Closure Notice: The trail bridge over the White Oak Bayou at the southeastern end of the trail has been closed due to damaged sustained in a fire since August 2020. As of January 2022, the city is still figuring out plans for the necessary repair work, and the bridge will remain closed for the foreseeable future; the rest of the trail remains open. Trail users can detour on-street to reach the White Oak Bayou Greenway, but exercise extreme caution as the roadways in the area are quite busy.
The MKT/SP Rails to Trails forms a dogleg through urban Houston, with one leg running north–south between W 26th Street and W 7th Street and the east–west leg running between Shepherd Drive and Hogan Street (just east of I-45). From the I-45 end, the trail continues along the Heritage Corridor Bayou Trail, which carries on toward downtown, the University of Houston and other bikeways.
The MKT/SP Rails to Trails is named for the old Missouri, Kansas, Texas Southern Pacific Railroad, and the trail follows part of the abandoned rail bed. You'll also find links to city parks, historical neighborhoods, the White Oak Bayou, and city attractions such as art galleries and museums.
Park at Lawrence Park (the elbow of the trail) at 7th and Lawrence Streets. On-street parking and access is available along the route.
Loved this trail. First ride in YEARS. Did a about 7.3 miles. Through the Heights. Loved looking at all of the beautiful homes. The bridge is temporarily shut down. FYI.
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