Closed Trail Status

These trails are currently closed by the US Forest Service.  Updates will be provided when new information is available.

CLOSED TRAILS:

MULTI-USE TRAILS (MUT):

EASTSIDE:

• Lake Loop

• YCC

Lake Loop was closed in April 2021 when Bridge 1 was damaged during a Prescribed Burn operation.  The US Forest Service (USFS) engineering evaluation determined the bridge could not be repaired.  Funding to replace the bridge was not immediately available and the FS began project and funding planning.  In December of 2022 the USFS began the Archeological Heritage Survey on the MUT which limits rehabilitation efforts until the study is completed and approved by the Texas State Historic Preservation Office and Tribal offices.  The fieldwork was completed in the Fall of 2024.  The FS is still working on the final report to the Heritage offices.

Extreme weather events in subsequent years have resulted in 7 more damaged/destroyed bridges on Lake Loop as well as two bridges on YCC.   This project is being managed by the US Forest Service.  They plan to address the rehabilitation through contractor efforts to ensure a comprehensive approach to recovery and future resilience.  This is not a Trails Coalition project.  We will continue to meet with the FS regularly and assist however we can.

WESTSIDE:

Big Loop and North Balloon will be intermittently closed during October while a bridge repair (28) and bridge replacement (41) are underway.  These projects are funded by the TPWD RPT grant and led by project manager Jeff Heller:  MUT.projectmanager@samhoustontrails.com

NWCC C-57 CYCLING TRAIL:

The section of North Loop from Start Hill to the west junction with Inner Loop is closed due to the failure of the fiberglass bridge in 2024 from repeated extreme weather events.  The US Forest Service is working with the Sam Houston Trails Coalition and National Forest Foundation to procure disaster funding so the bridge can be repaired.  The repair will involve fixing the support structures under the existing bridge, replacing damaged fiberglass components, and building a 20’ bridge extension.  Obtaining quotes for the foundation work is currently underway.  Bill Elwell is the project manager:  Hiking.events@samhoustontrails.com