Details: The club last had a hike here in May 2009, I remember the trails as being heavily wooded, with some boardwalks that wind through swamps and marshes. Most of these boardwalks are on the South Loop Trail. Two are on the Eagle Point Trail. One is on the Otter Point Trail. They give visitors a glimpse into an ecosystem rarely seen. There are openings where the San Jacinto River and portions of upper Lake Houston are visible.
Numerous cypresses can be seen along with large oaks, Sycamore, Magnolia, etc. Deer are numerous and The Lake Houston Nature Club has reported seeing eight rare species of birds in the meadow last November. Also eagles have been seen. We are planning to walk most of the trails which are crushed granite trails which are ideal for hiking, compared to asphalt or concrete, this natural surface has more “give” which reduces stress on knees and backs.
Sat. Jan. 31, 2014 – Time: 9:00 AM
Hike Leader: Chris Hooks
Directions: From I-45 and The Woodlands Parkway, go north on I-45 towards Conroe to the 242 (exit79), go right on 242 Needham Road, several miles to US-59 and take a right and go south to Kingwood Drive exit. Take a left and after going under the freeway, go east until you can go no further about 8 miles until Kingwood Drive dead-ends in the parking lot for East End Park. Lake Houston wraps around the park. It’s close to 28 miles from I-45 and Woodlands Pkwy. So make sure you leave early if you live in the back of The Woodlands.
158.5 acres of wetlands, woodlands and meadows
– 3.5 miles of developed trails
– 2 miles of natural trails
– 2 miles of Lake Houston frontage
– 141 species of birds including several that are threatened or endangered
Bring: Plan to bring water/electrolytes, snacks, and a lunch if you wish, as we will eat on the trail. Oh and please wear good foot protection, the trails here are great but it’s so important to emphasis good protection. We have had some wear sandals and be bare footed in the past.
Length: We will hike about 4-5 miles, and should be finished by 11:30-12pm.
Note: If you plan to go just drop me a line and I will add you to the list. Be prepared as always in case we get a little rain or drizzle. I will look at the weather early Saturday morning and if rain is eminent and we cancel, I will notify everyone that’s signed up. We usually only cancel if it’s a large widespread rain event, but looks like hopefully the rain will hold off until later in the day.
Hope to see many of you there. Should be a great time, all of our hikes are and I love Kingwood East End Park. It’s a great little Oasis.
If you have questions feel free to contact me.
Chris,
Day Hike Coordinator
