Houston Hike & Bike Trails

Cullen Park

Cullen Park Trail October 2005

GET OUT AND RIDE!

The Houston area has some great hike and bike trails. There are many paved trails through the woods as well as mountain bike trails for all skill levels.

8 years ago I got into mountain biking totally by accident when I happend upon the Ho Chi Mihn trail at Memorial Park. After what was probably the best year of my life I got busy working and quit riding. I would often think about those days and how much I missed cycling. Not anymore, I have decided it's time to get out and ride! It is also time to start updating this web site with more pictures so check back often to see what is new.

Cycling is an aerobic exercise and can reduce the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure and even common forms of diabetes. That is a nice side effect but the fact is that if you do it enough, cycling just makes you feel good. So be careful, it can be addictive.

If you need a cycling or hiking buddy be sure to check out ExerciseFriends.com. It is free to join.

Cullen Park has a 3.5 mile paved trail that runs all the way to Hwy 6 from the parks main entrance at 19008 Saums Rd. This is a shady paved path through the woods, I doubt you will find a more enjoyable ride in the area. You will find it used by bikers, joggers, walkers and rollerbladers. The trail ends at Hwy 6 by Patterson Road so we often cross over Hwy 6 and travel down Patterson Rd., then a short way up Eldridge to the Bear Creek Park entrance.

There is a parking lot on Hwy 6 if you wish to enter the trail from that end. Halfway through the ride you will come across a picnic area. You can also see West Houston Airport from here and will often see small private planes taking off and landing. The entrance to this picnic area for cars is usually kept locked unless you have a reservation.

During the summer there are always a lot of people here. I have been twice in October and found it to be much less crowded. The cool weather is perfect for riding, but I guess everyone got worn out during the summer.

Saums Rd. Picnic Area

Paved Trail Behind Parking Lot

There are 2 parking lots, picnic areas & restrooms at the Saums Rd. entrance. Behind the parking lots are paved trails and the river.

This is one of the few area parks that I can't find any information about on the Internet. They only mention the part of the park on the south side of Saums Rd. where the Alkek Velodrome is located. The Velodrome is open to the public but you must have a track bike to ride. They have rentals available. Check their web site for more details on fees, rentals and rules.

.Always take lots of water with you when you ride. I like the Polar Water Bottle I fill it 3/4 with water and put it in the freezer overnight. Then add some gatorade when I am ready to roll. The ice melts slowly and you have a cold drink for a long time. This is a must to survive the Houston heat! On long rides I take 2 bottles.

I have just completed modifying a bike for a handicapped friend and we took it for a ride last weekend. Here are some pictures and details if you want to try and create your own.

Another great place to ride is Brazos Bend State Park. I live very close to Cullen Park and Brazos Bend is just a 45 minute drive down Grand Parkway. Check out the photos here.

If you are like me and like to carry your camera equipment and who knows what else, check out the variety of cargo bags and racks available.

You will see many people jogging & walking these trails with their kids in strollers & trailers that can be pulled by a bike.

Have you heard of Geocaching? Geocaching is an entertaining adventure game for gps users. (global positioning system) You can find clues online and search for hidden treasures. You take an item from the cache and also leave something in return. There are caches hidden at Cullen Park and Brazos Bend. Search the Geocaching web site for more information and locations of caches.

Cullen Park | Women's Bike Shorts | Brazos Bend Park | Disabled Bike Rider | Build Adult Training Wheels