Sam Houston National Forest
Sam Houston National Forest
The Sam Houston National Forest is located in Montgomery, Walker, and San Jacinto counties. It is one of four national forests in Texas. It is managed by the U.S. Forest Service and the Texas Forest Service through a cooperative agreement. This forest is a multiple-use area that offers recreational opportunities for hikers, hunters, and other outdoors people. Sam Houston National Forest
One of the more popular attractions in the Sam Houston National Forest is the Lone Star Hiking Trail, which passes through the forest. This trail is 128 miles long and has campgrounds along its route. There are also three recreation areas where visitors can enjoy the water. Most human traffic goes through the area during the spring and fall, although winter is not uncommon.
The other major attraction in the Sam Houston National Forest is Lake Conroe, which is a 22,000-acre lake that is used for fishing and boating. Visitors can find a large variety of fish species including white bass and channel catfish. Another attraction is the southern section of Lake Livingston, which is an excellent place for sailing.
The Sam Houston National Forest offers a wide variety of activities, such as mountain biking, bird watching, and fishing. A number of trails are also designated for hiking and off-road vehicles. For those looking to get away from the city, Sam Houston provides a perfect weekend retreat.
The Lone Star Hiking Trail is a portion of a larger wildlife management area that is managed by both the U.S. Forest Service and the State of Texas. These two entities have a cooperative agreement and are working together to create an action plan for the conservation of this land.
The forest is home to numerous archaeological sites dating back to the early 1900s. These ancient remains are protected by federal regulations. Visitors can visit the sites and leave them alone, but do not disturb them. If you notice artifacts, you should contact the Sam Houston Ranger District Office.
The forest is a good destination for water sports, including kayaking and canoeing. Several lakes are located within the forest, such as Double Lake. Other features include a historic bathhouse and a concession stand. Some of the most popular outdoor activities in the Sam Houston National Forest are hiking, fishing, and hunting.
The Sam Houston National Forest offers dozens of hiking and mountain biking trails. Most of these trails are designed as loop trails, crossing creeks and a range of terrain types. Among the highlights are chuck-will's willows, broad-winged hawks, Acadian flycatchers, and northern parulas.
The Sam Houston National Forest is one of the best places in the country to view birds. You can find a variety of species here, including bald eagles, red-cockaded woodpeckers, and ospreys. Hunting is allowed throughout most of the forest. However, you must have a valid Texas hunting license to participate.
For visitors looking to do some fishing, the Lone Star Trail is a popular fishing location. Several panfish species are common in the Sam. Detailed descriptions and photographs are provided in the Fly Fishing the Sam guidebook.