At the edge of the piney curtain in east Texas is the Little Lake Creek Wilderness which comprises 3,855 acres of forest. The Texas Wilderness Act ended timber rights in the Sam Houston National Forest and designated Little Lake Creek Wilderness as a roadless area. The area now has well-maintained trails, including the 91-mile Lone Star Hiking Trail and the Sam Houston North Wilderness Loop.
Sam Houston North Wilderness Loop is 9 miles, and the trailhead is at Trail Head #3 off FM 149. A maintained gravel parking lot includes a display with maps locating where trails are within the wilderness area and campsites. From here, the trail winds through the thick forest crossing Little Lake Creek and tributaries along the way. Be mindful of storms as the trail floods in several places.
You can see spectacular tree blossoms from red buds to dogwoods when hiking in the spring. Various species of pines grow anywhere between 65 to 110 feet and provide a wonderful canopy, especially in the hot summer. Tree roots provide a challenge as you can easily injure your ankle. Downed trees are on the trail as well.
The best time of year to hike and backpack is spring and fall. Summers have high humidity and triple-digit temperatures. If camping, make sure your campsite is 200 feet away from the trail and water sources, and waste is covered by 4-8 inches of soil. Please bring adequate amounts of filtered water or a water filter while hiking. Check local weather and the national forest service website for trail conditions and controlled burns. Trails are closed during burns.
For more information visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/texas/specialplaces/?cid=stelprdb5291448
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