One Night in
the Piney Woods

No.

Nope. This trail is flat, well-marked, and we hike as a group. If you can walk 6 miles at a chill pace with a pack on, you’re qualified. Several of us have done overnights before and will help with everything.

Absolutely — it’s a pine forest, trees everywhere. Bring tree straps and something warm to go under you (nights get chilly even in Texas fall). Most people don’t know this, but you lose insulation on your back because sleeping bags and clothes are compressed against the hammock which causes your back to get cold when the temperature dips into the 60s. You can stuff a sleeping pad or extra clothing under you for insulation or just bring an underquilt.

Yes! You can hike out Friday and shuttle back to your car at Stubblefield. Or, if you want to camp Friday night but not Saturday, you can shuttle back to your car after dinner.

Yes! You can drive to the camp site Friday afternoon and meet the group there. You’ll miss the first half of the trail, but you’ll still get a full night in the woods.

There are creeks and ponds along the route. You should be fine carrying 2.5-3 liters of water. But, if you are feeling extra manly bring a filter or purification tabs to top up. You can also stash extra water in the shuttle car at camp as backup.

Yes, you can drop off heavy items on Kelly’s Pond Rd right at the camp site. You should plan to do this just prior to our meeting time.

Only at the end of the trail (Stubblefield camp ground). On trail, it’s cathole-and-trowel country — pack TP and hand sanitizer. Consider this part of the adventure.

Yes! Leashed dogs are allowed on the Lone Star Hiking Trail. Just make sure your pup can handle the mileage and bring their food and water too.

Light rain: we hike anyway, bring a shell. Storms or a washout forecast: we bump to the backup weekend and everyone gets a text a day or two before. No heroes.

Of course you can — the group has spare tents, pads, packs, and stoves. Note what you’re missing in the signup form and we’ll play matchmaker. Or come as a Day Tripper: all you need is a daypack.

There is one bench when we cross Little Lake Creek (day 1) and a large log where the trail meets Lake Conroe (day 2). You can find some low-weight chairs on Amazon (~1 lb), foam sit pads, or there’s always the ground.

Hydrate up to 24 hours before. Lots of water. It will make your experience significantly easier.

Yes, but there is a phrase: “cotton kills.” It will absorb your sweat and likely not dry out. Bring a spare shirt to sleep in if you plan to stay the night.

If a long neighborhood walk doesn’t scare you, you’re fine. ~6 flat miles Friday at a social pace with breaks, ~6 more Saturday. Total elevation gain is 227 ft — that’s a parking garage.

Bring easy-to-cook meals for dinner and breakfast, plus trail snacks. You can go with prepackaged dehydrated foods, but consider the water required to cook them.