This time of year, you’ve got to create your own wind! What better way than on a bike? Whether you’re an avid mountain biker or you’re just looking for a rental option to cruise around, the areas around Houston have paths to explore for nature enthusiasts and urban explorers.

Cruise along Cattail Marsh in Beaumont

Situated in the back of Tyrrell Park is Cattail Marsh Scenic Wetlands, the perfect backdrop to a 12-mile bike. This trail extends through the wetlands and features beautiful views of lush vegetation and wildlife, but most bikers choose to end the ride around the rest of the park to venture by the horse stables and botanical garden.

Mountain Bikers Adventure on in Sugar Land

Sugar Land’s Pumpkin Loop is a well-known trail among mountain bikers. Named for the squash-like shape of the trail, bikers frequent this southbound trail that sweeps up and down an old levee before dipping between an old barbwire fence. More daring bikers will enjoy the dips and undulations, but kids will need to be coached along the trail.

Find the trail in Cullinan Park, but be wary – Pumpkin Loop is always closed after rainfall.

Get around in The Woodlands

Mobike in The Woodlands

Not an avid biker, but looking for a fun trip along easy-to-navigate paths? The Woodlands is the perfect place to enjoy outdoor art and beautiful sunshine.

Visitors need not bring their own bikes – just power up the Mobike app and find a Mobike near you! This bike sharing system is dockless, which means you can pick them up and leave them without having to worry about finding a station. At $1/half hour, you’re sure to have plenty of time to get lunch and cruise around before hitting a show at The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion. Learn more here

Go the distance at Big Thicket National Preserve in Beaumont

With approximately 40 miles of trails throughout the preserve, Big Thicket has no shortage of courses for different levels of bikers to enjoy. Get away from the fast-paced city life and move through the biological crossroads of eastern hardwood forests, southwestern deserts, southeastern swamps and central prairies.

Enjoy the trees in Huntsville

The South Loop trail is a five mile trail that borders Huntsville State Park. It's the perfect place to get lost in the trees at the Sam Houston National Forest. To pick up the trail, ride the CCC Trail near the Huntsville State Park Nature Center clockwise to the South Loop trail. The few dips and small creeks make this trail well worth the $5 parking fee at the park.

For other outdoor activities around Houston, click here