Top Dog Trails near Houston, TX

Home
Top Dog Trails near Houston, TX

Introduction

Space exploration, Southern charm, world-class art, and a vibrant culinary scene. These are some of the things that Houston, the fourth most pawpulous city in the United States, is known for. But aside from being a fun place to live and visit for people, H-Town is also a pup's paradise, boasting numerous bars, restaurants, parks, and hotels that welcome four-legged citizens. You'll also find several trails that you can explore with your canine pal, making it easy to live an active lifestyle in the Bayou City. Whether you're a long-time resident or just passing through with your pooch, don't miss these top dog-friendly trails in and around Houston!

#10 Columbia Tap Rail-Trail

Get some exercise and explore southeastern Houston with your furry buddy on the Columbia Tap Rail-Trail! Built on the former Houston Tap and Brazoria Railways, this 4-mile concrete trail will lead you and your pup through the Third Ward and into downtown. Some of the sights you'll see during your walk are the Texas Southern University campus, churches, and native trees. Benches are also scattered along this trail, allowing you and your pooch to take breaks.

#9 Library Loop Trail

The Library Loop Trail is a furrific place to stretch your legs and spend some time outside with Fido in Houston's Westchase District. As you stroll along this 1.35-mile paved path, you and your pup will pass by a four-piece exercise station, a butterfly garden, three Little Free Libraries, and a couple of murals. Not all sections are shaded, so it's best to take your walk in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid hot paws.

#8 Halls Bayou Greenway Trail

The Halls Bayou Greenway Trail winds next to the 17-mile bayou, which begins in northwest Houston and flows southeast to Greens Bayou. This paved path provides easy access to many of the city's green spaces, including Keith-Wiess, Tidwell, and Lake Forest Parks. As you and Fido take a leashed stroll along the bayou, be sure to keep your eyes peeled for the turtles, great blue herons, and other wildlife that call it home!

Looking for a dog walker?

Connect with highly rated dog walkers in your neighborhood

Get started

#7 Heights Hike and Bike Trail

For a puptastic urban hike with your pooch, hit the Heights Hike and Bike Trail! Running from the historic Heights neighborhood to downtown Houston, this 7-mile route offers woofderful views of the city and great examples of Victorian architecture. You and your dog will also pass Lawrence, Donovan, and Stude Parks along the way. Keep in mind that you'll be sharing the trail with cyclists and crossing some streets, so always keep your canine friend on a leash!

#6 North River Trail

Less than an hour from downtown Houston, the North River Trail in the 4,800-acre Lake Houston Wilderness Park is ideal for adventurous doggos. This peaceful hike starts at park headquarters, meanders through beautiful piney woods, and ends at the east fork of the San Jacinto River. This moderate trail is 7 miles round trip and takes about 3 hours to complete. Bring lots of water and snacks!

#5 Brays Bayou Greenway Trail

Explore southwestern Houston with Fido on the Brays Bayou Greenway Trail! Meandering along the bayou for 34 miles, this asphalt and concrete path connects various neighborhoods and commercial areas in the heart of the city. From the trail, you and your doggo can also access a number of parks, including Hermann, MacGregor, Braeburn Glen, and Mason. Enjoy pawsome views of Houston's waterways and skyline as you take a leisurely leashed stroll along the Brays Bayou!

#4 Spring Creek Greenway Trail

About 20 miles north of downtown Houston, the Spring Creek Greenway Trail is a puptastic way to experience the great Texan outdoors with your four-legged friend. Spanning 13 miles from Spring to Humble, this mostly paved trail connects several parks and points of interest, including the Dennis Johnston Park, Stahl Preserve, Pundt Park, and Jesse H. Jones Park & Nature Center. Discover local wildlife, share a picnic with Fido, and enjoy the natural forests and sandy beaches of southeast Texas.

#3 Sandy Reed Memorial Trail

Take your best friend for a scenic city walk on the Sandy Reed Memorial Trail, located inside the 160-acre Buffalo Bayou Park. This 10-foot-wide concrete path winds along both sides of the bayou, which has been left in its natural state. Aside from trees and birds, you and Fido will encounter other walkers, joggers, and cyclists on this pawpular trail, so always observe proper petiquette and keep your pup on a short leash!

#2 Marvin Taylor Trail

Located inside the 445-acre Hermann Park, the Marvin Taylor Trail is a woofderful spot to go for a walk or jog with your athletic pup any time of the day. Shaded by historic live oaks, this 2-mile granite path will lead you and Fido around the park's golf course. Light poles line this former carriage trail, making it pawfectly suited for evening strolls. You'll also find eco-friendly exercise equipment along the way—great for burning some extra calories!

#1 Outer Loop

For a refreshing walk in nature without leaving the city, bring your pup to the Outer Loop in the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center. Just a few hundred yards from one of Houston's busiest highways, this 2-mile trail encircles the arboretum and offers opportunities to see various birds, mammals, and insects! The Outer Loop connects to some shorter, inner trails that you and your pooch can also explore if you're not in a hurry.