou/Tarkington Creek Area of the trail runs from FM 945 east to Double Lake Recreation Area, then south through Big Creek Scenic Area and then southwest through Winters Bayou. This 27-mile section of the trail has National Recreation status.

The Lone Star Hiking Trail may be hiked year round, but winter and spring are the most popular seasons due to the mild southeast Texas climate. During deer hunting season in November and December, hikers should wear highly visible clothing. Usually the trail is not crowded, and hikers may observe a multiple-use managed forest with many ages and kinds of trees, plants and wildlife. Trail visitors may also view rivers, creeks, lakes and streams that meander through and around the Sam Houston National Forest. Off-road vehicles are prohibited.

http://www.fs.fed.us/r8/texas/recreation/sam_houston/lonestarhiking.shtml

Sam Houston National Forest

The forest covers 60% of San Jacinto County - a testament to the natural beauty in this county. Nature trails wind throughout the forest where you can view wild animals, beautiful birds, and see the thick trees and plants. Multiple-use Trails – The Sam Houston National Forest offers 85 miles of multiple-use trails designated and developed for hiking, biking, horses, and registered Off-Highway Vehicles (OHVs). Offering a variety of unique riding conditions, the multiple-use trail in the Sam Houston is the only trail open to OHVs in the National Forests in Texas. To promote sustainable and safe riding opportunities, trails are closed when conditions such as soil moisture could lead to trail damage. Before visiting please call the Ranger’s Office at 936-344-6205 or 888-361-6908 and select option 2 for trail status.

http://www.fs.fed.us/r8/texas/recreation/sam_houston/samhouston_gen_info.shtml

Waterwood Horseback Riding Trails

Six of Waterwood’s undeveloped and heavily-forested subdivisions located between Route 190 and the community of Waterwood offer approximately 8 miles of trails for horseback riders and cross-country bicyclists. For more information, check out Trail #2 on the following site:

http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/huntwild/wild/wildlife_trails/pineywoods/piney_east/bigsandy/