Category: Texas Local

Armand Bayou Nature Center  
“ABNC is the largest urban wilderness preserve in the U.S. with 2500 acres …. We are home to over 370 species of birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians. There is a “”a boardwalk through the forest and marshes, live animal displays, educational signage, bison and prairie platforms, butterfly gardens and a 1800’s farm site.” There are” more than 5 miles of well maintained trails that provide .25 mile to 1.5 mile loops though ABNC’s stunning forest, prairie, marsh and natural bayou habitats which were once common in the Houston/Galveston area.”
Here is the Center website.  Phone  281-474-2551 or 713-274-2688  Trail Map  Yelp Reviews
Martyn Trail 1.3 miles dirt surface

Karankawa Trail 1.38 miles dirt surface

Lady Bird Trail 1.5 miles dirt surface

Short Loop Boardwalk   This may be accessible, but the website  does not say so.  Call the Center to find out and to learn other trail conditions.

Harris County
Jesse H. Jones Park & Nature Center,  Humble
“Jesse H. Jones Park & Nature Center is a premier 312-acre Harris County Precinct 4 nature preserve open daily to visitors free of charge. The park features a variety of plant and wildlife species, white sand beaches along Spring Creek, swamps and sloughs with century-old cypress trees, and a pristine floodplain located in a hardwood and pine forest.”
Here is their website.   Phone  281-446-8588  Trails Map
There are over eight miles of paved, handicap-friendly pedestrian trails and several unpaved primitive trails.  Although the website does not give descriptions of the eleven or so trails in this park, the map states that “All trails are wheelchair accessible with the exception of the River Birch Trail”.

Fredericksburg
Fredericksburg Nature Center  in Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park
Phone (city hall)  830-997-7521  Map
Handicapped Accessible Trail  600 feet  “….runs along a bluff overlooking the lower section of the Vista Loop Trail, passing the Butterfly Garden, the bird blind, and bird-feeding station.”

Fort Worth
Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge
 The Refuge encompasses 3,621 acres and includes over 20 miles of hiking trails in habitats including forests, prairies and wetlands..  It is a National Natural Landmark.  There are a number of short trails that might be easy – call to find out.
Here is their website.  Phone 817-392-7410  Map and Trails
Limestone Ledge Trail  0.21 mile paved nature trail  “…great trail to hike during the spring months. This trail is blanketed with wildflowers..”
Marsh Boardwalk 0.16mile over wetlands.

City of Berne
Cibolo Nature Center & Farm
Cibolo is a “unique conservation model to protect our resources, study and learn from the natural world, teach and apply sustainable farming practices, and encourage the enjoyment and celebration of nature.”  The Center is important habitat for a variety of flora and fauna found in habitats such as spring-fed marsh, tallgrass prairie, riparian forest and live oak savannah.
Here is their website.  Phone  830-249-4616  Map and Trails
Marshland Trail  0.5 mile

Woodlands Trail 0.5 mi. looks easy, but call to be sure of conditions.

Hood County
Acton Nature Center
“Trails will lead you around the center to view the natural pond filled with croaking toads. In a heavily shaded ravine you will find a large old Live Oak tree spreading its branches as if to welcome you in.”
Here is the Center’s website.  Phone  817-326-6005  Trail Map    Aerial Trail Map
Elizabeth Crockett Butterfly Trail 0.3 miles