Hershey Park

Hershey Does Not Always Mean Chocolate: Hiking and Biking in Houston
By Don Miller

Recently my wife and I discovered an incredible hiking and biking area in Houston. Originally called the Buffalo Bayou Park, the name has since been changed to the Terry Hershey Park in honor of the conservationist who prevented the banks of Buffalo Bayou from being paved similar to other bayous in Houston.

The park now consists of 500 acres running in an east west axis from Addicks Reservoir on the Hershey Park provides miles of tranquil biking trails for Houstonians to enjoy. west to Beltway 8 on the east. The primary trail runs east - west along Buffalo Bayou. One side of the trail is always adjacent to the bayou which has been left in its natural state. The other side has park benches, exercise stations, picnic tables and large open grassy areas. The trail itself winds up and down several hills, over ten small wooden bridges, past a playground, gazebo and a unique walk-in sundial. There are even doggy drinking fountains and a runners shower for those hot, humid Houston summer days. Some trails are lighted. There is an extension that runs north to I-10 and several extensions are planned in the near future.

Parking is available at Highway 6 south of I-10 where Barket Dam releases water into Buffalo Bayou. You can also park off Beltway 8. From I-10 go south on the tollway access road. After about one mile, the access road will take a left over the tollway and then an immediate right. The trails of Terry Hershey Park will take you through many different woodland settings. The parking lot will be on your right within a couple hundred yards. If you are coming from the south get on the access road around Richmond or Westheimer. You will cross over Westheimer and Briar Forest and very shortly the parking lot will be on your left.

This is an absolutely beautiful park with a country feeling in an urban area. If you need to add variety to your exercise regimen or just want a great place to take the kids and pets, go to Terry Hershey Park.