As of January 2023, this is an "in and back" trail of about 1 mile. Birding at the entrance yields common neighborhood birds and raptors. Mixed pine and hardwood forest with little open canopy can make for difficult spotting, birding by ear will be useful. Areas around the bridge and along the actual Winters Bayou open up a bit to offer better looks at small flocks.

Woodpeckers are plentiful and Red-cockaded Woodpeckers have been seen on this property (foraging, not breeding.) This property is at the south edge of the breeding range of the Hooded Warbler so they are plentiful for much of the year. 

Located in San Jacinto County, 11 miles northwest of the town of Cleveland, this 165-acre sanctuary is adjacent to the Sam Houston National Forest. It is in the transition zone between the Gulf Coastal Prairie, the Piney Woods, and the Blackland Prairie ecoregions. Made up of two adjacent tracts, the larger 130-acre tract is an upland pine forest and mixed pine-hardwood bottomland. It was donated to Houston Audubon by Houston businessman Malcolm Damuth in three transactions in 1989, 1990, and 1997, with the stipulation that it be managed as a wildlife sanctuary.

Winters Bayou is open every day throughout the year from sunrise to sunset. 

Privately owned and operated by Houston Audubon. Open from dawn until dusk 365 days a year. No fee.

There are no facilities at all. The nearest restroom, food, water, or trash receptacle are at the gas station about 6 miles away. Please pack out all trash including toilet tissue.

The trails are natural and can be washed out, uneven, and muddy. There is a turnstile entrance and a kiosk with a bench at the entrance. There is limited to no accessibility for those with mobility devices due to trail conditions. There are no benches along the trails.

As of January 2023 there is one trail in and back, with one bridge over a small creek. Please do not follow flagged trails, they are not complete and are currently for staff monitoring use only.