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Texas
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Texas State Parks

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USA Parks
Texas
Piney Woods Region
W G Jones State Forest
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W G Jones State Forest Oak Leaves © Rena Dodd
W G Jones State Forest © Rena Dodd
W G Jones State Forest © Rena Dodd
W G Jones State Forest © Rena Dodd
W G Jones State Forest © Rena Dodd
W G Jones State Forest © Rena Dodd
W G Jones State Forest © Rena Dodd
W G Jones State Forest © Rena Dodd
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W G JONES STATE FOREST
W G JONES STATE FOREST
The W G Jones State Forest is a picturesque natural haven, encompassing 1,722 acres of lush woodlands and sprawling meadows. This forest offers a serene escape from bustling city life, showcasing a diverse array of native flora and fauna. With its well-maintained trails and recreational facilities, visitors can explore the tranquil beauty of the forest while engaging in activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and picnicking. The forest also serves as an important research and conservation area, with ongoing efforts to preserve its unique ecosystems and educate the public about the significance of sustainable forestry practices. Overall, the W G Jones State Forest provides a captivating glimpse into the natural heritage of Texas, inviting visitors to reconnect with nature and appreciate the untamed splendor that the Lone Star State has to offer.
History of the Area
The forest was originally part of a Spanish land grant and was acquired by William Goodrich Jones in the late 19th century. Jones was an influential lumberman and philanthropist who recognized the importance of preserving the forest for future generations. He started the Jones family legacy of forest stewardship by selectively harvesting and replanting trees.

After his death, the Jones family continued to manage and protect the forest. In the late 1920s, they established the Jones Forest Demonstration Farm to educate the public about sustainable forestry practices, which marked the beginning of the forest's role in education and research.

The land's significance grew over time, and in 1926, the Texas Forest Service recognized it as a demonstration forest. It later became a state forest when it was transferred to the Texas A&M Forest Service's ownership in 1932.

During the Great Depression, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) played a vital role in the development of the forest. CCC workers planted trees, constructed roads and fire lanes, and built the infrastructure necessary for public use. Many of these structures, such as the picnic areas and buildings, are still present today.
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Location
W G Jones State Forest is located near Cleveland, Conroe and Cypress

Trails
1. Red Cockaded Woodpecker Trail: A 2-mile loop trail, suitable for all skill levels and primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips.

2. Sweetleaf Nature Trail: An easy-rated half mile long path that winds through a variety of habitats including pine forests and wetlands.

3. Jones State Forest Loop: This is a moderate difficulty level trail spanning approximately 4 miles; it offers scenic views of the forest's diverse wildlife habitat areas.

4. Multi-Use Trails (East & West): These are wide trails stretching over several miles across both eastern and western parts of the state park allowing horseback riding as well as biking or hiking activities.

5. Jones Park Outer Loop: Approximately five-miles in length with varied terrain making it ideal for hikers seeking more challenging paths within this Texas forest area.

6. Pond Edge Pathway: Shorter than most other routes at less than one mile but provides close-up views to local aquatic life around pond edges.

7. Forest Service Road #208A: It's an unpaved road about two-and-a-half miles long which can be utilized by hikers who prefer longer walks amidst dense woods.

8. White Oak Creek Greenway: At nearly three-quarters-of-a-mile, this pathway follows along White Oak creek offering tranquil water-side strolls.

9. Wildlife Viewing Area Paths: Several short pathways leading from main trails towards designated Wildlife viewing spots showcasing native species like Eastern Bluebirds or American Alligators.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
July 8 Jones State Forest is Saved by Woodlands Mom
park review stars; one to five Thank you Senator Creighton for saving Jones State Forest SB 345 was signed by the Governor to protect 100 of the forest forever.
March 27 W.G. Jones Park Under Threat by J. Billig
park review stars; one to five A recent state bill was introduced to allow bulldozing of areas of the W.G. Jones Park for commercial buildings. SB 1964 was recently sponsored by Sen Creighton. It would effectively destroy this park.
June 21
park review stars; one to five Its a wonderful place to go horseback riding. The trails are nice wide and very well kept. Mostly shaded, good parking, and with a nice mounting block for those people who need it.
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Area Campgrounds
Rayford Crossing RV Resort
29321 South Plum Creek
The Woodlands, TX
281-298-8008
Spring Oaks MH
4320 Spring Stuebner
Spring, TX
281-350-2606
Thousand Trails Lake Conroe
11720 Old Montgomery Road
Willis, TX

Directions
1. Start on I:45 N from downtown Houston.
2. Continue for about 25 miles until you reach exit 77 toward Research Forest Dr/Tamina Rd.
3. Take this exit and merge onto the North Freeway Service Road.
4. Turn right onto Tamina Rd/Research Forest Drive after exiting the freeway, continue straight ahead for approximately two miles.
5. After passing under a railroad bridge, turn left at Egypt Ln/Egypt Road intersection to stay on Research Forest Drive.
6. Turn right into W G Jones State forest entrance which is just past Horseshoe Bend road.

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Texas
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Texas State Parks

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