Cross Creek Ranch - The Best Hiking & Biking Trails Near Fulshear, TX and West Houston

Whether you’re an avid outdoor enthusiast, an expert bicyclist or you just love to get away, there are many amazing hiking and biking trails near Houston and Fulshear to enjoy.

The best hiking and biking trails are not just the most popular, but also the outliers that have captured the hearts of outdoor lovers near Houston. While there are many more amazing biking and hiking trails in the area, some just stick out for an adventurer to explore. If you’re looking for a weekend away from the grind or just an afternoon of fun, check out some of these biking and hiking trails near West Houston.

Brays Bayou Greenway Trail

The Brays Bayou Greenway Trail is a long and scenic paved biking trail in Harris County with endpoints at Hockley St., Medina St. and Braeburn Glen Blvd. Have you’ve ever asked, “what’s one of the best places to bike near me?” The Brays Bayou Greenway Trail may be your answer.

An easy and convenient trail for walking, biking, running, and skating, it connects a multitude of residential neighborhoods, universities, recreational facilities and cultural attractions. In total, it covers 33.8 miles of scenery from beautiful bridges to lovely landscapes, over waters filled with wildlife, and conveniently into campuses and public areas.

Hermann Park is near the middle of the Brays Bayou Greenway Trail, and it offers trail-goers access to the Houston Zoo, public gardens and the city's museum district. On the eastern part of the trail, you can find MacGregor Park with its community center, playground and pool.

Hermann Park’s original Spanish-style clubhouse was built in 1933 and served as the Hermann Park Golf Course clubhouse. There are currently renovations in the park, but you can still ride through and see the amazing history as well as some breathtaking landscaping in the historic park.

George Bush Park

One of the most popular trails near Katy, George Bush Park has something for everyone. Fully accessible, wide biking and hiking trails cross over a beautiful, scenic wooded park.

There are just more than 11 miles of paved and wood-planked trails, and the park is open to bikers, hikers, runners and bird watchers year-round. Located in Harris County, the George Bush Park Hike-and-Bike Trail starts at the west end of the Terry Hershey Park Hike-and-Bike Trail and, together, they offer a continuous 22-mile ride.

No matter where you enter, there is plenty of parking for all. A popular place to start is off of Highland Knolls at Fry Road. The park itself sprawls 7,800 acres and has a number of recreational amenities, including numerous ballfields, plenty of family-friendly picnic areas, a public shooting range and wildlife habitat.

Terry Hershey Park

Connected to the George Bush Hike and Bike Trail, the rugged pathways in Terry Hershey Park add a bit more of a challenge to your ride. Also known as Hershey Park Houston, it offers some of the best bike trails near Katy, TX.

While Terry Hershey Park has fun and recreation for the whole family including a playground, Kid Fit park and a bat house, the Anthills Trails in Terry Hershey Park is where intermediate-level mountain bikers can come for a fun challenge.

Terry Hershey Park was named for the man whom George W. Bush referred to as a “trailblazer.” Terry Hershey was a conservationist, and his efforts are forever memorialized in this amazing park named in his honor.

Mayde Creek Hike and Bike Trail

For easy, family-friendly fun, Mayde Creek Hike and Bike Trail is a great trail for residents of west Harris County. If you’re in search of local places to stroll, bike or walk your dogs, take a quick 20-minute drive over to Mayde Creek.

The trailhead begins on Appletree Hill Lane and heads south toward Morton Road and Ashley Road. Then, the trail comes to the Mayde Creek school complex. The north-south branch of the trail ends up at Cullen Park, which has its own concrete trail leading to the pavilions and continuing east.

Mayde Creek was made for family fun with its beginner-friendly trails, picnic areas and recreation areas. You can easily park at the Cullen Park Pavillions to access the trail.

Memorial Park

Houston’s Memorial Park is located near the center of the city, like Houston’s very own Central Park. There are plenty of scenic biking and hiking trails totaling approximately 12.6 miles. The 1500-acre park also has fields for other sports such as golf, baseball, tennis and volleyball.

Avid mountain bikers, beginners and intermediate riders all get magnificent views of nature at Memorial Park. It’s one of the best bike trails to suit riders of all levels.

Beginners can ride the paths past the nature center, arboretum and playgrounds. Technical riders can venture onto rocky, steep trails with twists and turns, ruts and roots. Memorial Park’s trails are color-coded for riders of all strengths to avoid mishaps.

Brazos Bend State Park

A jewel in the crown of Texas state parks is just 45 miles from downtown Houston and even closer for residents of Cross Creek Ranch. Located in Needville, Brazos Bend State Park offers an array of outdoor activities, including biking, horseback riding and camping.

There are 37 miles of trails, including fully paved, wheelchair-friendly trails and 13 miles of multi-use trails for horseback riding. The many hike-and-bike trails interconnect, encircling lakes and leading to campgrounds. Take the Sawmill Trail or River View Trail to Yellowstone Landing, where the steamer Yellowstone passed during the Texas Revolution. (It’s also a great spot to drop a line.) The Prairie Trail leads you to the Prairie Platform which offers a glimpse of an ecosystem that once covered millions of acres of prehistoric Texas. The 40-Acre Lake Trail brings you to an observation tower for views of sunsets, sunrises, marshes, lakes and hardwood wetlands.

Brazos Bend State Park is also known for its many alligators. Make sure to stay 30 feet away and never feed an alligator. If you leave them alone, they will leave you alone.

Huntsville State Park

Huntsville State Park is located at 565 Park Road 40 W. in Huntsville. It’s a little bit of a drive from Fulshear, but it’s well worth it for a weekend of fun. The state park is truly majestic, with scenic views, sprawling trails, wooded hikes and abundant wildlife.

Huntsville State Park has 25+ miles of biking trails plus a dedicated 129-mile trail — The Lone Star Trail — for hikers only. Each trail is part of the Sam Houston National Forest. There are trails for all fitness levels, mapped out and marked at trailheads by the park service. The 6.2-mile Chinquapin Trail is recommended for intermediate mountain bikers and is rated in the top 25 trails in Texas. Easier trails include the South Loop, the 3CCC Trail and Start Hill.

Dozens of campsites, wildlife areas like the Great Texas Wildlife Trails, fishing and other amenities make a weekend visit to Huntsville State Park a must for outdoor enthusiasts.

White Oak Bayou Greenway

Located at 4201 T C Jester Blvd Houston, White Oak Bayou Greenway is where you can get a quick ride in. If you commute to work from Fulshear into Houston for work, this may be a great place to sneak in a quick outdoor biking workout before starting your day.

One of the shortest Houston bike trails, this 15-mile ride is perfect if you’re trying to squeeze some outdoor recreation into a busy afternoon. The White Oak Bayou Greenway connects to Heights Hike and Bike Trail and is pedestrian-free. So, if you do choose to take a longer ride in a not-so-busy place, you have some options.

According to the Houston Parks Board, there are plans to expand the trails to include more than 17 miles of public green space and hike-and-bike trails. These will all remain within the city of Houston’s city limits. White Oak Bayou will eventually include Watonga Parkway Park, T.C. Jester Park, Stude Park, White Oak Park and Hogg Park.

Cross Creek Ranch in Fulshear

There are plenty of amazing biking trails just a quick trip from Cross Creek Ranch, but trail-loving residents find they don’t even have to leave the community for an enjoyable bike ride. More than 60 miles of trails traverse the community, providing ample opportunity for both a quick ride and one that is a little more challenging. And we’re not done yet! As development continues, we will be adding to our many miles of trails.

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