Overview
The Lone Star Hiking Trail North Section is the most compelling stretch of Texas's longest continuous hiking trail in Sam Houston National Forest. The 18-mile point-to-point route passes through longleaf pine restoration areas, creek bottom hardwood forest, and backcountry terrain that feels genuinely remote despite being within 75 miles of Houston.
The Lone Star Hiking Trail was completed in the 1970s and has become a Texas outdoor institution. Its 128-mile total length offers thru-hikers and section hikers a rare long-distance experience in a state where public land is scarce and extended trail routes are few. The north section contains some of the trail's best longleaf restoration work and the most consistent creek scenery.
The Route
FM-1375 Trailhead to Stubblefield Lake Area (Miles 0-5) The northern section begins at the FM-1375 trailhead and heads south through open longleaf pine forest. The understory here shows the results of active prescribed burning: wiregrass and native wildflowers rather than the dense shrub layer typical of fire-excluded pine forests. Red-cockaded Woodpecker cavity trees, marked with white paint bands, are visible from the trail.
Longleaf Zone to Upper Creek (Miles 5-10) The trail continues through alternating upland pine and bottomland hardwood as it crosses multiple creek drainages. The vegetation changes dramatically with each crossing: dense sweetgum, water oak, and American holly in the creek bottoms, then open longleaf on the sandy ridges between. Several large log crossings or stepping stone fords are encountered.
Lower Creek Section to Cagle (Miles 10-18) The southern half of the section follows a more consistent bottomland character, with longer stretches along creek corridors and more dense overhead canopy. The Cagle Recreation Area terminus provides parking and a vault toilet.
When to Hike
October through March is the optimal season. Cooler temperatures, lower humidity, and dormant insects make extended backcountry hiking feasible.
March and April bring spring wildflowers and neotropical bird migration. Native azalea blooms in late March and early April.
May through September the heat and humidity are intense. Short sections near access points remain hikeable in early morning, but an 18-mile section in summer is not comfortable for most hikers.
What to Bring
Many backpackers carry 2 liters of water capacity with a filter for creek water. The trail has multiple creek sources but all require treatment. Waterproof footwear for creek crossings. Insect repellent from March through October. A paper trail map; cell service is absent for most of the route. Individual needs vary by season and pace. Check conditions before departing at /learn/checking-conditions-before-you-go.
Trailhead Access
The northern trailhead is on FM-1375 west of New Waverly. The southern terminus is at the Cagle Recreation Area off FM-1375. Both are accessible by passenger car. No permit or fee is required as of 2026. Dogs are welcome on leash. No restroom at the northern trailhead; vault toilet at Cagle.
Nearby
The Stubblefield Lake Trail provides a shorter, easier option in the same northern portion of the forest. The Cagle Recreation Area Loop circles the lake near the southern terminus. Follow Leave No Trace throughout your trip: /learn/leave-no-trace-7-principles.