Sam Houston National Forest

A man casts for the one that got away at the Double Lake Recreation area.

Hiking on the 140-mile Lone Star Trail, bass fishing on Lake Conroe, exploring the forest of the Big Creek Scenic Area and canoeing on Double Lake are some ways to enjoy the Sam Houston National Forest.

Situated 50 miles north of Houston, the forest contains 163,037 acres of southeast Texas "pineywoods."

The forest offers three developed campgrounds. Primitive camping is allowed anywhere along theLone Star Hiking Trail, except during deer hunting season. The trail may be hiked year-round, but winter and spring are the most popular times due to the mild Texas climate.