Lone Star Hiking Trail

The Lone Star Hiking Trail (LSHT) is a hiking trail 96 miles long with an additional 32 miles of loop and crossover trails of "foot-path only" trails. Located in the Sam Houston National Forest it is the longest continuous hiking trail in the State of Texas. The trail starts just South of Richards, Texas and ends North-West of Cleveland, Texas.

The LSHT was conceived by the Lone Star Chapter of the Sierra Club in 1966. The U.S. Forest Service (USFS) approved construction of the trail and flagging began in 1967, with the first 30 miles constructed in 1968. The Sierra Club, Boy Scouts of America, and many others were responsible for flagging and construction of the LSHT. The entire LSHT was completed and turned over to the USFS in 1972. An extension to the LSHT was approved later and completed in 1978. In 2009, the Wilderness Press published Karen Borski Somers' The Lone Star Hiking Trail: The Official Guide to the Longest Wilderness Footpath in Texas.

-Wikipedia

Planning a LSHT Backpacking Trip

Planning a trip for the LSHT is pretty easy compared to some other backpacking trips since there are no permits required for the LSHT.

Additionally, there are a couple of resupply options during the trail to choose from which will help you cut down on the amount of food and water weight you are carrying. The best way to do this is with a vehicle before hand.

Be aware that this is also a popular spot during hunting season, so if you are traveling on the LSHT during that time, it is a good idea to wear an orange vest so that you are not mistaken for an animal.

Water availability on the trail is pretty good but you need to bring a water filter with you or treat your water some other way.

For more information check out some of the best sources on the LSHT, the book "The Lone Star Hiking Trail" by Karen Somers which is available to purchase here and the Thru-Hikger's Guide from the Long Star Hiking Trail Club.

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