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There are many natural wonders and beautiful park preserves in the Lone Star State. Still, several of these lovely parks go undiscovered or get far less prestige than they deserve. 

One such place and just 38 miles north of Houston is Kleb Woods Nature Preserve, a Harris County Precinct 3 Park. A tranquil 133-acre preserve in Tomball, Texas.  It's a beautifully scenic area for a beginning hiker to get accustomed to hiking primitive trails and reading a trail map. Or an ideal place for a picturesque recovery hike. 

Once a flourishing family-run estate in the early 1900s, when Elmer Kleb inherited the land, he let the farm return to its natural state. Kleb, being not much of a farmer, was more interested in strolling the grounds, befriending the forest animals. 

By all accounts, Kleb contently lived a life of solitude without modern amenities as the city grew around the old farmstead.

Unfortunately, by the mid-1980s, Kleb owed almost $170,000 in back taxes and faced the likelihood of witnessing his land sold. But the Harris County Commissioner, Steve Radack, negotiated a grant with Texas Parks and Wildlife to secure the property as a Harris County Nature Preserve. Kleb was then allowed to reside on the land until he died in 1999.

Start your visit by strolling through the 3.17 miles of easy, well-marked, and maintained woodland forest trails. Begin by taking the mile-long loop of Half Mile Trail before heading straight to Elmer Kleb's homestead and blacksmith barn.

The Half Mile trailhead is right off the main parking area and is relatively flat, has minimal roots on the trail, and is very well shaded. But don't forget to wear bug repellent. The mosquitoes can be a bit persistent in the canopy, even in cooler weather.

At the halfway point, as you loop back, are several picnic tables, the Scouts organization primitive campsite, and restrooms. If you're short on time, walk the asphalt road straight to the Nature Center, Kelb's Home and Guest House, the Blacksmith barn, and access the Live Oak and Wetland trails.

Take a step back in time and stroll into Kleb's world. Tour his home and glimpse how he lived. Old farm equipment sits across the property to educate visitors on early American farming methods, even if they went unused by Kleb. The park staff also offers free bird-watching walks and holds a hummingbird festival each September.

After visiting the old farmstead, take the .43 mile Wetland Trail. The trailhead is adjacent to Kleb's Home and leads to Mytle's Pool, where you can enjoy viewing the many birds that call it home.

As you continue on, you'll come to Live Oak Trail. Meander along the .27 mile trail and marvel at the impressively large oaks. Some have been standing for quite some time.

Rounding out the loop is the Nature Trail. This .37 mile path leads to Elmer's Pond, the old windmill (you don't want to miss this), and right back to the Nature Center. 

Click here for a copy of the Kleb Woods Nature Preserve Trail Map. 

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Wrapping Up

Kleb Woods Nature Preserve is a wonderfully tranquil and beautifully scenic 133-acre preserve in Tomball, Texas. It's an excellent area for a beginning hiker to get accustomed to hiking primitive trails and reading a trail map. Or an ideal place for a picturesque recovery hike.

And the park combines history and woodland hiking trails to create an extraordinary adventure you'll want to visit over and over.

Have you visited Kleb Woods Nature Preserve? Share your experiences in the comments below. Also, if you enjoyed this article and know of someone who would also find it helpful, please share it with them.

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