Navigating 150 miles of Houston Bayou Greenways

5 detailed training routes that stretch across HOU

Whether you’re a seasoned marathoner traveling in from out of state to participate in the Houston Marathon Weekend of Events or a local Houstonian looking to explore new areas we are pleased to bring you a detailed story of the connectivity provided here thanks to the 150 miles of Houston’s Bayou Greenways.

Lace up! It is time to explore 55+ miles of that 150 through these custom-built routes. These routes include Garmin Connect maps and Strava routes, along with pro tips from the Houston Parks Board about what you can expect to enjoy along the way. Here are some of the larger parks you will pass through before we dive into the different options.

BUFFALO BAYOU PARK: A FAMILY EXPERIENCE

Buffalo Bayou Park, is a 160-acre green space created and stewarded by Buffalo Bayou Partnership that ranks among the top urban trails in the USA, just west of downtown Houston. The paved and gravel paths weave through breathtaking views of public art, picnic areas, and native landscaping. Remember to stop by the iconic Waugh Bridge Bat Colony, where thousands of bats take flight at dusk. It is a mesmerizing natural spectacle.

When traveling along these routes through Buffalo Bayou Park, be on the look out for public art, like Tolerance, by artist Jaume Plensa, made available thanks to a program built to respond to the bayou’s unique features.

The Buffalo Bayou Park (BBP) Cistern is something you will pass by as well. This 87,500-square-foot Cistern, a former drinking water reservoir built in 1926 for the City of Houston, was restored by BBP into a magnificent public space for tours, performances, and art installations.

photo credit: Hermann Park Conservancy

MEMORIAL PARK: HOUSTON’S CENTRAL PARK

Memorial Park, is located in the heart of Houston. This is Houston’s version of Central Park, boasting 30 miles of trails for all movement practices. The Memorial Park Conservancy stewards this park and is celebrating its 100th birthday this year! A favorite among locals is the 3-mile Seymour Lieberman Trail. Another must-see is the newly constructed 100-acre project, the Kinder Land Bridge and Cyvia and Melvyn Wolff Prairie. This impressive nature sanctuary restores prairie and re-introduces endangered native Gulf Coast prairie species adding additional wetlands to areas north and south of Memorial Drive connected by this bridge. The Running Complex features a 400-meter Roy H. Cullen Timing Track, nestled alongside the health-focused Vibrant Café in the trees. The visitor center boasts an open-air event plaza and terrace, open to all of HOU, all year long!


HERMANN PARK: A HISTORIC RUN

For a blend of nature and culture, head to Hermann Park. This park connects to the Bayou Brays and Rice University loop, making it part of the Houston Chevron Marathon course. The Marvin Taylor Trail, a shaded two-mile path, offers a serene running experience under historic live oaks. Hermann Park spans over 455 acres with concrete paths leading to iconic landmarks like the Jones Reflection Pool, Bayou Parkland, and Lake Plaza by McGovern Lake. It’s also home to the Houston Zoo, Miller Outdoor Theatre, and the Houston Museum of Natural Science! The Commons, opened in April 2024 is a newly revamped 26-acre area, and features the Play Gardens, a carousel, shaded terraces, and a Wetland Garden. Making it great for families looking to enjoy scenic landscapes where they can get active and enjoy creative play areas.

Photo credit: Houston First Corporation

Route 1 Upper Brays Bayou Greenway 13.1 miles

This route has NO on-street crossings! The eastern limit is Mike Driscoll Park. The western limit is the bayou trail next to McClendon Park. Here, you will turn south, towards Westpark Tollway. The southern limit is Magnolia Park. Run a loop through this tranquil park, then back to reach 13.1 miles or do a shorter out and back. 🅿️ at McClendon or Archbishop J.A. Fiorenza Park and enjoy the sights!

Photographer Anthony Rathbun

Route 2 Bayou Greenways to Buffalo Bayou Park 9.2 miles

This beautiful route is along White Oak Bayou and Buffalo Bayou, with NO on-street crossings. You will see different artworks and scenic views like the poetry installation at Bayou Greenways Park, and the Houston Sculpture by Mac Whitney at Stude Park. Beautiful downtown views and wildflower meadows strung alongside the Confluence Mural by Jane Kim.

There are various distance options along this route. Option 1: approximately 3 miles – turn around at the intersection of I-45, before you reach Hogg Park. Option 2: approximately 6 miles – turn around at Sesquicentennial Park, before you reach Preston. 🅿️ at Bayou Greenways Park to begin.

Photographer Anthony Rathbun

Route 3 White Oak Bayou Greenway Trail 7.1 miles

Along this route you will have a chance to see an art installation displaying a poem in various stanzas spread out across the trails. The author is Martha Serpas. Her eco-poetry is set on large steel structures along the route. On your drive over and along the route you will also see the towering, and infamous Houston Sculpture by Mac Whitney!

This route has different options so it can adjust to your goals. This is a 7.1 mile route but can be shortened! The western loop provides a 3.9-mile route whereas the Eastern loop is approximately 3.5 miles. 🅿️ at Bayou Greenways Park or near Donovan Park to begin.

Photographer Anthony Rathbun

Route 4 Lower Sims Bayou Greenway 6.5 miles

This route has NO on-street crossings! Travel the entire distance on the map and back making sure to loop inside both Stuart Park & Glenbrook Park to reach your 6.5 mile goal. Along the way, you will see a beautiful mural underneath the Houston Botanic Gardens bridge along Sims Bayou Greenway created by artist David Cobb and hundreds of volunteers from the neighborhood.🅿️ at Robert C. Stuart, Reveille, Sims Bayou Greenway River Drive Trailhead, or Glenbrook Parks.

🔗 Garmin route: 6.5 miles Sims Bayou Greenway 

🔗 Strava Route

Route 5 Middle Brays Bayou Greenway 4.4 miles

This is our final route, Route 5 of 5, marking the completion of the 2024 ‘More Than A Race’ training route campaign. Created in partnership with the Houston Parks Board, this campaign highlights their commitment to providing safe, beautiful pathways that help keep Houston connected. Thanks to the Houston Parks Board, dedicated citizens, corporate partnerships and community dedication to keeping Houston green we can run, walk, stay, and play all year long in a more culturally diverse, healthy, and connected city.

Run 3 to 4.4 miles along Houston’s south side near the Museum District, Zoo, and Medical Center on trails that intersect sections of the Aramco Houston Half Marathon and Chevron Houston Marathon courses.

The 3.1-mile loop around Brays Bayou Greenway features no street crossings, taking you over the Bill Coates Bridge and past McWilliams Dog Park, starting at the Hermann Park Bayou Parkland Trailhead. For a longer route, the 4.4-mile path extends through Hermann Park and along Brays Bayou Greenway, also with no street crossings. 🅿️ at or near Hermann Park taking the METRORail if you’re staying in the downtown area.

“Our partnerships with organizations like the Houston Parks Board help Houstonians live healthy, active lives year-round. We’re excited to raise awareness of the projects connecting trails and providing training options for residents and visitors. Houston’s running community is world-class, and the Houston Parks Board ensures access to safe, scenic trails for year-round exercise.”

– Wade Morehead, Executive Director, Houston Marathon Committee & Houston Marathon Foundation

Staying safe means staying connected. Here are a few tips: Stay hydrated—Houston’s humidity can sneak up on you, so carry water. Join groups like HARRA and City Girls Walk for support. Stay aware—if you listen to music, keep one earbud out to hear your surroundings. Prevent injuries by stretching and cooling down after exercise. Take your time and enjoy the view. Share your experiences along these routes by tagging the Houston Parks Board and Chevron Houston Marathon. Let’s keep moving together!

CREATED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE HOUSTON PARKS BOARD

Special recognition goes to Arantza Munoz for her work on this project during her internship with the Houston Marathon Committee while pursuing her Master’s Degree in Sports & Fitness Management at the University of Houston.