Night Hike in the Sam Houston National Forest, Lake Conroe, Texas
Night Hike in the Sam Houston National Forest, Lake Conroe, Texas
Join me in a night hike at the Sam Houston National Forest, Lake Conroe, Texas. I’m not talking about using flashlights or vision goggles. I’m talking about going the same way our ancestors did. I’m talking about opening my eyes, ears and nose and operating efficiently in nature without the need for technology. Tonight is perfect. There will be a full moon, so after my eyes are adapted, it will be easy to navigate the trails. To hike at night, is to intentionally allow yourself to slip out of your comfort zone and connect with the forest in new and interesting ways.
The secret to a successful night hike is PREPARATION. For example, although it’s hot, I’m wearing a long sleeve shirt, long pants and plenty of insect repellent. Snakes and insects are out at night, and I’m safer with less exposed skin. Also, the clothing will protect me, if I accidentally run into poison ivy.
Let’s check-out what’s in my backpack. Since I plan to hike all night, I’m carrying a lot: two water bottles (one is a Katadyn bottle purifier, so I can safely drink water from Lake Conroe), sack lunch, insect repellant, first aid kit, sanitary package with trowel, rain poncho, extra socks, Moskito hammock, three flashlights with red filters, water shoes, swimming trunks, swimming towel, two cameras and portable tripods, GPS and cell phone.
Poem by Michael Carlson, 1994, 2008
The black of night
Gives most people fright
But me
I feel free
in the black of night
In the black of night
Most people lose their sight
Because they cannot see
Without their precious light
In the black of night
Most people think the black of night is not right
But to me the black of night
Is one of the most grandest sights!!
Every day I wait and wait
Waiting to see that beautiful sight
Every day I wait and wait
For the black of night
Videography by Ken Kramm, 12-13/8/2011; Canon Vixia HFS20 Camcorder; Canon PowerShot SX10IS. Many of the “night shots” in this video were filmed at dawn or dusk, so that the viewer could see what I was demonstrating.
I leave near there and would like to hike there aswell. Where abouts is the best place to start the hike.
@albrecht1471 Interesting that the area is similar. Thanks for commenting. Ken
@lmmsl Glad you liked the adventure!
i love the full moon it gives enough light to see if its not cloudy.Did they get the fires out yet?Your a lucky guy to be able to do what you do….peace
@KennethKramm Hmm is it peoples campfires.We always put the fire out.
@Oriannubis Thank you for your wonder feedback. Let me know what happens with your night hike. Ken
@IARAMESSIAS You are welcome. I am glad you enjoyed the video. Ken
@Peteypod Great question. Thanks for asking. I slept a few hours the next day. ken
@BorderlinePressRoth Thanks for the "thumbs up." May nature be with you. Ken
@Peteypod great question. I slept a few hours during the next day.
How do you get to that area by the lake???
I went there today but i didnt even find a place to park my car so i gave up and went home 🙁
@77gnitsuj Let me know how you like the site! Even though the water is disappearing (to Houston), it’s still a great swimming, fishing and hiking area. Have a great weekend.
Where is this lake/swimming area at? Im a trail runner and would really enjoy a cool off spot
What a cool video! Ken, are the water snakes you were swimming with "water moccasins"? I recall them as being highly aggressive, trying to get in our boat as a kid. Thanks for the inspiration. True KennethKramm art.
Thats a bummer! I suggest going to the Sam Houston National Forest District office (weekdays) or calling them for directions and specific maps. Also, check the web for Lone Star Trails to get hiking trails in this area This video was fimed at Paluka Point. I’ve also filmed a recent video (over 4th July Holiday) on "Wagon Camping In the 1800s" at Paluka Point. There are several primitive camp sites and a beautiful swimming beach.
@seahue I am glad to know that you are also a night hiker. It’s so hot here (106 F) this summer, that night-time is they only way to go! Ken
Hi David, thanks. I used a Canon vixi a HfS20 camcorder. Ken
Ken, run a YouTube search on "World Record Alligator" and you will see this massive gator swimming in that very lake with an entire deer in its mouth. Ug! Incredible!
*What*
@ScoutsNOA Let me know how you like the SHNF. Ken
Hi Ken, Your video speaks truth to my inner feelings about nature, sunset, sunrise, and
the dark of night are moments that lead me to those feeling. I have always dream to hike at night but have not the courage to do it yet. Thanks for sharing your experience. I love the poems at the end of the vid.
Good day Ken,
Watch out for Bigfoots out there.
@enjoythewildUSA Yep there are plenty of alligators. I’ve been observing them closely…and someday will do a YouTube on them. I was going to use my inflatable boat in the lake to watch them up close, but decided it was too risky.
Thanks for watching and commenting, Vangie. The best time for a night hike is when there is a full moon. I suggest, for a first night hike, to go on trails that you know well, during the day. Many state parks offer guided night hikes. You may want to consider going on one. Have a good week, Ken
very nice kenneth ji.
@KennethKramm Ken, I pulled up some writings and video on this lake. Their are huge gators in this lake and loads and loads of cotton mouths. You are a brave, seriously adventurous man. I get the willies watching you swim out into that water. Again, amazing video!
@frederickforlife Thanks for visiting and commenting. Glad you enjoy the video. Regards, Ken
@Peteypod great question. I slept a few hours during the next day.
@LetArtsLive Your right. I know the park very well. It was a relaxing night. I used the GPS as a "role model" for safety. Don’t want anyone to get lost doing a night hike!
Great channel and vid, I’m hoping to camp in that park soon….
Awesome video, I would love to spend some time in the SHNF, very nice.
@Peteypod Great question. Thanks for asking. I slept a few hours the next day. ken
We think alike! Night hiking through the woods, yeah!!
Wow! Thanks Cathy. I’ll also be at the Expo tomorrow. I’m with the Heartwood Chapter Texas Master Naturalists — and organizer of the chapter Expo booth. See you tomorrow. Ken
from Brasil : Hello , my dear friend ! I like very much this video… sorry for delay to answer…I had problems with my computer… Thanks for sharing this wonderful expirience ! Saúde e Prosperidade ! 🙂
Nice!
Great vid, Kenneth! Thumb up!
It’s a fun place to explore. The place I did the night hike is courrently closed due to the drought last year. Many trees died in the area …. so the area will remain closed until the Forest Service cuts the trees — so they don’t fall down on visitors! But there are other areas for great night hikes. Check the Forest Service District office to identify trails are currently open. Take care, Ken
@77gnitsuj This is a remote area, but accessible on dirt roads: south of FM1375, turn onto Forest Service Rd 204, go past Kelly pond and past Forest Service Rd 204. Turn east on next dirt road (no name), continue until it dead ends at the lake. You will see several primitive (informal) camping areas (groomed by FS) and swimming beaches. During hunting season, gate to dirt road is locked and you will need to hike. Enjoy. Ken
@vidaripollen Thanks for your feedback. Ken
@KennethKramm Some may get lost.
@Peteypod great question. I slept a few hours during the next day.
@Peteypod great question. thanks for asking. I slept a few hours during the next day.
What’s camera did you use in this video? Awesome stuff! Good times!
@LetArtsLive It’s still hot and dry. No fires locally at the moment….but small ones keep springing up. Ken
Ken–Wonderful video. I have shared your video on the Lone Star Hiking Trail FB page and it will be featured at tomorrow’s Texas Wildlife and Woodlands Expo in the Sam Houston Trails Coalition Booth. Cathy
@Peteypod Great question. I sleep a few hours during the next day. Ken
I am totally with you on the night hiking:) I have many under my belt:) My favorite place was cape cod MA…Every week on my days off I would venture out after 2am along many shoreline trails…I would always wonder who else was out hiking at night/early morn…I used to think I was the only one…now I know you were out there too:D
@dekindin Thanks for letting me know that you also like the night. Bike riding at night is quite adventurous! Thanks for commenting. Ken
ha you used gps dont you know that park like the back of your hands?This is so peaceful.