The park has the feel of a house with “good bones” that’s under renovation. The Houston Parks and Recreation Department inherited the nearly 5,000 acres of forest – formerly known as Lake Houston State Park – in 2006 and is making the most of it under the guidance of a long-term master plan (23MB). Already, the entrance is more inviting, there’s creek access for canoes and kayaks, and new cabins and trails are under construction.
Rabbit along Peach Creek Trail
About 12 miles of hike and bike trails and eight miles of equestrian trails cut through the forest, which is bounded by Peach Creek on one side and the East Fork of the San Jacinto River on the other. The Peach Creek Loop Trail runs along the creek of the same name. The most picturesque hike is the five-mile Ameri-Trail, which winds through the East Texas forest to Lake Isabel. Primitive campsites are available along the trail, which turns into a fairly long 10 miles, out and back.
Although there is usually enough water for canoes and kayaks to float Peach and Caney creeks, there are typically areas of low water that require portage.
Two developed areas lie on either side of Peach Creek, separated by a long, narrow bridge. On the east side are the park offices, four brand new two-story cabins on a small pond and access to most of the park’s trails. On the west side are several larger “lodges” and campsites along a paved road.
PARK GALLERY
