Lone Star Hiking Trail: Day 6

Big Woods Pond to Trailhead #11
15.5 Miles
March 16, 2019

We started the morning by trying to find our way back to the trail from the Forest Service Road. It was a tad chilly so we decided to put on our base layers. I also had on my fleece and Clayton wore his puffy.

This section includes a 5 mile road walk that is “dry” (meaning no where to fill up on water). Thankfully this section of trail has been mostly dry which made today’s hike pretty enjoyable.

We did come into some mud shortly after the pond sign at mile 58.5, and more mud with an obstacle (downed trees on the trail) after mile 59.

Shortly after the hiker’s camp before mile 60 we ran into the trail underwater and surrounded in water and mud as far as the eye could see. However, with my mad ninja skills, I somehow managed to not get my feet wet. I had also warmed up by now and decided to take off my fleece and gloves.

Basically the Big Woods section from the pond on has a lot of mud that you get to enjoy before doing a 5-mile road walk.

You will want to make sure you have plenty of water before the road walk as there isn’t really any shade and on hot days you will sweat your butt right off. It does, however, have interesting scenery such as the mangled helicopter that sits outside of the gate to someone’s house.

Once you enter the Magnolia section, it asks you to register, however, when opening the box we realized a huge wasp had made the box it’s home and quickly shut the lid.

Around Mile 68 we saw our first snake. Well actually, Clayton saw it and warned me. I never saw it but I did get to see a turtle around mile 69. He was sitting right on the side of the trail.

This part of the section (see special notes below) requires fording or swimming across (during heavy rain periods like we have had) the San Jacinto River, I chose to be drove around it due to having my son with me. There was no way I was going to risk his life.

We called it a day after crossing a busy road and headed home for the week (Spring Break is over). However, we will be back out next weekend to finish up the last 22 miles.

Trail Information

Trail Condition: The Big Woods section had mud, but the Magnolia section was mostly dry with only very occasional mud. Made for a great day!
Camping: There is a hiker’s camp near mile 60. There is a stealth camp spot right after mile marker 62. Primitive campsite around mile 68.5.
Water: Pond at mile 58.5. Right past mile 68 you will cross a creek, however, it seemed shallow and stagnant so not sure water would be there during dry months. Pond between mile 69 & 70. San Jacinto River at mile 71.

SPECIAL NOTES: You will have to cross over the East Fork of the San Jacinto River in the Magnolia section (shortly after mile 71) which can be dangerous as the footbridge was washed away a long time ago and never replaced. That will mean fording or swimming depending on how high. In periods of extended rain and can become impassable. There is a bushwhack alternate that you can try, but your best bet is to plan ahead and get a ride around it. You can be picked up at mile 70 from FS2126 and dropped off at mile 72 on FS280D.