La Porte Hike & Bike Trail

La Porte's hike-and-bike trail system offers more than 13 miles to explore. The main spine of the trail runs parallel to Fairmont Parkway from the west side of the city to Galveston Bay, with spurs jutting north and south from the main route. The wide concrete trail provides ample room for cyclists, walkers, the old and the young to share. The trail also connects to several local parks, including Sylvan Beach and the Little Cedar Bayou Trail. The latter trail is a highlight of the route, and features sports and picnic amenities, a playground, a wave pool and a dog park. There is also a nature trail that can be accessed from the park, that leads to two birding platforms offering panoramic views of the bay.

Parking and Trail Access

Park at Little Cedar Bayou Park (600 Little Cedar Bayou Drive).

La Porte’s trail

October 2021 bqd6n47fjw

On a Sunday I parked at La Porte’s City Park, 600 Little Cedar Bayou Drive. The bike trail begins to the left of the tennis courts by the blue trash can. No signs are present. I traveled to San Jacinto Community College on the trail parallel to Fairmont Pkwy (13 miles round trip). It’s an 8 ft cement paved trail in mostly decent condition. Fairmont Pkwy has a huge overpass I had to shift to first gear and huff & puffed over it. Sometimes the trail was difficult to follow due to lack of signage. A few 100 ft were under 6 inches of water perhaps the rainfall from the previous night. A small part of the trail was an unmarked business parking lot. The trail is in a rural area along with many industrial businesses. I encountered only one other cyclist and a golf cart. People are friendly. It was quiet and peaceful, but at the same time very desolate. There were a few benches and trash cans along the way. It’s not a bad trail if only a little tender loving care TLC were put into it. It has great potential. I would not recommend to those cyclists that like going faster than 8 mph.