Spring Branch continues to change dramatically for the good. But it will always be named for a free-flowing, natural stream. With a nod to the past, present and future of The Heart of Houston (c), now is the season for taking advantage of the neighborhood’s outdoor attractions.

Spring Branch Trail

The 10-feet-wide concrete trail stretches 2.4 miles between Blalock Road and Wirt Road, north of Hammerly Boulevard and south of Kempwood Drive, along open land.  It’s perfect for hiking and biking. 

Brightly marked paths connect the trail to Schwartz Park, Buffalo Creek Elementary School, Edgewood Elementary School, St. Jerome Childhood Center, the Lion Lane School and Landrum Middle School. The trail also connects to quiet neighborhoods, retail stores, workplaces and other amenities.

Upkeep of the trail, including weekly trash pickup and bi-weekly mowing, is provided by Spring Branch Management District, which funds the project.

The management district is planning Phase Two from Gessner west to Shadowdale Drive.  Phase Three will connect from Blalock Road west through the Northbrook High School area to the existing Emnora Trail.

The goal is to connect Addicks Reservoir trails on the west to the White Oak Bayou Greenway Trail on the east, creating a route of more than 22 miles that stretches through downtown Houston.

Parks

Time to toss a Frisbee or spread a blanket for a relaxing picnic lunch with the family? Spring Branch offers outdoor and recreational spaces, including several parks.

On a recent weekday afternoon at Schwartz Park, 8203 Vogue Lane, a group gathered to play soccer while a tennis enthusiast practiced his raquet swings. Tall trees provide shade for children playing on the playground.

Farther west in the District, Agnes Moffitt Park, 10645 Hammerly Blvd., is a community green space dotted with trees and featuring a disc golf course. “This really is a nice park,” said Claudia I. in a Yelp review. “Lots of greenery, really nice during the cooler temperature months.”

Also, there is the “High Plains Drifter” abstract sculpture by Peter Reginato. Unveiled in 2018, the art object is worth a visit.

Coming soon: A re-do of Haden Park at Long Point and Witte roads.

Outdoor eats

Numerous restaurants dotting the Spring Branch Management District provide places to enjoy an outdoor meal. 

Those with patio seating include: Feges BBQ, Barnaby’s, Lazy Oaks Beer Garden, 4J Brewing, Virgie’s BBQ, The Powder Keg Houston, Cambrian Coffee, Buzz n Bites, Hugh O’Connors, Warehouse 72 and Tacos Doña Lena. Cascabel, the District’s Mexican vegan restaurant at 1415 Murray Bay St., offers outdoor seating and plant-based food.

Healthy Fix Nutrition at 2755 Gessner at Kempwood is the perfect place to pick up a nutritional shake, smoothie, juice or snack before heading to one of the area’s many pocket parks.

Group activities 

Feel like being outgoing while outdoors? 

Local groups Fit Houston and Spring Branch Community Health Center promote wellness with walks every Wednesday at 8 a.m. at SBCHC, 8575 Pitner Road. Community discussions and coffee are included in the free activity!

Got wheels? Join a cycling group the first Saturday of every month at 11 a.m., starting at Cobble & Spoke, 1900 Blalock Rd. The fun group meanders around Spring Branch, stopping for drinks and bites along the way. Every ride is a different depending on weather and the crowd.

Whether on your own, with family and friends or while making new friends, enjoying the outdoors in Spring Branch is as easy as stepping outside.