State Parks
Our Top 6 Outer Loop Parks

Our Top 6 Outer Loop Parks

Houston is massive! We’ve spent years exploring the city and are still finding new hidden gems in the different Houston suburbs. Check out our top 6 outer loops parks. Click the links below to find out why we love each of these parks so much!

  1. Edith L Moore Nature Sanctuary – A hidden gem in the Memorial City area of town, this park features miles of walking trails, a boardwalk overlooking a small lake, and a historic cabin. 

2. Huntsville State Park – Houston is within driving distance to a few State Parks. Huntsville State Park is located north of Houston a few miles north of Conroe and offers miles of forested hiking trails including direct access to Sam Houston National Forest.

3. Brazos Bend State Park – Houston is within driving distance to a few State Parks. Brazos Bend State Park is located in SW Houston in Fort Bend County and makes our list due to the unique wetlands ecosystem it protects. There’s opportunity to see plenty of wildlife here including birds and alligators.

4. Lake Houston Wilderness Preserve – Once a state park, now bought up by the City of Houston, this massive park features miles of walking trails, unique campgrounds, and a small lake. Although it is named after Lake Houston, it is not actually in proximity to Lake Houston. The park is located far in the northeast in New Caney. 

5. Mercer Botanical Garden and ArboretumThis park is both a botanic garden and arboretum located near Humble. The Botanic garden is great for nice photos, while the arboretum offers miles of walking trails while surrounded by tall trees and creeks.  

6. Jesse Jones Arboretum This is a massive park in the Humble area of town. There’s a lot to explore here including a sandy beach of a creek, boardwalks overlooking wetlands, to paved trails great for hiking/biking. 

More of our handpicked favorite parks here

#htxtravelers