Cullen Park

I love the paths next to the creek (north of Saums Rd.) for walking. They are shaded and away from the more public areas. Women may want to bring a friend or dog on these. There are also miles and miles of paths that are a bit less interesting and are better for biking/skating than walking. Lots of large open spaces plus several covered areas for birthday parties, etc. This is Houston, so it's not going to be spectacular, but it's very pleasant in a more subtle way. I have been there literally over 100 times and never encountered bad people or heard of such encounters. Regarding snakes, one reviewer spoke of water moccasins but these were most likely blotched water snakes, which are not poisonous. Water moccasins are nocturnal. I have not seen any copperheads. Just leave the snakes alone if you see them. Pros: Long hike/bike paths, open areas, sports fields, creek acces Cons: Most paths not really for hiking more

There is a security guard who is constantly getting into loud talk with low-class looking people at the park. Everybody knows to worry about car burglary, but it gets worse. August 2009 there was an incident where several shots apparently were fired by the security guard, and he did NOT make sure to aim away from bystander's cars. One bullet went through the bumper of a friend's car and lodged in the car. That friend's husband and BABY were sitting in the car at the time. No info on who were the intended targets of this shooting, what they did which may or may not have been a provocation. Somebody needs to study gun safety, and to find all the other ways to deter crime besides spraying bullets. Like photograph them Sherlock, evidence for a by-the-book prosecution if that is deserved. That particular guard was taken away by police, and the exact same thing probably will not happen again. But this is one sleazy place with dangerous people. Pros: Soccer, picnic facilities and more Cons: Getting too close to crime more

I'm a guy who loves the outdoors, frequents Colorado's Rockies for hiking and skiing. And though there is no comparison to Houston, I've tried to find something close to an ""outdoor expierence"" with my fiancee and my dogs. And yet again, Houston as let me down. With Hermann Park being riddled by Homeless and drunks, and Lake Houston which needs no explanation of the catastrophe it is. Cullen Park seemed interesting judging by others reviews and summaries, but it is horrible. The trails have not been tended to so the overgrowth has taken over and became forrest again. There's nothing but punks and hoodlums walknig around, so I feel I should only stay on the pavement to watch my car, and perhaps need some sort of proection for myself. And the ""famous velodrome"" for road bikers? Was closed when I got there. So No way to this park, and I add this to the long list of ""recreational"" failures to houston, TX. Pros: At least the City ""tried"" Cons: Gang-bangers, hoodlums, punks, unkempt trails, locked out facilities more

Our passenger side to our truck was busted out this morning and my purse was stolen; drivers license, credit cards, keys, etc. It was in the floorboard against the seat and was not easily seen through tinted windows. It was today (Saturday) between 8:00 am and 9:00 am. Many walkers and bikers were parking there. It is in the parking lot ajacent to the kids play area and stretching area where there is a lot of people traffic . Please report any suspicious activity to the Houston Police Department if you see people hanging out or looking into car windows. more

Very well planned out for a municipal park. A great place to have a picnic, hike, or just enjoy nature as there are deer, cougars, armadillos, snakes, and spiders that congregate at various times of the season. If you are into ethnobotany, Passiflora (Passion Flower) grows wild here. Pros: Long paved hiking trails; Animals; Plants; Bathrooms Cons: Too many people on bicycles; Too much dog poo on hiking trails more

Keep your eyes fixed to the ground when walking on the asphalt trail that runs between the park (starting around Greenhouse and and ending around Highway 6). This time of year the trail is covered with poisonous snakes and they blend in very well with the environment. Today on the trail, numerous Copperheads and Water Moccasins lined the trail and we saw one copperhead almost sink his fangs into a small child walking the trail right where it crosses Barker Cypress. It is a nice nature trail for those of us who live nearby but remember to use EXTREME caution and it would be a good idea to carry a cell phone with you. ENJOY! I believe most of the hospitals have anti venom for local snakes. Pros: free, nice hiking trail, restroom facilities Cons: Snakes, Snakes, Snakes more

I guess my girlfriend and I must have done a bad job of exploring the park because we were not impressed. The nature trail was a mess, (the bayou was FULL of stinky trash) and paved, I don't think of a nature trail being paved. Also, for the largest park in Houston we could not find a map or any information to tell us what the park had to offer. Considering we live 1/2 mile from Memorial Park we felt like we wasted an afternnon there. Pros: Velodrome, Recreation Cons: Out of the way, Dirty more