Overview
The Lone Star Hiking Trail South Section connects the Double Lake area to the Little Lake Creek Wilderness in the southern portion of Sam Houston National Forest. This 14-mile stretch passes through the forest's only designated wilderness area and contains some of the most diverse bottomland habitat on the full 128-mile trail.
The Little Lake Creek Wilderness at the section's midpoint is the only federally designated wilderness in the forest, protecting 3,855 acres of bottomland creek drainage. The trail passes through the heart of the wilderness before emerging and continuing south to the section's end.
The Route
Double Lake to Wilderness Boundary (Miles 0-4.0) The south section begins near Double Lake and heads south through loblolly pine and mixed hardwood forest. The first 4 miles cross several small creek drainages and pass through typical Piney Woods terrain. Trail markers are regular.
Little Lake Creek Wilderness (Miles 4.0-9.5) The trail enters the Little Lake Creek Wilderness and follows the creek drainage through the most remote terrain in the forest. The bottomland here is classic East Texas: sweetgum, water oak, and native cane in the creek bottoms, with longleaf pine on the sandy ridges between. Seven to nine creek crossings occur in this section; some may require wading in high water.
Southern Section to Terminus (Miles 9.5-14.0) After exiting the wilderness, the trail passes through private land corridors (stay on the trail to respect land ownership) before reaching the southern terminus off FM-149.
When to Hike
October through March offers the most comfortable conditions. Creek levels are lower in winter and the trail is manageable.
April spring migration brings peak warbler activity through the bottomland corridors.
May through September the heat, humidity, and insects make this section challenging. Flash flooding after heavy rain can make creek crossings impassable temporarily.
What to Bring
Many backpackers carry 2 liters of water capacity with a filter for creek water. Waterproof footwear for multiple creek crossings. A paper map and compass for the wilderness section. Insect repellent from March through October. Individual needs vary by season. Review conditions at /learn/checking-conditions-before-you-go.
Trailhead Access
The northern access is near the Double Lake Recreation Area off FM-2025, and the southern terminus is near FM-149 south of New Waverly. Both are accessible by passenger car. No permit or fee is required as of 2026. Dogs are welcome on leash. No restrooms at either end. Cell service is absent for most of the route.
Nearby
The Double Lake Loop provides a short, easy companion hike at the section's northern terminus. The Big Creek Scenic Area Trail offers botanical interest in the same southern forest area. Follow Leave No Trace throughout, especially in the designated wilderness: /learn/leave-no-trace-7-principles.