The Lone Star Hiking Trail Runs Just South Of This Texas Town And It’s The Ultimate Outdoor Playground

In my opinion, there is nothing better than a charming small town that's full of outdoor activities, and Coldspring, Texas is one such place. Surrounded by the sprawling Sam Houston National Forest, this town of roughly 800 has more trees than people - and we love it for that. With the longest continuous hiking trail in the state, charming restaurants, and lakefront campgrounds, Coldspring is the ultimate outdoor playground.

The Lone Star Hiking Trail is the longest continuous trail in Texas, spanning 129 miles of rugged forest terrain from start to finish. A seasoned hiker can expect to complete the trail in about a week - but, of course, you don't have to conquer the whole thing at once.

With 16 separate trailheads - each with its own designated parking area - the Lone Star Hiking Trail is very much a "choose your own adventure" type of experience. Just grab a map, pick your desired starting and ending point, and set off on your way.

Signposts are placed at regular intervals along the trail, so it's very hard to get lost. On the other hand, however, the trail is very remote, and it's quite possible you won't encounter a single soul on your hike.

Only the sounds of the forest are within earshot, making for a fully immersive - and decidedly peaceful - nature experience that feels a bit like coming home to yourself.

While the trail is secluded, it does skirt around a few small towns, including the little community of Coldspring. You won't find much here besides a few traffic lights and one or two streets with shops and restaurants, but the town's quaintness is where its charm comes from.

Before or after your hike, definitely stop by The Mason Jar Bar & Grill for a bite to eat.

The restaurant's motto is "Conveniently Located in the Middle of Nowhere," and that makes us love it even more. On the menu, you'll see All-American classics like burgers and chicken-fried steak, plus a full bar and weekly specials.

You simply must try one of their famous "mason jar desserts." Ranging from banana pudding to strawberry cheesecake, these little bites of heaven are the perfect way to treat yourself.

If your visit happens to be in early summer (roughly between early June and mid-July), you can pick fresh, ripe, juicy blueberries at Oakview Blueberry Farm in nearby Cleveland.

You could definitely get a hotel, but since this is an outdoor adventure-themed excursion, I highly recommend camping.

You have a couple of options in Coldspring, one of which is Wolf Creek Park. This waterfront oasis butts up against Lake Livingston and the Sam Houston National Forest, and it's the perfect place to make camp for the night.

The park offers both tent and RV campsites, many of which are just steps from the lake. Amenities include a marina, boat ramps and rentals, a playground, fishing piers, and more.

Another option is Double Lake Recreation Area, which, in addition to camping, offers swimming, fishing, seasonal boat and canoe rentals, and more.

During your stay here, you can enjoy a 21-mile mountain biking trail that circles the lake. You can also hop on the Lone Star Hiking Trail directly from the recreation area and embark on a five-mile (one-way) hike to the Big Creek Scenic Area.

Of course, the park's namesake, Double Lake, is the main attraction, with its sparkling waters and towering trees lining its shores.

Visit the USDA Forest Service website for more information about the Lone Star Hiking Trail.

Have you ever visited Coldspring, Texas? If so, did you embark on the Lone Star Hiking Trail? Tell us in the comments! And don't forget to check out our official hiking packing list for all your outdoor adventure must-haves.