It’s no secret that we’re big fans of Houston.
After all, we’re based here! But we also love our city because it’s got a ton of things going for it—one of which is Samir Becic. It’s been almost 4 years since HFR founder Samir Becic was named “Fitness Czar” for the City of Houston! What better way to celebrate the anniversary than with a series of healthy living recommendations for Houstonians?
Mayor Sylvester Turner proclaimed Samir with the official title on November 1st, 2018 following 16 years of Samir’s dedicated service (starting with Mayor Lee Brown in 2002) to make the city a healthier and fitter place to live. In honor of our founder and his tireless work to make the city a healthier place to live for the past 20 years (as a volunteer and 4 years as “Fitness Czar”), we’ve decided to share some of our favorite healthy Houston recommendations- to see all of our top picks, click here.
Best Places to Bike in Houston
Houston currently offers a 345-mile interconnected bikeway network spanning 500 square miles of the city. The network includes bike lanes, bike routes, shared lanes and bayou trails, rails to trails, and other urban multi-use paths. This network does not include 80 miles of hike and bike and nature trails found in City of Houston parks. Cyclists travel on designated bikeways and merge onto bicycle-friendly streets to complete their journey. Houston’s future bike plan calls for almost 1,800 miles of new high-comfort bike lanes-or lanes that are safe for all ages throughout the city… Houston is about to get a reputation for being a lot more bikeable!
Buffalo Bayou Loop
Buffalo Bayou Loop is a 4.8 mile loop trail in Houston, Texas that can be found on both sides of the bayou’s banks. It has a 206ft elevation gain. This trail is considered a moderately challenging route.
This is a very popular area for birding, hiking, and mountain biking as well. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime.
White Oak Bayou Greenway
White Oak Bayou Greenway is a 16.5 mile point to point trail in Houston, Texas that has a 390 ft elevation rise. It is considered an easy route. The trail connects people to the downtown area, transit centers and recreational areas.
The White Oak Bayou Greenway trail also intersects with the Houston Heights Hike and Bike Trail three times, passing through the historic Heights and Woodland Heights communities.
The Quail Trail from Sam Houston Tollway
The Quail Trail from Sam Houston Tollway is a 11.7-mile out and back trail in Houston, Texas that is a popular trail for mountain biking and road biking but most commonly used by runners and road cyclists. The trail is on the northern bank of the Buffalo Bayou. This is one of several entrances to this trail.
Lastly, the trail is open all year!
Gene Green Beltway 8 Loop
This trail is a 2 mile loop trail in Houston, Texas that is generally considered an easy route. The trail takes about 36 minutes to complete and is great for road biking, running, and walking.
The park also features a playground, exercise equipment, tennis courts, a dog park, a BMX course, a climbing wall, and a splash pad.
The trail is open year-round and is beautiful place to visit.
Hermann Park Trail
The Hermann Park Trail is a 1.5 mile loop trail in Houston, Texas with a 26ft elevation gain. This route is considered an easy route.
This is a popular trail for birding, road biking, and running, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime.
In addition to its great biking route, Hermann Park offers something for everyone it encompasses a challenging 18-hole public golf course, a Japanese Garden, the 55-acre Houston Zoo, and the Houston Museum of Natural Science. You can rent a pedal boat, ride the Hermann Park Railroad and take kids to the universally accessible playground.
Cullen Park Hike and Bike Trail
Cullen Park Hike and Bike Trail is an 8 mile out and back trail in Houston, Texas. This is a popular trail for road biking and running.
This paved trail is well-shaded for the Houston heat. There are lots of places to stop, trashcans, restrooms, parking spots, and sidetracks to other trails. There is a small creek along the trail. Users report that some of the pavement is rough in spots.
Memorial Park Red Trail
Memorial Park Red Trail 1.1 mile loop trail in Houston, Texas with a 6ft elevation gain. It is considered an easy route. This trail is intended to be multi-use and is shared by mountain bikers and hikers. This route features color-coded trails to represent increasing difficulties.
This is also a very popular area for birding, hiking, and mountain biking.
The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime!
Cardinal, Blue Jay and Mockingbird Trail
This Cardinal, Blue Jay and Mockingbird Trail is a 2.4-mile loop trail in Houston, Texas. It is considered an easy route.
This wide paved path is enjoyed by cyclists, walkers, and runners. There is also a good variety of natural surface side trails that lead down to the water.
The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime.
Buffalo Bayou Blue Lagoon Trail
Buffalo Bayou Blue Lagoon Trail is a 2.1 mile out and back trail in Downtown Houston, Texas. It is considered an easy route. In addition, this trail paved a path that provides people with a beautiful view of the Downtown Houston Skyline.
This is a popular trail for road biking, running, and walking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day.
The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit any season.
Quail Trail via Mockingbird Trail
The Quail Trail via Mockingbird Trail is a 13.2 mile out and back trail. It is a popular trail for road biking, running, and walking.
The trail is open year round and is an amazing place to visit!
