TRAIL DESCRIPTION:   The 11 km (6.8 miles) trail (rating = 1A) includes:  Downtown Historic District, Theaters, Civic Center, Skyline, government, shopping, ballpark, urban parks and public art. The trail is almost entirely on city sidewalks and paved walkways; includes 3 stairs, street curbs and an escalator.  The 6 km route (3.7 miles) partially follows the 11 km route in the beginning.

SPECIAL PROGRAMS:  Struttin' Down Main St.; Alternative Capitals; ; National Registry of Historic Places; You'll Never Walk Alone; Works Progress Administration; Honoring Our Flag; Cities in Song; Animal Safari

SANCTIONED:  By the American Volkssport Association (AVA), a member of the International Federation of Popular Sports (IVV).  Participants in this event may receive credit toward IVV awards.

START POINT LOCATION:  DoubleTree by Hilton - Houston Medical Center Hotel & Suites, 6800 Main St.  This is about 8 km (5 miles) from Downtown Houston and it is the Start Point for 3 other YREs (see YRE - Medical Center for additional detail).

There are 2 options for transportation from the Start Point to Downtown: 1) MetroRail or 2) automobile. 

1) MetroRail - Walk from the Hotel to the Dryden / TMC station, ride to Preston St. Station (North Bound), complete the Downtown Walk, return to the Preston St. Station (South Bound), ride MetroRail to the Dryden / TMC station and walk back to the Hotel. Total walking distance credit is 11 km / 6 km (includes distance to and from rail station).  The walk directions give more detail. Travel time to Preston St Station is about 30 minutes.  Rail fare is $1.25 one way (credit or debit card or exact cash at kiosk on the rail platform). See ridemetro.org for more information.

2) Automobile - Drive to Downtown via Main and San Jacinto.  Driving directions are available here and in the Walk Box.  Parking lots are available along Preston from Fannin to Caroline Streets (1000-1200 blocks of Preston). Price varies from $5.00 to $10.00 per day, depending on events of the day in the area.  Credit cards are accepted.  Free street parking on Sunday.  Total walking distance credit is 10 km / 5 km.

START/FINISH TIMES: The Hotel is open 24 hours.  It is suggested that you start after  08:00 A.M and finish 30 minutes before dusk.  Please be courteous to the hotel staff and defer to hotel guests during busy times.

CREDIT:  There is no pre-registration.  Ask for the "Walk Box" at the front desk, register and pick up a start card.  The start cards and fees are: IVV credit only = $3.00.  No refunds for inclement weather.  All participants must carry a start card and return it when finished.  NOTE:  IVV record books are NOT available at the Start/Finish.

AWARD:  IVV credit only.

REFRESHMENTS:  Restrooms and water are available at the Start/Finish.  Restrooms are available at two locations on the 11 km route. Food and beverages are available for purchase at various businesses along the route.  Water should be carried with you.  However, on Sundays many businesses are closed or open later in the day.

REGISTRATION/FEE:  There is no pre-registration.  The Start/Finish functions will be self-service, on the honor system.  The walk fee is $3.00 (includes IVV credit).  Non-credit children under 12 are free.  All participants must carry a completed Start Card and return it when finished.

ELIGIBILITY:  These events are open to the public and all ages are welcome. Family participation is encouraged but children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Pets are welcome but must be kept on a leash at all times.  Pets are NOT allowed inside any museums or businesses.

DISCLAIMER:  We have carefully selected the routes to ensure the safety of the participants. The sponsors and hosts of the events are not liable for accidents, theft or damages, so we ask everyone's cooperation in making these events safe, enjoyable and memorable.

INFORMATION: 

CONTACT:    Marianna Wood, 281-799-1688

                    hhhcontact@houstonhappyhikers.com

 

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This page was last updated on 05/30/2023.

Copyright, Houston Happy Hikers, Houston, Texas.