Fern

The Fern hike is a moderate out-and-back route of about 11 miles, with a total elevation gain of about 200 feet, in the Sam Houston Ranger District of the National Forests in Texas. The trail is managed by the Forest Service, and the climb's steepest stretch comes at about 0.4 miles, where the grade reaches about 17 percent. The high point is 366 feet, and the low point is 286 feet. Spring and fall are the most comfortable times to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station in Huntsville put October highs around 79°F with lows near 58°F, and April highs around 77°F. Summer runs hotter, with July and August highs typically in the low 90s. The trail is open to both horses and bikes, so riders and pack animals can join the route. Several other hikes sit within about a mile and a half, including Boy Scout, Zebra and Sandy. For an overnight stay, Cagle Recreation Area is about 1.8 miles away.