Enjoy A Secluded Stroll On A Little-Known Path In This Iconic Texas Forest
By Katie Lawrence|Published February 14, 2024
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Katie Lawrence
Author
Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and began writing for OnlyInYourState in 2015.
Today, Katie writes, edits, and performs several other tasks for OnlyInYourState and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on with a hot cup of coffee, practicing yoga, baking, or exploring the beautiful Lone Star State (in particular, the vast and mystical West Texas desert).
There are four national forests in Texas, and the Sam Houston National Forest is arguably the most iconic. Why, you may ask? Because it’s home to the Lone Star Hiking Trail, which is the longest point-to-point trail in the state at nearly 130 miles. Along the LSHT, you’ll find the Little Lake Creek Loop Trail, a 13-mile, moderately difficult hike that few people even know exists. Whether you hike the entire trail or just a portion of it, I promise you’ll see beautiful scenery and experience lots of peace and quiet.
You'll find the Little Lake Creek Loop Trail within the Little Lake Creek Wilderness area of Sam Houston National Forest. The trail begins at Trailhead #1 of the iconic Lone Star Hiking Trail, which makes it fairly easy to locate.
Overall, the trail is lightly trafficked (even more so on weekdays), affording hikers peace and quiet - and the seemingly elusive opportunity to commune with nature sans distractions.
The trail is open year-round, and every season has its perks. If you visit during the summer, you can enjoy cooling off in the handful of seasonal creeks that meander through the woods.
Colorful leaves litter the ground in the fall, winter brings a deep sense of introspection, and spring showcases the cycle of life as plants begin blooming after a long rest.
Keep an eye out for lots of interesting sights along the way. From unique mushrooms to tropical-looking plants, the observant hiker will encounter much for the eyes to feast on.
Providing ample shade, the trail is lined with pine and hardwood trees that stretch high up toward the clouds. You can't help but feel enchanted as you walk through their towering trunks, half expecting to see a fairy whiz past your face.
When the sunlight beams through the trees at just the right angle, it feels like nature is putting on a show just for you. Can you spot the heart-shaped cloud?
Visit AllTrails to learn more about the Little Lake Creek Loop Trail, and don’t forget to check out AllTrails+ for additional perks such as offline map access.
Have you ever hiked this little-known forest trail in Texas? If so, we’d love to hear all about your experience in the comments. Give our previous article a read if you’re interested in learning about the Lone Star Hiking Trail – it’s the longest continuous hiking trail in the state!