HomeLSHT Information

TRAIL INFORMATION

A selection of topics for the LSHT is given below. Not exhaustive, but hits on main issues many hikers want to know about.

GENERAL

The Lone Star Hiking Trail system was conceived by the Lone Star Chapter of the Sierra Club in 1966, and reached its current path by 1978. The Lone Star Hiking Trail is limited to foot traffic only. It is maintained as a primitive, largely backcountry trail so hikers can pass through the varied ecosystems of East Texas while having an enjoyable experience. Most of the approximately 128 miles of hiker trail is a single lane footpath that is easily discernible, but may be rough or have obstacles, encroachment, or unimproved stream crossings. The 96 mile long main trail extends eastwards from Trailhead #1 near Richards, TX to Trailhead #15 near Cleveland, TX.

The trail system lies almost exclusively within the Sam Houston National Forest units contained within Montgomery, San Jacinto, and Walker Counties of Texas. Where the trail is discontinuous, hikers follow public roads or established public rights of way. The 26 mile section of trail from Trailhead #10 to Trailhead #15 is designated as a National Recreation Trail.

The Little Lake Creek Loop Wilderness Area is a federally protected area. The Big Creek Scenic Area and the Winters Bayou Scenic Area have special designations and use restrictions.

MAPS AND GUIDES

Detailed Club Maps of the Lone Star Hiking Trail are on the LSHT Maps section of our website.

The authoritative guidebook for the trail is written by longtime trail supporter and advocate Karen Borski Somers. Her LSHT Guidebook is available for purchase outside of the LSHT website.

https://shop.adventurewithkeen.com/product/the-lone-star-hiking-trail/

TRAIL ACCESS

Parking Areas provide access to the main LSHT and some loop / connecting trails. There are 14 established parking areas. See the table of LSHT Parking and how to get to them.

TRAIL MARKING

White metal 2" x 4" reassurance marking is used for the main trail and markers with colored bands are used to distinguish other loop or connecting trails. Markers are placed frequently enough to confirm you are headed the right direction. Don't expect to see a marker in view at all times. Wooden directional signs are installed at major trail junctions. Older white triangle markers mean the same as the current rectangular ones. You may see much older wooden posts with mile numbers--ignore them and use the rectangular red/white mile markers on trees.

CAMPING

Designated camping locations must be used during the main deer-hunting season (dates defined by the USFS, but usually extending from October 1 through late January). When we speak of designated camping locations along the trail, that includes:

Developed recreational fee areas (Double Lake or Stubblefield Campground). These areas have campsites, potable water, toilets, electricity within the facility, and showers. Only Double Lake provides hookups at selected campsites. Advance reservations may be made for Double Lake at www.recreation.gov. Stubblefield is on a first-come-first-served basis.

Designated Hunter Camps. These camps are typically mowed clearings for hunter use. No hookups, no utilities. May have portable toilets during hunting season. Hunter camps near the trail include [TH#8 Four Notch, Kelly Pond area, Midpoint of Big woods, South of Double Lake on FSR 220]

Designated Primitive Camps. These small primitive camps are spaced along the trail. There are no amenities other than a fire ring, a tent pad, and possibly a bench. A few primitive camps are near natural water sources. See the LSHT Maps for locations of primitive camps.

Outside of hunting season, backpackers may use low-impact camping anywhere along the trail on USFS property. We recommend that all camping be at least 100 feet from the trail to minimize trail impact. And while water features are nice to look at, please camp at least 100 feet from any surface water (stream or pond) to minimize overuse.

Camping is never permitted in the Big Creek Scenic Area, on adjacent private property, or adjacent to trailheads.