As spring stretches into summer, it's time to get outside, enjoy the sunshine, and maybe get a little exercise! The Woodlands is home to more than 150 parks and 220 miles of pathways for walking, running, and hiking—including routes for a number of marathons and triathlons! To help you narrow down your options, here are a few spots that come highly recommended by athletes and amateurs alike.

The Woodlands Wind-O is a large yellow sculpture shaped like a picture frame or a window overlooking Lake Woodlands at Hughes Landing.

HUGHES LANDING

1900 Hughes Landing Boulevard

Restaurant Row at Hughes Landing is best known for its waterfront dining, but it is also a popular spot for running enthusiasts. For an even 2.5-mile run, start at Embassy Suites and jog south along the boardwalk. When you arrive at Lake Woodlands Drive, go east to Grogan's Mill Road, then north to Constellation Point Drive. Follow that back to Embassy Suites. Along the way, you're sure to see a number of public art pieces like The Woodlands Wind-O as well as the Lakes Edge Boat House. To extend your route, add a loop around Hughes Landing Boulevard or Lake Front Circle.

Insider Tip: Fleet Feet hosts frequent fitness events, including a weekly run club. Stop by for water, snacks, running gear, or a chat with fellow runners!

 

NORTHSHORE PARK

2505 Lake Woodlands Drive

Northshore Park is a hotspot for athletes in The Woodlands. With wide-open spaces and amazing waterfront views, this park is a major starting point for the Memorial Hermann IRONMAN Texas triathlon as well as several local footraces. Run a few laps around the park or all the way around Lake Woodlands to work up a good sweat, then take a break to go fishing or enjoy a Concert in The Park (held seasonally on Sunday evenings). If you plan to stay a while, water fountains and restrooms can be found on site.

 

The Waterway near Waterway Square

A group of runners jog under the Waterway Avenue Bridge and past the viewer. There are men and women, mostly in the 30s-40s age range. Green grass and trees abound.

THE WOODLANDS WATERWAY

3421 Mall Ring Road

With its seamless blend of urban architecture and natural beauty, The Woodlands Waterway provides the perfect backdrop for a run around the block. You can jog for a good 2-3 miles if you start at the turning basin south of The Woodlands Mall and make the loop around Riva Row Boat House. The stretch along Waterway Square is particularly well lit, low traffic, and offers a variety of restaurants with waterfront views. If you want to keep going, The Waterway extends all the way to the east shore of Lake Woodlands and north into Hughes Landing.

Insider Tip: The Goose's Acre often features live music and hosts a weekly running club!

 

TOWN GREEN PARK

2099 Lake Robbins Drive

Located between Market Street, The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, and Riva Row Boat House, Town Green Park is the perfect spot for events big and small. In the summer, it's home plate for the Red, Hot & Blue Festival and offers the best view of the Fireworks Extravaganza. In winter, the Lighting of The Doves ceremony is observed here. It's also the starting point for a number of local 5K races and marathons if you want to get a head start on your training. For a little extra push, the south side of the park offers several stairwells and a downhill slope toward The Waterway.

 

A group of wildlife enthusiasts use binoculars from The Lookout Bird Blind at The George Mitchell Nature Preserve.

GEORGE MITCHELL NATURE PRESERVE

5171 Flintridge Drive

One of visitors' favorite places to enjoy outdoor recreation is the George Mitchell Nature Preserve. This 1,800-acre forest offers two miles of hiking trails and three miles of bike paths to explore, including the beautiful Spring Creek area. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife! The Lookout Bird Blind is a particularly peaceful place to observe songbirds, hawks, and even bald eagles. For easy access to the park, start your trek from the Flintridge Drive Trailhead.

Insider Tip: Want a bird's eye view while you exercise? Check out Texas TreeVentures, an outdoor aerial obstacle course located near the preserve.

 

The Lodge at Rob Fleming Park sits on a well-kept lawn surrounded by purple bushes and bright green trees.

A young couple walks down a path lined with hot pink azaleas at Rob Fleming Park.

ROB FLEMING PARK

6055 Creekside Forest Drive

Named after a Texas wildlife artist, Rob Fleming Park is a breath of fresh air. Try to beat your personal record with a few laps around Bo Fleming Pond, then kick back and cast your fishing line. If you want to turn your run into a family outing, a covered pavilion known as The Lodge overlooks a beautiful green space, a playground, and a dog park. Between mid-February and late March, you can find Bluebonnet Meadow in full bloom—and hundreds of hot pink azaleas along the nearby walking trails.