Exercise is always better when there is a great view! Luckily, in The Woodlands there are plenty of opportunities to run and enjoy the beautiful outdoors.
Sandra Huskey is the Run Concierge at The Westin in The Woodlands and she has helped us narrow down a list of the best runs with a view in The Woodlands.
“Running is my favorite topic,” Huskey tells us. “To start, I love running along The Waterway, especially early in the morning because it is quiet.”
The Woodlands Waterway
Waterway Square (31 Waterway Square Place) is a good place to start your run along The Woodlands Waterway. This area is well lit and there is no traffic. You’ll often see The Woodlands Township Town Center Rangers out patrolling the area. If you start from Waterway Square and run the full loop of the Waterway, Sandra tells us it’s a good 2-3 mile run. If you are looking for a longer run, the pathway does extend to the East Shore neighborhood or over to Hughes Landing. Also, The Gooses Acre on The Waterway has a running club that meets weekly if you would like to join other runners!
Insider Tip: Sandra says one of her favorite running views is to see the Swan Boats reflected in the water as the sun is rising. Swan Boats are located at Riva Row Boathouse along the waterway. She also recommends stopping by the Koi Garden area.
Hughes Landing
Hughes Landing is another popular spot to enjoy a run with a view. Sandra tells us she will often take guests to run Hughes Landing and the boardwalk along Restaurant Row. She loves to stop and enjoy public artwork, including “The Woodlands Wind-O” that sits on Lake Woodlands at Hughes Landing.
Insider Tip: Stop by Fleet Feet running store at Hughes Landing to check out the latest cool running gear or to grab a water or snack. Fleet Feet Running Club often hosts events and other activities for runners in the community.
Town Green Park
2099 Lake Robbins Drive
Located between The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion and the South Montgomery County Library, Town Green Park is known as the “central park” of The Woodlands. It’s also the starting area for The Woodlands Marathon. As you are running in this area, check out the literary labyrinth with life-sized Aesop Fables.
Insider Tip: This area has hills that lead down to The Waterway so it would be a great place for hill training and running stairs if you need an extra push.
Northshore Park
2505 Lake Woodlands Dr
Northshore Park is well known for runners and athletes in The Woodlands. This is a hot spot for the annual IRONMAN North American Championship and also runs alongside The Woodland Marathon and other popular races. Sandra loves taking runners to Northshore Park and she’ll point out the approximate area where the swim start line is located. In the park, you’ll find plenty of concrete running pathways and your view will be the beautiful lake.
Insider Tip: This park has water fountains and restrooms so if you are planning a longer run this is a great place to stop and take a break.
George Mitchell Nature Preserve
5171 Flintridge Drive
The George Mitchell Nature Preserve is a beautiful place to get outdoors for a run! The park includes a two-mile hiking trail loop and three miles of bike trails. You’ll see the beautiful Spring Creek area and lots of trees and forested areas. The George Mitchell Preserve is a joint project with The Woodlands Township, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, The Woodlands Development Company and Montgomery County Precinct 3. Check out the map of the trails before you head out for a run.
Insider Tip: Feel like getting in some extra exercise with some fun? Check out Texas TreeVentures, an outdoor aerial adventure course located near The George Mitchell Nature Preserve.
With over 220 miles of pathways that connect neighborhoods in The Woodlands, there is always a running trail nearby wherever you go. A comprehensive map of the pathway system in The Woodlands is available through the Parks & Recreation Department of The Woodlands Township.
