In Houston, there are a variety of parks to choose from that have walking trails; but which trail is the best to walk through based on the length of the trail as well as plenty of scenery to keep you motivated in walking? Here are some of the best walking trails in Houston that will either keep you moving or will help start your walking regime.
Memorial Park Trail
6501 Memorial Drive
Houston, TX 77007
Hours: 6a.m. – 11p.m.
http://www.memorialparkconservancy.org/index.cfm?menuitemid=151
Known as the “Three Mile Circle” for its three mile loop around the park, the walking trail at Memorial Park is a popular staple in Houston because of its convenient location near downtown. This trail is especially for businesspeople who want to get a quick walk in between lunch hour, college students, and exercise buffs. With plenty of trees to get shade throughout the day and beautiful scenery to view while walking, Memorial Park Trail provides a surreal atmosphere for the person who wants to relax while getting a good workout. The good thing about this trail is that bathrooms and water fountains are located around each end of the trail, but beware, since this is a popular venue, there tend to be a heavy amount of traffic with other walkers, runners, and dog-walkers; but it is worth it to gain a source of energy and excitement while walking along this magnificent track.
Hermann Park Trails
6201 A Golf Course Drive
Houston, TX 77030
6a.m.-11p.m.
www.hermannpark.org
Hermann Park is one of the most eclectic parks in Houston, mainly because it is close to all the mainstays in the city, for example, the Houston Zoo, Miller Outdoor Theatre, Houston Museum of Natural Science and the Children’s Museum. Aside from the major attractions, Hermann Park is known for tradition, and when taking a walk on one of its gigantic trails (there are three trails in all), you will not be disappointed on the walk nor the view. There is a one mile trail around the park’s lake, a two mile near Rice University, and three mile trail through the Japanese Garden by the reflection pond. While taking a walk along the trail, you can stop at many sites, including the reflecting pools, the Japanese Garden around the golf course and the rose garden. If you bring your little one with you to walk, make sure to stop by the Miniature Train Station to take a spin on the train as it goes throughout the park or you can check out the playgrounds along the lake. There are plenty of water fountains around the lake only, but not near the two mile trail or the trail around the university. There is shade to keep you cool on extremely hot days, but the area with the most shade is around the golf courses, and be aware of golf balls when making a way through the golf course. Although there are a few imperfections with the trails at Hermann Park, it does not take away from the enjoyment you will have while taking a walk along the city’s most unique walking trails.
Oyster Creek Park Trail
4033 State Highway 6
Sugar Land, TX 77479
Hours: 6a.m. – 9p.m.
http://www.sugarlandtx.gov/parks_recreation/parks_facilities/community_parks/oyster_creek.asp
One of the most amazing parks in Sugar Land, (or even in Houston), Oyster Creek Park is the place to go to spend a wonderful day with the family, but the walking trail alone is the reason why this park is such a popular site to go to. With its three-mile trail, the walk will be remembered for days due to the many ponds, rock lined falls, and bridges escalating around the walk paths. People will be amazed at how the landscape is perfectly displayed as well as the water features exhibited throughout the park to stop and admired. Also along the trails are water fountains, benches, and a beautiful rose garden. This is a spectacular trail that no one will want to stop walking on.
