My honest tips for hiking the lone star trail

I've spent a lot of time hiking the lone star trail, and if there's one thing I've learned, it's that Texas hiking is a completely different beast than what you'll find in the mountains. We don't have those massive elevation gains that leave your calves screaming, but don't let that fool you into thinking it's a walk in the park. This trail, stretching roughly 96 miles through the Sam Houston National Forest, has its own unique way of testing your grit. Whether you're planning to tackle the whole thing in one go or just want to knock out a few miles on a Saturday morning, there are a few things you really ought to know before you lace up your boots. ...

April 24, 2026 · 6 min · Liana Khalsa