Houston is home to some of the most amazing nature trails in Texas. From the Armand Bayou Nature Center to Martin Dies Jr. State Park, there's something for everyone to enjoy on these trails.

In this blog post, we'll be focusing on some of our favorite trails in Houston. From the easier, beginner-friendly trails to the more challenging ones, there's something for everyone to enjoy. And if these trails aren't enough for you, be sure to check out the first part of this blog post here.

Armand Bayou Nature Center

If you're looking for a great place to experience nature, then Armand Bayou Nature Center is for you. This place offers easy trails and lots of wildlife, and they also have a great learning area for the kids. 

The volunteers and staff of Armand Bayou are truly passionate about preserving its natural habitat and providing people with some means to reconnect with nature, and you can feel it in the way they conduct their business. 

Armand Bayou offers guided kayak tours as well, so make sure to ask them about that when you visit.

Bastrop State Park

Since 1938, Bastrop State Park has been a favorite destination for Texans and visitors from all over the country. With over 2,000 acres of beautiful nature, you're sure to find something to enjoy on Bastrop's trails.

Bastrop's campgrounds have spacious and well-kept sites, so you can definitely stay here for a night or two (or longer!) if you'd like. 

Don't be deceived by Bastrop's simplicity -- although this place offers some nice, easy trails that are perfect for beginners, it also has some harder trails because of the inclines and direct sunlight.

Brazos Bend State Park

A very nice and relaxing park to enjoy the day, Brazos Bend State Park is popular due to its many miles of trails that wind through the forest and along the creeks. The trails are easy to follow and are great for hikers, runners, and bikers.

If you're a bird and reptile enthusiast, you'll be thrilled to know that there are a wider variety of birds here, as well as their reptile companions. It's almost guaranteed that you'll see some gators in the wild!

Aside from hiking, running, and biking, you can also enjoy fishing, chilling around, and taking tons of wildlife photos.

Galveston Island State Park

Galveston Island State Park is a wonderful place to relax along the sugar-fine sand beaches. You can enjoy fishing and kayaking on the bay aside from hitting the trails.

If you've been doing a lot of touristy things lately, Galveston Island State Park is a wonderful place to break the hustle and the bustle. This fun little park has two sections, but only the bay side is open due to renovations on the entire beachside. This place also has several picnic areas with tables, grills, and restrooms, so why not bring the whole family along with you?

Houston Arboretum

Located in Memorial Park, Houston Arboretum contains over 5 miles of easy trails, with ponds, forest, and wetland. No biking and running are allowed on the trails, and you can only enjoy the beauty of nature while hiking.

What's great about this place is that it's in downtown Houston, so it's easy to get to, and you can still experience nature while being near all the city has to offer. And while there are parking fees when you visit, this park is free for admission for all ages.

Lake Houston Wilderness Park

Lake Houston Wilderness Park is a great place to spend a day outdoors, whether you're hiking, biking, or just taking in the scenery. The park is huge -- it's almost 5,000 acres -- and there's something for everyone. There's even a creek that's open for swimming!

The trails are easy to follow and have beautiful scenery,  with some bridges and boardwalks to bring some excitement into the mix, making this a great place for families. There's also a nature center and a picnic area for you to enjoy.

Lake Livingston State Park

There are plenty of things you can do at Lake Livingston State Park. Such activities include hiking, swimming, fishing, boating, and camping. 

Lake Livingston offers many camping options, from tent sites to RV sites. Some trails here are stroller-friendly, and there was no shortage of picnic spaces. Also, there were interactive learning spots along the trails, so your kids will definitely enjoy their time here.

What's lovely about Lake Livingston State Park is its proximity to the city -- it's close yet far enough from the noise of city life. The good spacing between campsites, its quiet ambiance, and the incredible lake views are what set this park apart from the rest.

Martin Dies Jr. State Park

Trails and tranquility -- that's what you can expect at Martin Dies Jr. State Park. Choose from over 200 campsites that are mostly situated near the lake and feel a little slice of heaven. 

This state park has a lot of activities that are fun and entertaining for parents and kids alike. Paddle tours, fishing expeditions, night hikes... this park has it all.

There are also gorgeous hiking trails that wind through the woods, and you can take advantage of the fishing opportunities that are available. Towering magnolias, pine, and hickory trees are a common sight as well. The convergence of two rivers and a dam creates numerous cypress-filled sloughs that are perfect for exploring on a kayak or canoe. No matter what type of activity you have in mind, a trip to Martin Dies Jr. State Park is worth the effort.

Conclusion

You've got so many options when it comes to outdoor adventures in Houston, and these are just some of the best places to get outside and enjoy the beauty of nature. We hope that we've given you a good idea of what each one offers.

Houston is a huge city, and there are a ton of great parks and trails to go for fun, adventure, and relaxation. So if you're looking for something new to try, be sure to check out these places and see what they have to offer. Whether you're looking for a short hike, a long bike ride, or a full-day adventure, there's a trail in Houston to satisfy your needs.