In May 2024, Sam Houston National Forest (SHNF) had heavy rains, which created heavy run-off flooding, and had winds from the straight-line windstorm that hit Southeast Texas in the middle of May with 70-100 mph winds.

Many road culverts were washed out because they were unable to carry the huge flows that were generated by these heavy rainfalls over several weeks.  Those roads are now impassible until the U.S. Forest Service (FS) can find the money, time, and other resources to fix them.

In addition, many bridges for trails, like the Lone Star Hiking Trail, either were damaged, moved, or destroyed when the run-off flooding flushed waters through ephemeral, intermittent, and perennial stream floodplains in SHNF.

Many hiking, bicycling, horse-back riding, and motorized trails have been damaged due to erosion of soil from trail corridors.  The high winds from the straight-line windstorm have toppled trees in the forests along roads and trails.

Because of these events many roads, trails, recreation areas, and other facilities are closed on SHNF.  The FS will ensure that facilities aren’t a significant threat to the public due to the rain, flooding, and winds before allowing the public to use these facilities.

Not all of SHNF is closed, but the FS has placed on its National Forests and Grasslands in Texas (NFGT) website (https://www.fs.usda.gov/texas) the closure order operates from May 21, 2024 through June 1, 2026.  The FS will update this closure order periodically and remove trails, roads, etc. that are fixed and no longer closed to the public.

The Sierra Club recommends to its members and the public that they check with the NFGT website to ensure they understand what roads, trails, and other facilities are closed or open before visiting SHNF.

For updated information about the trails and status in SHNF, visit the Sam Houston Trails Coalition:

https://www.samhoustontrails.com/