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THRU-HIKE REFERENCE


Use the tabs below to navigate to information of interest to the thru-hiker.  Includes turn by turn descriptions along with camping locations and water sources ranked by drought-resistance.  Many thru-hikers requested a *.gpx of the trail with waypoints--now you have it!  Additionally, we have updated a list of off-trail support and resources for accommodation, shuttle, and resupply.  
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GUIDE
DIGITAL
SUPPORT
HONOR ROLL

A CONCISE THRU- HIKER'S GUIDE FOR THE LONE STAR TRAIL


By: Don Brewington, Lone Star Hiking Trail Club


Revised October 31, 2023 by Dave Wade
and the Wednesday Morning Bunch
and revised again August 2024 for website migration
.



Important notes:

 

  • The USFS may close portions of the trail when trail conditions with public safety concerns exist.  The LSHT Club will try to communicate trail closures, but the USFS website is the official position.
  • Check the USFS Prescribed Burn map just prior to your hike. You may have to adjust your plans.
  • The bridge over the East Fork of the San Jacinto River at Mile 71.1 is washed out. In times of high water, the crossing is hazardous and can remain so for days at a time.  An unmarked, unofficial, and difficult to follow detour has been mapped and is available in the LSHT Club Maps section of the Club Website. Use the detour at your own risk!
  • In times of prolonged wet weather, the south half of Tarkington Section, the lower Little Lake Creek Loop, Caney Creek Bottoms, and the entire Winters Bayou section could be messy and difficult to hike, with unavoidable stretches of ankle-deep water.
  • There are several Road Walks, the longest being five miles, where the LSHT leaves the woods and follows public roads. All Road Walks should be considered unmarked.
  • There are some locations where cell-phone service will not be available. Service will normally be available within a mile along the trail.
  • Consider using LSHT Club georeferenced Club Maps on Avenza.  An approximation of the trail route may be viewed on Google maps when zoomed in.
  • Filter and treat all surface water.Be conscious of upstream agricultural activities that could impact water quality.
  • Water can be a challenge. You may wish to cache water along the way.Eastbound hikers may want to cache water at Trailhead #7 (to cover two road walks and Phelps), Trailhead #9 in very dry seasons, and Trailhead #12 in very dry seasons.
  • During hunting season (Late September to Late January), a USFS Designated Camping policy restricts camping to (1) developed campgrounds (Stubblefield, Double Lake, Huntsville State Park) (2) established Hunter Camps and (3) established trail Primitive Camps. All other times, camping is permitted in USFS property along the trail except near trailheads and within the boundaries of the Big Creek Scenic Area.
  • Mile markers are numbered 2” x 4” metal plates (red with white diamond) affixed to trees. They mean the same thing as the rectangular ones. There are also older mile markers (wooden posts) and these should be ignored.
  • If it has been raining the low lands can be muddy and some of the creeks will be difficult to cross. If there are high winds, find an open area and watch out for falling trees and limbs.
  • Consult the Thru-Hike Support tab on the LSHT Club website for shuttle & taxi options.

A PDF version of this guide may be viewed and downloaded here:  Thru-Hikers Guide Turn by Turn




 

ICON KEY

πŸ’§

DROPS Indicator

 

Trash receptacle

 

Parking

 

Shower

 

Designated Camping (All year)

 

Potable Water

 

Camping (outside hunting season)

 

Power

 

Watch for intersection or landmark

 

RV hookups

 

Restroom/pit toilet

 

Caution/Warning

D*R*O*P*S DESCRIPTION

Each water source in this guide is given a permanent Drought Resistance Of Point Source (D*R*O*P*S) rating on a scale from 1 to 5; the more D*R*O*P*S, the better. We will also publish a LSHT Drought Index monthly for use in estimating water availability.


The D*R*O*P*S rating is used only for the availability of water, not the quality of water. All water should be treated. None of the water locations in this guide have been tested for purity. Use at your own risk. Pond water is more likely to be available, but also more likely to be unhealthy.

πŸ’§πŸ’§πŸ’§πŸ’§πŸ’§

Withstood the 2011 Drought

πŸ’§πŸ’§πŸ’§πŸ’§

Nearly withstood the 2011 Drought

πŸ’§πŸ’§πŸ’§

Possibly drying up each summer

πŸ’§πŸ’§

Likely to dry up each summer

πŸ’§

Water present only in wettest times, and may appear stagnant

IF….

THEN…

D*R*O*P*S > LSHT Drought Index

That source should have water

D*R*O*P*S < LSHT Drought Index

That source unlikely to have water

D*R*O*P*S = LSHT Drought Index

That source uncertain to have water

For example, if the Drought Index is "2", then all water sources with only 1 D*R*O*P*S will be dry, all water sources with 3 to 5 D*R*O*P*S will have water, while the water sources rated 2 D*R*O*P*S should be considered uncertain.

 


LSHT Turn-by-Turn West to East


Mile

ICON

Description

WEST END OF RICHARD SECTION (START OF TRAIL)

0

 

Trailhead #1 Richards. Start of Lone Star Hiking Trail (LSHT, Main Trail)

0.13

 

Intersect Little Lake Creek Loop (LLCL, Orange Markers). Stay Left

0.33

πŸ’§πŸ’§πŸ’§

Poor quality Pond on Left, emergency use only.
3 D*R*O*P*S.

1.00

Mile marker on tree. Many dozens more to come!

1.4

Cross old logging trail. There are many of these you will cross on the trail. Make sure you watch for the white markers.

1.8

Cross gravel road Forest Service 203 (FS 203)

2.1

Sharp Left as Trail parallels FS 203A

2.22

Cross Old Road FS 211E

2.55

πŸ’§πŸ’§πŸ’§πŸ’§πŸ’§

Pond on Right – Good lunch spot. 5 D*R*O*P*S

3.3

 

Intersect West Fork Trail (Blue Markers). Stay Left and cross creek.

WEST END OF NORTH WILDERNESS SECTION

3.45

 

Bethel Road (Also called FS 211). Parking, Trailhead #2 (Sand Branch) to Left. Cross road and enter Wilderness section.

3.8

πŸ’§

Intersection with North Wilderness Trail (Red Markers) on Left. Don't turn. Continue straight. The North Wilderness Trail is 2.2 miles long and can be used as a shortcut, rejoining the LSHT at mile 8.0, and cutting out 2 miles of hiking. If you choose to take the North Wilderness Trail, you will encounter two 1 D*R*O*P*S creeks.

3.95

πŸ’§πŸ’§πŸ’§πŸ’§

Clear Water in low volume spring feed creek. 4 D*R*O*P*S

5.1

 

Intersect Sand Branch Trail (Yellow Markers). Turn Left to stay on The Lone Star Trail and pass through the Wilderness Section.

5.1 + 0.6

 

Designated Primitive Camp – β€œSand Branch Camp” if you detour 0.6 miles south on Sand Branch Trail.

5.8

πŸ’§

Beginning of 2 board walks in this low area of Little Lake Creek, each about 150 feet. Little Lake Creek. 1 D*R*O*P*S.

5.9

Second boardwalk

6.5

 

Exit Wilderness area. Cross gravel road FS 231 and continue straight.

Designated Primitive Camp - "Little Lake Creek Wilderness Camp" - 125 yards North (Left) on FS 231

6.8

 

Intersect Pole Creek Trail (Blue Markers) to Right. Go Left. Head North. The trail will follow along the general area of Pole creek.

6.8 + 1.2

 

Designated Primitive Camp – β€œPole Creek Camp” if you detour 1.2 miles south on Pole Creek Trail

8.0

 

Intersect North Wilderness Trail's east end. Turn Right and in 200 feet you will cross Pole Creek. No Bridge. If raining hard this could be difficult to cross. Water - A shallow sandy intermittent creek. 1/2 D*R*O*P*S.

8.6

Cross buried power line

WEST END OF KELLY SECTION

8.7

 

Trailhead #3 on Left. Cross Highway FM 149. Watch blaze signs for next several miles as there are some sharp turns.

9.76

πŸ’§πŸ’§πŸ’§πŸ’§

A small gully appears on your Left. Water in a hidden pond 150 yards to the north if you leave the trail and bushwhack alongside the gully downstream. 4 D*R*O*P*S.

10.8

Turn Right and walk on gravel road FS 2429 for ~100 yards. Leave road and turn Left onto main trail.

11.3

 

Paved road (Osborn Road), with tiny parking area. Go straight across.

11.8

 

Intersect terminus of 18.5 mile long Little Lake Creek Loop Trail (Orange Markers), which goes Right. Stay straight.

11.8 + 0.55

 

Designated Primitive Camp - "Caney Creek Camp" if you detour 0.55 miles south on Little Lake Creek Loop Trail.

11.9

πŸ’§πŸ’§

Bridge (48 foot) over Caney Creek nice to have in wet weather. This is a muddy area and will be muddy for some time. Water - A shallow sandy creek. 2+ D*R*O*P*S.

12.7

Cross ORV Trail

13.3

Cross Pipeline and Gravel Road FS 204B.

14.3

 

Gravel road FS 271 "Kelly's Pond Road". Right goes to Kelly's Pond. GO LEFT walking on gravel road and intersect paved road FS 204. To the Right of the intersection, cross this road and enter woods at the hiker sign.

The entire length of Kelly's Pond Road is a Designated Hunter Camp

SOUTH END OF STUBBLEFIELD SECTION

15.8

 

Cross Highway FM 1375. Trailhead #6 is down the gravel road to the Left. Follow the trail marking and there will be a short spur to parking.

16.6

πŸ’§πŸ’§πŸ’§πŸ’§πŸ’§

Excellent view of Lake Conroe. Few nice spots like this one.

This is not a legal hunting season camp!

Water - from lake 5 D*R*O*P*S.

17.9

πŸ’§πŸ’§πŸ’§πŸ’§

Make your way across permanent Quicksand Creek (No Bridge). 4 D*R*O*P*S.

19.7

πŸ’§πŸ’§πŸ’§πŸ’§πŸ’§

Stubblefield Campground. Often a campground host here. Fee to camp is $15. Showers for paid campers. Potable water. Trail goes straight ahead through the campground to paved Stubblefield Lake Road. Turn Right and cross 200-foot bridge.

West Fork San Jacinto River. 5 D*R*O*P*S.

SOUTH END OF BATH SECTION

20.3


Designated Primitive Hunter Camp - "Stubblefield Overflow Camp".

Trail leaves Stubblefield Lake Road opposite Overflow Camping Area and enters woods to Right. About 300 feet the trail takes a sharp Left. Watch, as there is a trail that goes straight.

21.0

Cross paved Gus Randel Road and a power line.

21.5

Cross gravel KC Lease Lane (aka Pipkin Road) leading to house on Right

22.0

Trail takes a sharp Right turn, following a property line which is fenced for a short distance, then unfenced. Stay Right of the red-banded property line trees.

23.1

FM 1374. Dogs at house west of trail make a lot of noise.

23.5

Old road FS 243: sharp Left onto road for 50 yards then Right into woods

24.0

πŸ’§πŸ’§πŸ’§

Water in tiny intermittent creek (Fern Creek). More reliable than most creeks. Held water May 25, 2011 in midst of drought. 3+ D*R*O*P*S.

24.5

Old Road FS 243. Turn Right onto road and follow for 0.2 miles where trail turns Left at Hikers sign ( do not cross creek).

26.15

Turn Right onto faint ORV track (FS 243F2)

26.4


Bath LANE. Come to an unmarked gravel road. This is the old Bath Lane. Turn Right and walk the road for 1.5 miles and you come to the corner of Bath Lane and Ball road. This junction is currently unsigned, but Ball Road is paved. Turn Right on Ball Road and go about 0.15 miles to gravel Cotton Creek Cemetery Road, which will have a cattle guard. Turn Left on Cotton Creek Cemetery Road and go 0.5 miles until the road forks.

Take the Right fork onto unmarked Forest Service Road 287, passing through a normally locked auto gate. The trail follows this Right fork for .15 mile until it leaves the road and enters the woods on the Right.

WEST END OF HUNTSVILLE SECTION

28.8

Trail leaves gravel logging road and goes into woods on the Right.

28.9

πŸ’§πŸ’§πŸ’§

Top of pond dam. Poor quality water. 3 D*R*O*P*S

Designated Primitive Camp - "West Huntsville Camp"

32.0

πŸ’§πŸ’§πŸ’§πŸ’§πŸ’§

You come to a paved road. Turn Left onto the road and in a couple hundred feet you will come to Camelia Lake.

NOTE: Potable water is no longer available at the Camelia Lake Pumphouse!

The lake on the Left (Camelia Lake) is in Elkins Lake subdivision. Cross the dam. The spillway can be very slippery. You may need water shoes after recent rains. There are metal poles at both ends with openings at the side for hikers to go through. Right after going through the east end of the dam the trail turns Right. Water from lake should be avoided due to fertilizer and pesticides. 5 D*R*O*P*S

32.2

After entering woods you will pass under a power line.

33.2

πŸ’§πŸ’§πŸ’§πŸ’§

Cross Alligator Creek and turn Left. The trail will follow the creek line for about a mile. Water - shallow sandy spring fed permanent creek 4 D*R*O*P*S

34.2

Footbridge

EAST END OF HUNTSVILLE SECTION

35.0


You will come to parking area off the feeder road of I-45, Trailhead #7. Turn Right and follow the feeder road for 0.7 of a mile to Park Road 40. The trail turns Left and goes under I-45 on Park Road 40.

35.0 + 2

πŸ’§πŸ’§πŸ’§πŸ’§πŸ’§

If you detour Right at Park Road 40 you will enter the Huntsville State Park. Good camping. Showers. Water and Coke machine. Concession Stand may be open at the lake. Thru-hikers like to stop here and clean up. Plan on an extra 2 to 2.5 miles walking each way to camp here. 5 D*R*O*P*S in Park

35.7

Walk Left on Park Road 40 for a mile and intersect US 75. Turn Right for 0.1 miles and then turn Left on Evelyn Lane. Sign at corner. Go about 0.3 miles and there will be a Metal gate to private property. To the Right of the gate you will see the Hiker's Sign and entry to woods.

WEST END OF PHELPS SECTION

37.0

Trail leaves Evelyn Lane to Left. About 200 feet you see Mile Marker 37.

38.0

High-voltage Power Lines

38.2

Small foot bridge

38.3


Designated Primitive Camp - "Phelps Camp"

39.3

You come to Evelyn Lane again, though it is now a gravel road. Turn Left and continue on road for 0.3 miles.

39.6

Turn Left off Evelyn Lane into woods at Hiker Sign. Friendly dogs south of road.

40.7

Small intermittent stream. This is your best chance to find water in this section, but that is not saying much. 1/2 D*R*O*P*S

42.0

East end of Phelps Section: 275 feet and you come to FM2296. Turn Left and in 0.5 miles you will come to FM2929 (on the Left) and Four Notch Road (on the Right). The street sign identifying Four Notch Road has been stolen at least twice in recent memory. Turn Right on paved Four Notch Road, crossing the Railroad Tracks. It is about 2.4 miles of walking on this road before you turn Left on FS 213. Signage at FS 2013 is poor to non-existent. A few dogs on the road. At FS 213 go about 0.2 miles and you will see the entrance of the trail on the Right.

WEST END OF FOUR NOTCH SECTION

45.0


Parking Lot on Left of trailhead. Designated Four Notch Hunters Camp.

45.3


Trail will divide. To the Left is the Four Notch Loop Trail (Red Markers) and to the Right is the main trail. There is a sign at this place. Bear Right.

46.5

Cross gravel road FS223.

47.0

πŸ’§πŸ’§

Intermittent Creek with poor quality water. 2 D*R*O*P*S.

48.0

Watch signs in this area. There are some low spots in the area. This is the traditional HALFWAY POINT of the LSHT.

48.2

πŸ’§πŸ’§πŸ’§

This is Boswell Creek and can be difficult to cross if raining. Water – fairly reliable. 3+ D*R*O*P*S.

49.4


Four Notch Loop Trail intersects main trail. Go straight.

49.6

Trail turns Right and follows Briar Creek.

49.9

Cross Briar Creek

50.4

Cross Gravel road FS206.

51.1

πŸ’§

Cross Brandy Creek 1 D*R*O*P*S.

51.3


Designated Primitive Camp - "East Four Notch Camp"

51.5

πŸ’§πŸ’§πŸ’§

Water in Pond on Left. 3 D*R*O*P*S.

51.7

End of Four Notch Section. Road Walk begins by turning Left on unmarked gravel road FS 200. Go 0.7 miles and come to intersection of unmarked gravel road FS 207. Turn right on FS 207 for 0.9 miles to an unsigned β€œY”-Fork. Take the right fork to continue on FS 207 for another 1.1 miles to the intersection of FS 202 and FS 207. There may be mile markers on the road #52 and #54.

NORTH END OF BIG WOOD SECTION

54.2

Enter woods between FS 202 and FS 207.

56.9

Cross West Fork Caney Creek. Bearing tree and old fence line. There are many small creeks in this section. Common to area. This is usually dry but we give it 1/2 D*R*O*P*S

58.4

Trail comes within 100 feet of FS 202 and its junction with FS 202D.Trail makes a sharp Right turn.

58.5

πŸ’§πŸ’§πŸ’§πŸ’§

Intersect old road/fire break. Trail crosses fire break. There is an off-trail pond by going 100 yards east (Left) of the trail down the fire break and then 30 yards south. Water in pond. In dry conditions, this is the ONLY water between miles 51.5 and mile 71. 4 D*R*O*P*S

59.8


Intersect gravel road FS202D. To stay on the LSHT, make a quick turn Right onto the road for 20 yards, then Left into the woods.

Designated Primitive Camp - "Big Woods Trail Camp" is reached by walking 100 yards north of this intersection along FS202D.

60.4

Cross wet weather Pumpkin Creek . After the creek, watch for 90 degree turn to Right

61.5

Tricky intersection with abandoned pipeline. Watch for markers as trail crosses diagonally to the Right.

62.8


Trailhead #9 and Big Woods Parking Area.

SOUTH END OF BIG WOODS SECTION

πŸ’§πŸ’§πŸ’§πŸ’§πŸ’§



Turn Left on dirt Ira Denson Lane and walk 0.2 miles and intersect FS 202, also called John Warren Road. Turn Right and walk 1.7 miles on John Warren Road, watch for dogs. Intersect Highway 150 turn Left and in 0.3 miles you will see the flashing traffic light at Evergreen. The Evergreen Baptist Church has given hikers permission to use the outside water tap behind the sanctuary. 5 D*R*O*P*S. FM 945 intersects Highway 150 at the flashing fight. Turn Right and walk 2.7 miles to Butch Arthur Road where the Trailhead is on the corner. The section from here to Double Lake is called the Magnolia Section. You may wish to have someone meet you at the South end of Big Woods (Trailhead #9) and take you to Trailhead #10 (Magnolia) to avoid this roughly 5 mile long road walk.

MAGNOLIA SECTION


This section takes you to Double Lake. The nature of the forest changes in this section, you will see many Magnolia trees and much of the walk will follow creeks. You will cross the San Jacinto River (east branch of the river). The bridge over the East Fork of the San Jacinto River is washed out. In times of high water, the crossing is hazardous. A map of the detour with explanation is available in the LSHT Club website LSHT Maps section.

67.4


Start of Magnolia Section Trailhead #10

68.3

Cross a small footbridge. The trail parallels an intermittent stream for the next 1.3 miles. While it is usually dry at the bridge, there is often water in the stream from mile 69 to 69.6. After mile 69, some of the water is runoff from private land of unknown quality, so get water at or before Mile 69 if you can.

68.6


Designated Primitive Camp - "Magnolia Camp”. Older maps will show this as LSHT Camp Site # 2". No Water.

69.0 - 69.5

πŸ’§

Water from intermittent stream. 1+ D*R*O*P*S.

69.9


Cross gravel road Freeside Lane / FS 2126. If you need to detour around the East Fork of the San Jacinto River due to high water, this is where you would begin.

70.6

Former Hiker's gate.

71.1


Cross East Fork San Jacinto River. The trail now crosses the river 100 yards north of the old bridge location. Water of unknown quality from shallow sandy permanent creek 5 D*R*O*P*S. The bridge over the San Jacinto River is washed out. In times of high water, the crossing is hazardous and alternate arrangements should be made for thru-hikers.

72.05

Pipe Line Right of way.

72.2

πŸ’§πŸ’§πŸ’§πŸ’§

Bridge with small intermittent stream. 4 D*R*O*P*S.

72.8

Trail turns Right (due east) along a pipeline for 200 yards, then leaves the pipeline to the Left (north). Gravel road FS 280B crosses the trail and pipeline in this section.

73.8


Cross FM 2025 and shortly go under power line. You go through a couple of Hiker's gates. Trailhead #11 Iron Ore is to the Right.

NORTH END OF BIG CREEK SCENIC SECTION

75.0

πŸ’§πŸ’§πŸ’§πŸ’§πŸ’§

Lake Shore Trail around Double Lake. The Lone Star Trail takes a U-turn around the information sign . You are now 75.0 miles from the start of the Lone Star trail. In this section you will follow a creek line for 4 miles to the Big Creek Scenic Area where you will go west for several miles before heading south.

Double Lake Recreation Area has restrooms, potable water, and camping (for a fee). 5 D*R*O*P*S

75.6


Cross gravel road FS 220. Beyond this point, mile markers may have two numbers: the miles to Double Lake and the Miles from the beginning of the trail.

75.7


Designated Primitive Camp - "Double Lake Trail Camp”. Older maps will show this as Lone Star Primitive Campsite #1."

75.7

πŸ’§πŸ’§πŸ’§

For the next 4 miles you will pass over several footbridges. If there is a heavy rain you might find some areas difficult to pass. There is water in Big Creek (Double Lake Branch); this is a semi-permanent stream. 3+ D*R*O*P*S.

78.6

Elevated tramway. Go Left on Tramway, then Right back into woods. You are now entering Big Creek Scenic Area. Camping and campfires are prohibited within the scenic area.

79.15


Intersection of Big Creek Trail to Right. LSHT goes Left over bridge.

79.25


White Oak Trail to Right. The old Magnolia Trail seen on some old maps is now closed. Follow the main trail signs.

79.7

πŸ’§πŸ’§πŸ’§πŸ’§πŸ’§

Final Bridge Crossing of Big Creek. Get water here. 5 D*R*O*P*S. In very dry conditions, there will be no flowing water for the next 13 miles, until you reach the San Jacinto River.

79.8

The trail takes a Right on a raised area that was an old tramway. The trail now goes in almost a straight line for several miles.

79.9


Big Sign on Right with map of the Big Creek Scenic area. You can see all the side trails. Trailhead #12 – "Big Creek" is to the Left about 500 feet. In the next half mile you will come to the Pine trail and the Big Creek trail

80.8

Information sign and gravel road FS 221 as you exit Big Creek Scenic Area.

NORTH END OF TARKINGTON BAYOU SECTION

82.5


Trailhead #13 - "Tarkington" and FM 2666. Cross the road a bit off to your Left (east). The trail will parallel the road for a short distance and then head south.

83.5

Unofficial Trail to Hunters Camp on the Right. The Hunters Camp is .6 mile to the west.

83.55


Designated Primitive Camp – β€œTarkington Camp” 100 yards to the Left (East) of the trail.

84.2

Maps may show the trail crossing Tarkington Bayou several times, when in fact the trail never crosses, always following on the west bank of the bayou. Trail hugs Tarkington Bayou (often bone dry) for the next 3 miles. 1/2 D*R*O*P*S

85.0

πŸ’§πŸ’§πŸ’§

Water - Pond 50 yards on Left (East) 3 D*R*O*P*S. Dam visible from Trail. Cross pipeline (dirt road). Turn Left and then Right.

86.1

Old Dirt road. Left 100 yards on road then Right. You continue to follow Tarkington Bayou. 1/2 D*R*O*P*S.

86.8

πŸ’§πŸ’§πŸ’§

Water - Small Pond on Left (East) 3 D*R*O*P*S.

87.2

Trail turns Right leaving Tarkington Bayou and goes nearly arrow straight for 2 miles SW along an old tramway.

89.1


LSHT goes Left; a short trail on the Right (north) takes you to Designated Primitive Camp - "Mercy Camp".

90.05

Cross gravel road Forest Valley Drive. Watch for dogs here.

NORTH END OF WINTERS BAYOU SECTION

90.9


Trailhead #14 "Mercy Fire Tower" and FM 2025. Cross the road and start the last section

92.2

Very muddy area

92.5

πŸ’§πŸ’§πŸ’§πŸ’§πŸ’§

Steel truss bridge crossing East Fork San Jacinto River. There is always water in the river. 5 D*R*O*P*S.

93.1

Trail Crosses FM 945

93.4

Concrete foundation. Base of old oil derrick and pump jack

93.9

Concrete foundation. Base of old oil derrick and pump jack

93.95

πŸ’§πŸ’§πŸ’§

Pond on Right (North). 3 D*R*O*P*S. Hidden Pond on Right (North)

94.7

Gravel road FS 274E

95.15

Gravel road and foot bridge

95.8

πŸ’§πŸ’§πŸ’§πŸ’§πŸ’§

Iron Bridge crossing Winters Bayou. There is always water in the river. 5 D*R*O*P*S

95.9

Foot bridge

96.02

Power Line

96.44


Trailhead #15: End of Trail. South end of Winters Bayou


LLCL Turn-by-Turn West to East

LLCL

Mile

ICON

Description

NORTH END OF LITTLE LAKE CREEK LOOP (LLCL) Near TH#1

0.0


Intersect LSHT Main Trail Mile 0.12

0.8

πŸ’§πŸ’§πŸ’§πŸ’§

Pond on west side . 4 D*R*O*P*S

1.8

πŸ’§

Seasonal Drainage. 1 D*R*O*P*S

2.0

Intersect Gravel Road FS 203. Open to cars during hunting season.

2.2

πŸ’§

Seasonal Drainage. 1 D*R*O*P*S

3.0


Intersect West Fork Trail

3.15


Intersect Gravel Road FS 211A. Open to cars during hunting season.

For the next mile, especially in spring and summer, watch out for poison oak and bull nettle encroaching on the trail!

4.2


Gravel road "Midyett". Open to cars.

4.7


Paved Bethel Road, aka FS 211. Open to cars.

6.0

πŸ’§πŸ’§πŸ’§πŸ’§πŸ’§


Intersect Sand Branch Trail. Legal Hunting Season Hiker camp is 0.2 miles north on Sand Branch Trail. Sand Branch Pond. There is always water in the pond. 5 D*R*O*P*S

6.7

πŸ’§πŸ’§

Seasonal Drainage "Sand Branch". 2 D*R*O*P*S

7.1


Trail skirts private property. Tricky intersection with bulldozed fire breaks.

8.3


Intersect narrow dirt FS Road. Turn Right on road, go ~20 meters, then Left onto trail.

9.03


Intersect dirt road FS 244. Closed to cars. 100 meters past the road, the trail enters LLC Wilderness.

9.8

πŸ’§πŸ’§πŸ’§

Twin Ponds. Nice campsite on high ground south of the trail and west of the pond (not legal campsite during hunting season). You are now entering "Jurassic Park", the floodplain of Little Lake Creek. POND 3 D*R*O*P*S

10.0

πŸ’§πŸ’§

Trail parallels Little Lake Creek for 0.75 miles. 2 D*R*O*P*S

10.75


Cross Little Lake Creek

11.6

πŸ’§πŸ’§πŸ’§πŸ’§


Intersect old dirt road FS 231. Turn Right on 231 and cross Pole Creek. West of Pole Creek is a three way intersection. To the Left (North) is Pole Creek trail. To the Right (south) is LLCL. Straight ahead (East) on 231 is the Designated Primitive Camp – β€œPole Creek Hiker Camp”. Continue south on LLCL 30 yards and make a sharp Left away from the creek. Clear Water in low volume spring feed creek. 4 D*R*O*P*S.

12.7


Paved FM 149 and LSHT Trailhead #4. East of FM 149, the trail follows a utility easement for one mile.

13.6


Intersect and cross paved Hidden Forest Road twice in succession. Continue east on utility easement after the second road crossing.

13.7


Trail re-enters woods. During wet weather, the remainder of the LLCL will have standing water and mud for long stretches, often for weeks as a time. Inquire locally about trail conditions before setting out.

15.3

πŸ’§

Seasonal Drainage. 1 D*R*O*P*S

15.5


Palmetto Bog. Water shoes often needed for next 75 yards.

16.25


Cross under powerline

17.25

πŸ’§πŸ’§πŸ’§

Cross Kelly Branch. Clear Water in low volume spring feed creek. 3 D*R*O*P*S

17.8

πŸ’§πŸ’§πŸ’§

Trail skirts Caney Creek. 3 D*R*O*P*S

17.95


Designated Primitive Camp - "Caney Creek Camp". (Legal hunting season camp.)

18.1

πŸ’§πŸ’§πŸ’§

Leaping Creek. Clear water, but flows from private property with grazing cows. 3 D*R*O*P*S

18.45

Intersect LSHT. End of LLCL. Closest parking area at Osborne Road, approximately 0.5 mile to west.

 

DIGITAL RESOURCES

MAPS

 

The LSHT Maps page provides the overview and detailed Club maps for the trail and instructions how to access the entire trail map bundle on Avenza.  Trailheads and trail access, including GPS coordinates can be found on the LSHT Parking page.

 

Using Avenza with FREE Club Maps

  • Find Avenza Maps in App Store
  • Install the App
  • Search 'Lone Star Hiking Trail Club' in Avenza Store
  • Select single map or bundle
  • Show you location as you hike!
  • Move from map to map automatically!

GPX File & Waypoints

To help you navigate the trail system, we provide GPX files of the main trail and for the entire trail system.  Additionally, we make available a GPX and Excel file of Milepost and Access Waypoints.  These files should be suitable to upload to your navigation device.  Download the files you desire by right-clicking on the links below.  These tracks and waypoints match the new 2023 Club Maps published on Avenza and available on our website (except the East Fork of the San Jacinto River Bypass, which is based on an earlier track).   

DescriptionFile Type
Download File
Tracks - All LSHT Trails
GPXLSHT System All Tracks
Track - LSHT Main Trail
GPXLSHT Main Trail - Track
All Mileage Waypoints & Access
GPXLSHT System Waypoints - GPX
All Mileage Waypoints & Access
ExcelLSHT System Waypoints - Excel
East Fork San Jacinto River Bypass
GPXEFSJR-Bypass







Trail Support

Air Transport

The Houston Intercontinental Airport (IAH) is the closest commercial airport to the trail.  Trailhead #1 is about 63 miles from IAH.  Trailhead #15 is about 34 miles from IAH.

Car/Shuttle/Taxi

Because the trailheads are remote and have no standard street address, Uber/Lyft may not drop-off or pick-up along the trail.  There have been exceptions, but hikers have reported these services as spotty.  Nearby taxi services accepting most major credit cards include the following:

  • Conroe:  CVS Taxi Cab (936)-537-5829
  • Cleveland:  350 Cab (936)-328-8181

The table below shows individuals who have agreed to provide shuttle services between the LSHT Trailheads.  Give them a call or text to check availability.

 Contact #
 Name  Shuttle Service
 936-577-7293  Charlotte Tomkavits  Between all Trailheads, if available (also has an Air BnB in Huntsville Area)
 936-900-9036  Adam Helms  Between all Trailheads, if available
 979-422-7011  Jessica Gott Howarth  Between all Trailheads, if available
 936-661-4201  Wanda Wilson  Between all Trailheads, if available


You may also post a request on the LSHT Public Facebook page and someone might offer to help.

Accommodations & Resupply

There are not a lot of convenient options for accommodation and resupply along the trail.  Some suggestions are tabulated below:

Near to
Services
Business  Comments
Trailhead #1
Resupply Brookshire Brothers Grocery
21005 Eva St, Montgomery, TX 77356
(936) 597-8000

Usually open 07:00-22:00.  Full service grocery. 
6.8 miles South of Trailhead #4 on FM149. 
Trailhead #7
Resupply
Smileys Express #8
1090 I-45 Frontage Rd S
Huntsville, TX  77340
Convenience Store.  2.2 miles North of Trailhead #7 (HUNTSVILLE)
along west feeder, then across bridge over Interstate 45. 
Usual convenience store snacks and drinks.  Some outdoor supplies.
  Accommodation
Air BnB, Huntsville
Charlotte Tomkavits will shuttle you there
and be your host
Trailhead #11
Resupply
Brookshire Brothers Grocery
14761 TX-150, Coldspring, TX 77331
(936) 653-8200
Usually open 07:00-21:00.  Full service grocery. 
3.1 miles from Trailhead #11 (IRON ORE) on Hwy-150.
  Resupply Family Dollar Store
14620 TX-150, Coldspring, TX 77331
(346) 414-8927
Usually open till 22:00. 
2.7 Miles from Trailhead #11 (IRON ORE) on Hwy-150.
  Resupply Shell Convenience Store
13495 SH-150
Coldspring, TX  77331
+1 (936) 653-2759
1.8 Miles from Trailhead #11 (IRON ORE) on Hwy-150.
  Accommodation Coldspring Inn
13815 State Highway 150 W
Coldspring, TX 77331
+1 (936) 653-3008
 Motel 2.2 Miles from Trailhead #11 (IRON ORE) on Hwy-150.
Trailhead #14
Resupply
Chevron Convenience Store
FM-2025 Rd. & FM 945 Rd.
Cleveland, TX 77328-8604
+1 (281) 592-2155
Convenience store with hot breakfast & lunch taco service. 
1 mile south of Trailhead #14 (Mercy) on FM 2025. 
Usual selection of drinks and snacks. 

 Trailhead #15
Accommodation
Various Hotels
Several national branded hotels in Cleveland, about 7 Miles
Southeast of Trailhead #15 (WINTERS BAYOU). 
  Resupply Brookshire Brothers Grocery
603 E Houston St
Cleveland, TX  77327
+1 (281) 592-6421
Full Service Grocery.  About 7.3 miles southeast from
Trailhead #15 (WINTERS BAYOU)
  Resupply
H-E-B Grocery
100 Truly Plz, Cleveland, TX 77327
(281) 592-0466
Full Service Grocery.  About 7 miles southeast from
Trailhead #15 (WINTERS BAYOU)



Honor Roll


Congratulations on completing your journey of the entire Lone Star Hiking Trail!  Join our Honor Roll by completing the LSHT Honor Roll and we will add your accomplishment to the list below.  We will not share your email unless specifically allowed on the form.

Year

Name

E-Mail, if permitted

Direction

Hike Type

Favorite Section

Comments

2021
Mina Loomis
 lithodendron@gmail.comEastbound
Thru
Winters Bayou
My second thru-hike of the Lone Star Trail. This time I took my husband because on the first hike he didn't get to go because he was still working. It was pretty muddy this time but we slogged on through. Carried all our food and supplies (no resupplies) and filtered water. My niece and her husband, who live in Spring, generously shuttled us, including a pickup and drop-off to get around the downed Stubblefield bridge. On this trip the San Jac was in flood so we took the flagged bypass.

2019Karl Van Scyoc
 WestboundThru Big Woods
Pretty soggy hike!
2016
Mina Loomis
 Eastbound
Thru
Magnolia
My sister and I planned an 8-day hike but ended up finishing in 6 days. At the time I was 65 and she was 62. We had a good time. We brought all our food and supplies with us and filtered our water from creeks. Pretty country!