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    William Goodrich Jones State Forest

    4.3 (20 reviews)

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    Creek
    Samantha D.

    It's not very well marked on where to start but we just wandered on what we thought looked like a trail and ended up having a good time with the dogs. They have nice wooden bridges built to walk over and the shade is nice to have on a sunny day.

    Camille L.

    We enjoyed our hike through this park. There are a few different parking lots so it can be a bit confusing, but we were able to figure it out. The park is shaped like a rectangle, so the trails kind of have to zigzag to get any mileage. It's heavily forested and full of tall trees. We were excited to be able to spot the endangered woodpecker as we hiked. They have signs about it throughout the park so we were on the lookout. Unfortunately, a major highway runs parallel to the park, so you can hear heavy traffic no matter what trail you're on.

    Scott L.

    Well it's not Chataugua, but we are definitely not in Boulder, CO and beggers for something approaching outdoor activity in Houston's Sprawl cannot be choosers. In fact, having lived in other parts of Houston, I can confidently declare that denizens of FM 1488 and IH 45 should count their lucky stars to have anything remotely resembling a nature trail.

    Emily M.

    When you're going down 1488, toward i45, turn in to the parking lot on the right. The parking lot isn't huge, so get there early if it's a nice day! There's a pretty pond as you enter the forest, and a few nice bridges over some peaceful streams. Upon entrance and exit, this area had people just hanging out with their pups, seems like a nice way to spend a day to me. We 'hiked' through the trails a bit and enjoyed exploring. There are a few ponds and whatnot throughout it, and the trees provide a scenic and beautiful shade. The paths are not paved, but still well kept after, so no issue at all. It's really cool to feel like you're in the country, somewhere so rustic and beautiful, so close to the big H-Town. My ONLY warning is, there are NO trashcans in the park, so 'pack it in, and pack it out.' (This was slightly annoying for picking up after your dog, but you gotta do what you gotta do!)

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    6 months ago

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    Photo of Brent L.
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    6 years ago

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    2 years ago

    Usually a nice hike and park. I've been grateful they are one of the few with restrooms however lately they have been locked

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    3 years ago

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    7 years ago

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    3 years ago

    Nice bit of woods in the city, ponds, picnic spots horse riding, walking, swamp spots.

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    5 years ago

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    3 years ago

    Great spot for dog walking or a quite space to clear your head. Plenty of trails and very clean.

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    10 years ago

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    10 years ago

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    10 years ago

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    Photo of Lucas A.
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    7 years ago

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    4 years ago

    Great walk and beautiful pathway too. Saw horses and many flowers. Will be back soon as it's close to home!

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    Photo of Tom R.
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    9 years ago

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    6 years ago

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    Photo of Lauren L.
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    9 years ago

    Great for anyone hiking, riding horses, or just nature-venturing!! So glad they are keeping it preserved

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    9 years ago

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    10 years ago

    Love the hiking trails and wildlife. Just don't go after the rains best time is fall and spring when the flowers bloom.

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    9 years ago

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    Ask the Community - William Goodrich Jones State Forest

    Review Highlights - William Goodrich Jones State Forest

    Signage is abundant and trails are clearly marked.

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    Burroughs Park

    Burroughs Park

    4.7(66 reviews)
    9.2 mi

    Burroughs Park is one of those places that makes you appreciate having great local parks nearby…read more It's huge and has a little bit of everything -- fishing ponds, multiple playgrounds for kids of different ages, long walking trails, and plenty of open space to just enjoy being outside. The playground areas are especially great for families because there are several scattered throughout the park, so it never feels overly crowded. The fishing ponds are also a nice touch if you want to slow things down and relax for a bit. It's a great spot for a weekend walk, letting the kids burn off some energy, or just getting some fresh air. The park is generally well maintained and there's plenty of room to spread out. Only reason for 4 stars instead of 5 is that it can get pretty busy on nice days and parking near the playgrounds fills up fast. But overall, it's definitely one of the better parks in the area and worth the visit.

    Dog park win! This park is nestled away in the forest…read moretowards the back of the park. Love that it's a huge open fenced in park for the fur babies to roam. Lots of giant trees where squirrels like to play hide and seek with the dogs. Only down side is there's just one water fountain towards the front and then a couple faucets where folks bring dog bowls to put out for the dogs. There's a couple of wash stations outside of the dog park which comes in handy.

    Photos
    Burroughs Park - View from pond trail

    View from pond trail

    Burroughs Park - Pond trail

    Pond trail

    Burroughs Park

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    The Southern Empress Cruises

    The Southern Empress Cruises

    2.8(137 reviews)
    12.6 mi

    Wow, and not in a good way. My husband booked this 'adventure' as a treat while we are in town. We…read moretravel full time and really enjoy boat and train excursions. We were looking forward to a calm, romantic evening on a sunset cruise. As many reviews state, the parking situation is dismal. The lot is confusing and in bad shape. We boarded the boat and it looked good from afar, but once on board, it was dirty, rundown and full of bugs/spider webs. There was no safety brief or information given. The two staff members we spoke to were very nice. The boat didn't leave until well past sundown, so the sunset was not a part of the experience. We didn't experience the meal so I cannot comment on that. Unfortunately, the music on the interior of deck 2 was much too loud for us and deck one had the meal, then a saxophone player that was also not the calm, soothing experience we had hoped for. So, we got stuck on the top deck exterior area. This would have been great because the weather was gorgeous. However, the seating is sparse and awful; hard metal benches, the few with cushions were filthy and so thin that they made no difference. The biggest disappointment for us was that they allow smoking on ALL deck exteriors. Most of the staff are smokers as were many of the customers. As non-smokers, we could not escape the smoke. There was a group smoking marijuana also which really stunk up the air. It would be nice if there was a designated smoking area at the back of the boat so that non-smokers had some respite. We spent three hours standing at the front of the top deck, trying to stay upwind of smokers. I still came home with a headache and the smell of smoke on my clothing. The boat has great potential, it just needs some good deep cleaning, seating and maintenance. It would have been nice to have some dialogue that gave information about the history of the boat and the area. A designated area for smoking would be a huge improvement. I realize the parking lot is a shared area, but better signage to where to board the boat and improvements for the lighting and surface of the lot is needed. My husband, who didn't have a drop of alcohol, tripped over a huge crack and fell in the parking lot. It was a terrible topper to an already bad experience.

    Always a good time on the Southern Empress Cruise. New Years 2026!…read more A lot of dancing, refreshments and snacks. Enjoyed it a lot. Captain Kurt always welcoming. HAPPY NEW YEAR! 2026

    Photos
    The Southern Empress Cruises
    The Southern Empress Cruises
    The Southern Empress Cruises - Dining room as we entered

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    Dining room as we entered

    Forestgate Park - Entrance to Forestgate Park from Forestgate Drive.

    Forestgate Park

    4.5(2 reviews)
    5.1 mi

    New playground is so fun! My kids love this park, it has tennis courts that also look fairly new or…read morenewly painted? It actually has everything, big soccer field and a skate park. Only thing I don't like about this park is the smell of weed...I often see older kids and adults enjoying smoking weed at the baskeball courts which is by the way right next to the playground.

    This is one of the premier parks in The Woodlands. If you want to play soccer, tennis or basketball…read moreor swim laps and slide down a waterslide, this is your place. There is also a skate park and two playgrounds, one for tots and one for school aged kids. There are several picnic tables with BBQ grills and a large pavilion you can reserve. There is plenty of parking (except when there is soccer practice or a swim meet) and the park is easily accessible by bike or foot via the extensive Woodlands hike/bike trails. The detailed list of amenities are below.....Enjoy. One lighted basketball court Three barbecue pits Bike Racks Children's Swimming Pool * Baby pool is zero to one and a half feet deep * Baby pool has an octopus theme slide One drinking fountain Kids Play Area & Swingset Play area suitable for kids ages 5-12 30 parking spaces Pavilion size: 42' x 42' with electricity 6 picnic tables On-site restrooms Skateboard, skate and bike area One soccer field Swimming Pool * Six-lane swimming pool * Main pool is four and a half feet deep throughout * Main pool has a 103-foot body slide * Lap lane during open swim * Baby pool is zero to one and a half feet deep * Baby pool has an octopus theme slide * Two picnic tables Two lighted tennis courts Tot Lot Play Area Play area suitable for kids ages 2

    Photos
    Forestgate Park - Pavillion

    Pavillion

    Forestgate Park - Pool with slide, laps

    Pool with slide, laps

    Forestgate Park - Park Rules

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    Park Rules

    Summer Storm Park - Older area

    Summer Storm Park

    3.3(3 reviews)
    2.7 mi

    Small little neighborhood park that I had seen blown up on social media as a top park to visit…read more Think it was the dinosaur jungle gym that really sealed the deal for me to check it out. They have a toddler area, an older kids area, and the dinosaur in the middle with a small open grass area. I'd say this is a good park for ages 3-7, my 9 year old wasn't as inclined to enjoy the amenities as they were and mountain climbed on top of everything. Overall it's a quaint and cute little park well maintained. Think I saw 2 tables with benches, a water fountain with attached dog fountain. There isn't designated parking which even further solidifies it's more for the surrounding neighborhood.

    Summer Storm Park is a typical mostly quiet neighborhood park in The Woodlands. It is the smallest…read moreamongst 4 parks within little over a half a mile. In the summertime when school is out many moms bring their elementary grade school kiddos and toddlers to play. There is a toddler playground and a playground for slightly older kids or adults you want a good swing. There is a large stone like dinosaur in the middle raised grass area. Also you'll find a picnic table and a fresh dog drinking fountain. Dogs are allowed on a leash. This is not an official dog park. Feel free to bring a picnic basket and enjoy the beautiful woods in this small 2 acre neighborhood park. This also can be a teenager hangout at night but the cops frequent it at night now looking for underage or of age partiers. I wouldn't suggest parting here anymore. If you're looking for basket ball, tennis courts, cooking grills and restroom facilities you'll have to go further down Cochrans Crossing to the larger park. Parking is on the street curb.

    Photos
    Summer Storm Park - Toddler area

    Toddler area

    Summer Storm Park - Park sign

    Park sign

    Summer Storm Park - Dinosaur

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    Dinosaur

    William Goodrich Jones State Forest - hiking - Updated May 2026

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