Lake Houston Wilderness Park, Nature reserve and park in New Caney, Texas, US
Lake Houston Wilderness Park is a nature reserve and park in New Caney, Texas, covering close to 5,000 acres (about 2,000 ha) of thick forest, creeks, and wetlands. It is managed by the City of Houston and offers trails, overnight cabins, and a nature center with live animals.
The land was settled by cattle ranchers in 1862 and later taken over by the lumber industry, which used the railroad to harvest timber. Texas bought the property in 1981 and opened it as Lake Houston State Park in 1992, before the City of Houston took it over in 2006 and gave it its current name.
Most trails are dirt paths through dense woodland, so sturdy footwear and weather-appropriate clothing are a good idea. If you plan to stay overnight, book a cabin or campsite in advance, as spots fill up quickly.
This park is the only one in Houston's city system where guests can sleep overnight in cabins. The nature center keeps live young alligators and spotted gar fish on display, giving visitors a close look at animals that also roam freely in the park's swampy areas.
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