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Recreation

Texas-sized lakes, towering trees in national forests, meandering rivers. If you love nature, there are endless ways to enjoy it here! How about a game of golf? Or maybe you'd enjoy canoeing or birding? Whatever your choice, Texas Forest Country offers plenty to do!


Angelina | Houston | Jasper | Nacogdoches | Newton | Panola | Polk | Sabine | San Augustine | San Jacinto | Shelby | Trinity | Tyler

 

Angelina County

  • GOLFING: If golfing is your cup of "tee," Lufkin is home to three 18-hole golf courses, including the #9 ranked 18-hole championship golf course in the State of Texas, as selected by the Dallas Morning News. The golf course was designed by Bob Von Hagge and golfing great Bruce Devlin, and challenging is considered an understatement. The course is shaded by towering East Texas pine trees and has four different tee settings that make playing golf at Crown Colony Country Club a relaxing and diversified experience. We also have the 18-hole Neches Pines Golf Course located in Diboll, just minutes from Lufkin. Plus, the Lufkin Country Club offers a nice layout and a scenic course in the East Texas pine trees.

  • SAM RAYBURN RESERVOIR: Just minutes away from Lufkin rests the largest body of water wholly within the State of Texas - Sam Rayburn Reservoir. Covering 114,500 acres at normal capacity, Sam Rayburn is the most popular recreation area in the piney woods of East Texas. The reservoir was originally named McGee Bend until President Lyndon B. Johnson renamed the lake after Speaker of the House and dear friend Sam Rayburn. Today, Sam Rayburn Reservoir is one of the top five bass fisheries in the United States, with the record for largemouth bass at 16.5 pounds. It has been featured in many fishing magazines including Field & Stream, Outdoor Life, Texas Fish & Game, Texas Monthly, Southern Living, and more.
    With more boat ramps available than anywhere else in Texas, Sam Rayburn Reservoir is easily accessible. Whether you desire the perfect fishing spot, relaxing sailing, a safe place to water ski or even scuba dive, Sam Rayburn Reservoir is the ultimate getaway. Other pastimes such as camping, hiking, and bird watching are just a few steps away in the beautiful Angelina National Forest.

  • NATIONAL FORESTS: National forests provide the backdrop for boating, fishing and camping. Lufkin is located between the Davy Crockett National Forest and the Angelina National Forest. (936) 639-8501

  • LUFKIN PARKS AND RECREATION: From Little League and swimming pools, to tennis tournaments and nature trails, Lufkin has outdoor activities to suit all ages. Lufkin has over 15 parks complete with new jogging trails, modern playground facilities, and grassy, green picnic areas. Located deep in the heart of East Texas, Lufkin is the perfect escape for outdoor recreational activities. For more information, contact the Parks and Recreation Department at (936) 633-0250.

  • ELLEN TROUT PARK & ZOO: Ellen Trout Park & Zoo is one of Lufkin's main tourist attractions and has over 500 animals, one fourth are endangered species. The zoo has received numerous state and national awards and is considered one of the top zoos in cities with Lufkin's population. At the park, you can ride a miniature pre-Civil War train replica around the lake and through the beautiful pine trees - which fully represent Lufkin. (936) 633-0399

  • BIRDING: Lufkin, Texas is a Tree City USA and contains choice habitat for many species of birds. Lufkin also contains several parks which have small lakes and marsh areas that add significantly to the birding appeal. Listed below are several excellent areas for bird watching with lists of the species you are likely to observe. A good field checklist, Birds of the Pineywoods of Eastern Texas, is available at U.S. Forest Service office in Lufkin.

  • PUBLIC WALKING, HIKING, and CYCLING TRAILS: Lufkin's Azalea Trail is a 1.9 mile nature trail that runs from Grace Dunne Richardson Park to Kiwanis Park. The trail is limited to pedestrian and bicycle traffic and has an improved surface. The trail offers benches for enjoying nature along the way. There are scores of native plants to enjoy and there are small gardens of Azaleas and ornamental grasses that have been planted and are maintained by the City of Lufkin Parks and Recreation Department. The trail has security lighting along its entire length and there are call boxes located at strategic points along the trail for any emergencies.
  • The Urban Wildscape Trail is located within the city of Lufkin; the trail takes you through 3.5 acres of mixed pine-hardwood forest common in East Texas. Native species are identified along the trail and an interpretive brochure which points out the historic significance of tree species along the way is available inside the Texas Forestry Museum.
  • The barrier-free portion of the trail is 0.12 miles and is located at the trailhead where easy access parking is available. The remainder of the trail is broken into two chip-lined loops, totaling 0.58 miles. The trail contains three bridges, and outdoor classroom, bird blind, bat house, several birdhouses and bird feeders, The trail is located just inside Loop 287 in Lufkin, at 1905 Atkinson Drive (hwy. 103 East), behind the Texas Forestry Museum. The trail is open during daylight hours.
  • The Angelina College Forest Fitness Trail is an overall one-mile loop (0.93 miles) can be used as a fitness/walking trail or can be enjoyed at a slower pace as an arboretum where more than 50 different native trees and plants are identified. This beautiful area has been left as natural and undisturbed as possible and contains a number of large, bottomland hardwoods. The trail begins on the hill behind the Angelina College Activity Center (in Lufkin, Texas) and descends to Hurricane Creek on the undeveloped west side of the campus.

 

Houston County

  • Big Slough Wilderness Area - 936-655-2299
    The 3,639 Big Slough Wilderness was set aside under the Texas Wilderness Act of 1984 and since then, these areas have been managed to remain natural, pristine, and provide opportunities for solitude and challenge. The forest cover in the area is primarily hardwood, including white oak, red oak, hickory, chestnut oak, cherry-bark oak, sweetgum, nutall oak, and willow. Hardwood areas account for 66 percent of the area; about 26 percent of the area is shortleaf and loblolly pine. Mixed hardwood and pine account for 4 percent, with water in the slough accounting for 4 percent of the wilderness area.

    Directions:
    From Lufkin: Take Hwy. 103 west for 16 miles where it merges with Hwy 7. Continue west for 5 miles to Forest Service Road 511 North. Continue north on FSR 511 for 8 miles.
    From Crockett: Take Hwy. 7 east for 22 miles to FSR 511 North for 8 miles.

  • Davy Crockett Memorial Park - 936-544-5156
    Enjoy the Walking / Running Trail around the park. See historic markers, Strode-Pritchett log home, the Veteran's Memorial Wall, as well as picnicking, and play ground for the children. Houston County Senior Citizen's Center, located in the park, serves lunch during the week and is a great gathering place.

  • Davy Crockett National Forest - 936-655-2299
    The largest national forest in the state of Texas. Home of Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area, which surrounds a 45-acre lake available for swimming, boating, fishing, camping, horseback riding, and hiking. Big Slough Wilderness Area is also in the National Forest. Piney Creek Horse Trail - 54 Miles of trails. Four C Hiking Trail - 20 Miles to Neches Bluff Overlook. Birding on Fm 357 from Kennard. Bicycling on 527 off Fm 357 from Kennard. Take your boat and go down the Neches River from Anderson Crossing near Ratcliff ending at Hwy 7 and Hwy 103 intersection. Take the Maiden Voyage Motorcycle Tour to experience the depths of the Davy Crockett National Forest.

  • Houston County Lake
    This beautiful 1600-acre man made lake is known for its trophy size bass as well as being an excellent source for water sports.

  • Missioni Tejas State Park - 936-687-2394
    118-acre park set in the hills of the East Texas Piney Woods on the edge of the National Forest. The park has two historic structures: the Mission San Francisco De Los Tejas, the first Spanish mission established in the province of Texas;(1690) and the Rice Family Log home, an original stagecoach house moved to the park in 1974. The park offers a number of recreational activities such as camping, picnicking, fishing, hiking, and play areas. The Caddoan Indian Mound State Park & Museum is nearby.

  • Ratcliff Recreation Area - 936-655-2299

  • Salmon Lake Park
    Located in Grapeland, the 20 acre park offers recreation and relaxation with a recreated old-style "downtown" for overnight stays or meetings. The park offers 400 RV spaces, campsites, swimming, and various entertainment throughout the year. Salmon Lake is home to several annual celebrations including Memorial Weekend's Gospel Festival and the Blue Grass Festival each Labor Day weekend. For more information or to make reservations, call (936) 687-2594

  • Birding in Houston County
    Texas is not all about armadillos, longhorn cattle, horses and rodeos. Texas has a diverse bird population and is one of the top birding destinations according to the American Birding Association. Texas has over 600 species of birds to see and Houston County has a growing population with Golden Eagles having been spotted at Ratcliff Lake and Houston County Lake, as well as the Bald Eagle passing through.

    Texas has 3 major migratory paths which makes birding especially rich in variety. Texas has its share of resident birds as well as species from other areas such as Mexico. As reported by the Texas Parks & Wildlife, bird watching is one of the most popular forms of nature-related recreation. According to a recent Fish and Wildlife Service study, over 30% of Texans watch wildlife as a hobby, and nearly 17% travel away from home to view wildlife.

    Houston County, Texas is home to many colonies of red-cockaded woodpeckers. This endangered species major threat is the decrease in old-growth pine forests. It has been an endangered species since 1970. The red-cockaded woodpecker is 18 to 20 centimeters long with a wing span of 35 to 38 centimeters. About 16 to 18 percent of the diet. Current population level is estimated at 4,500 groups or 10,000 to 12,000 birds.

    The endangered red-cockaded woodpecker may be seen in the Cochino Ridge area (Kennard, Texas) at the intersection of FM 357 and CR 4690 as it crisscrosses over the FM. Also in the vicinity of the Piney Creek Horse Trail (Kennard/Ratcliff). The Cochino Ridge also has many other species of birds. The winding Farm Road through the bottom land with tall pine and hardwood stands of timber is an experience of nature not to be had in other parts of the state.

    • The DBI List (Deborah Blackwell Identification List) for Houston County:
    • Eared Grebe, Double-crested Cormorant, American Bittern, Great Blue Heron, Cattle Egret, Yellow-crowned Night-heron, White-faced Ibis, Wood Stork, Wood Duck, Mallard, Gadwall, Northern Pintail, American Widgeon, Northern Shoveler, Blue-winged Teal, Green-winged Teal, Ring-necked Duck, Bufflehead, Hooded Merganser, Ruddy Duck, Turkey Vulture, Red-shouldered Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Golden Eagle, Bald Eagle, Osprey, American Kestral, American Coot, Killdeer, Black-necked Stilt, Greater Yellowlegs, Lesser Yellowlegs, Common Snipe, Mourning Dove , Inca Dove, Rock Dove, Greater Roadrunner, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Belted Kingfisher, Red-headed Woodpecker, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Pileated Woodpecker, Eastern Wood-Pewee, Eastern Kingbird, Scissor-tailed Flycatcher, Loggerhead Shrike, American Crow, Purple Martin, Barn Swallow, Tufted Titmouse, Eastern Bluebird, American Robin, Gray-cheeked Thrush, Northern Mockingbird, Cedar Waxwing, Summer Tanager, Northern Cardinal, Blue Grosbeak, Indigo Bunting, Painted Bunting, Brown-headed Cowbird, House Finch, American Goldfinch, Roseate Spoonbill.
  • The Lower Trinity-Tehuacana Water Shed of Houston County in the Northwest part of Houston County, FM 229, is another excellent area for bird watching. Through the efforts of the American Tree Farm System's Forests for Watersheds and Wildlife initiative "Forested Flyways" and in partnership with Ducks Unlimited, International Paper Company, the USDA Forest Service and others, they have provided critical waterfowl and wetland habitat which will increase stopover habitat for a number of migrating neotropical passerines including Painted and Indigo buntings, ducks, geese, herons, egrets, ibises and other shorebirds including the Woodstork, Roseate Spoonbill and Yellow Rail.

 

Jasper County

  • If the outdoors is your game, Jasper County is the place for you. There are plenty of activities for the hiker, bird watcher, fisherman, or anybody!

    You can hike trails in the Big Thicket or Boykin Springs in the Angelina National Forest. Boykin Springs is a beautiful place to hike, picnic or just drive around! With spring fed streams, the Old Aldridge Sawmill Ruins, a swimming area, showers, and toilet facilities, this is a great place to take the family or just spend a day by yourself! Just North of Jasper County in Sabine County is the Trail Between the Lakes. Start at Toledo Bend Reservoir and wind up 28 miles later looking at the Sam Rayburn Reservoir.

    Follow the Great Texas Wildlife Trails and snap a photo of that final bird species you were looking for.

    Contact any one of our local tackle shops and they can provide you with names of magnificent guides that can show you around "Ole' Big Sam" and help you catch "Tha' Big One!" Check out the Umphrey Family Pavilion for the next big tournament that will be on Lake Sam Rayburn or Sealy Outdoors for information on their next McDonald's Big Bass Splash Event. If you have ever wondered how there is always a constant supply of fish in all the lakes in Texas, visit the Jasper Fish Hatchery, currently located off of Hwy 63. Construction has been started on a new Hatchery location off of Hwy 255. The entrance will be directly across from the Pavilion on Hwy 255. Along with a new Hatchery, they will be building a new Visitor's Center. This will be a great addition to our area!

    On the west side of Jasper County is Lake B.A. Steinhagen. Martin Dies Jr. State Park, located on the Lake, offers fishing, camping, hiking, canoeing, boating, bird watching and more.

    If you are more into holding a golf club than a fishing pole, Rayburn Country Club has a public golf course and offers great rates! It is said to be one of the top courses in Texas, so no matter what time of year or what the weather, you can find people out on the course.

 

Nacogdoches County

  • FORESTS
  • Several large national forests are within easy access of Nacogdoches County. These include the Angelina National Forest, Sabine National Forest and Davy Crockett National Forest.
  • LAKES
  • Lake Nacogdoches, Lake Naconiche (to open in 2007), and Lake Sam Rayburn are within or border Nacogdoches County. Each lake property offers boating, fishing, and park activities. Other smaller lakes are within easy access - Murvall, Striker, Timpson, Pinkston and Ratcliff. Within an hour's drive is Toledo Bend Reservoir. Rayburn and Toledo Bend are touted as two of the top bass fishing lakes in America.
  • Lake Nacogdoches
    Located 10 miles west of Nacogdoches off FM 225, this 2,200 acre lake offers a great place to catch largemouth bass, crappie and sunfish. The lake record bass is just over 14 pounds. For Lake Records click here.
  • Camp Tonkawa Springs
    Nestled on 55 acres in Nacogdoches County, this facility is located 14 miles north of Nacogdoches, off Hwy 259 at 4675 CR 153. The springs have served the area from Indian camp, to grist mill, to Boy Scout camp, to hunting club to Ozarka bottling site to the present day Camp Tonkawa Springs RV Park & Natural Spring Swimming Pond. Visitors experience the cold, clear, rock-lined, spring-fed pond that has fascinated people for over a century. Exotic deer, chickens & turkey roam. Open year-round. $5 day use, tent camping, bathhouse; $19 full-hook-up RV camping. (936) 564-8888.
  • CITY OF NACOGDOCHES
  • Parks and Recreation
    Nacogdoches has 17 city parks encompassing over 300 acres. Wooded, open grasslands, small ponds, recreational equipment - swings, slides, tennis courts, pavilions, trails, Frisbee golf course - offer many outdoor activities for people of all ages.
  • Lanana Creek Trail
    Originally an Indian footpath, this 3.5-mile trail weaves through thickets of paw-paw, dogwood, scarlet blooming buckeye, tall hardwoods and pines. The trail can be accessed at Liberty Hall on East Main Street in the historic downtown. Other access points include the Mast Arboretum at Stephen F. Austin State University. The trail extends from the soccer fields near Pillar and Lanana Streets north to Austin Street. The soccer field section is flat and paved. Other sections are natural and include inclines, steps and uneven footing.
  • GOLF
  • Piney Woods Country Club - A private club with a championship 18-hole golf course, tennis courts, and swimming pool (936) 569-9821
  • Woodland Hills Golf Club - A public facility with a championship 18-hole course with driving ranges, rental carts, pro shops and teaching professionals (936) 564-2762
  • PHYSICAL FITNESS
  • The Court Club, 4822 N. University Dr
    Private facility with membership fees (initiation fee and monthly dues). Racquetball, basketball, and swimming are available. Weight facilities, aerobic and dance activities, and personal training programs round out the options. Extras (for fee) include tanning system, hair solon, and massage therapy. (936)569-0068
  • Ultrafit, 1326 N University Dr
    A private center focusing on preventative medicine and physical fitness, Ultrafit is available with an initial fee and monthly dues. Key component of the center is cardiovascular exercise and weight training under supervision. An on-site health bar offers patrons a variety of juices and smoothies. (936) 462-8348
  • Curves, 3500 North St
    A private facility concentrating on toning, fitness, nutrition and weight-loss for women. (936) 559-9400.
  • SENIOR ACTIVITIES
  • Nacogdoches City Recreation Program Focuses on youth but has recreational or leisure activities that might appeal to seniorsÑarts and crafts, clogging, ballroom dancing, yoga, fiddling. Martial arts classes are offered in Karate, Yoseikan Budo, and Taekwondo.
  • Nacogdoches County Senior Services Center Sponsored facility offering noon meals and some recreational activities specifically for seniors. Activities include dominoes and forty-two, bridge, bands, group singing, table games, bingo, oil painting and day trips. Computer classes are also available for a nominal fee. 621 Harris Street, (936) 569-6350.
  • SPECTATOR SPORTS
  • Nacogdoches is home to Stephen F. Austin State University. With nearly 12,000 students, the university's 350 athletes compete in 14 Division I NCAA sports in the Southland Conference. Women's sports include basketball, cross country, equestrian, soccer, tennis, track & field, volleyball and softball. Men's sports include football, baseball, basketball, cross country, golf, and track & field.

 

Newton County

  • None currently listed.

 

Panola County

  • Lake Murvaul - Panola County Fresh Water District maintains four improved boat ramps and one fishing pier. Camping, picnic, swimming, childrenÕs area, and restroom facilities are available at some parks. Cabin rentals are also available. Located about 15 miles southwest of Carthage, TX, near Gary City, on FM 1970 and FM 1971 Lake Murvaul is fed by the Murvaul Bayou and numerous creeks and covers about 3,890 acres. Common fish species include largemouth bass, crappie, channel catfish, flathead catfish, bluegill, and redear sunfish. The Murvaul Resort and Marina features free launching ramps, waterfront gas, covered boat stalls, cottages and RV hookups.
  • Martin Creek Lake State Park - On the border between Panola and Rusk counties, the lake features lakeside and woodland camping sites, picnic areas, island camping, boating, swimming, water skiing, backpacking, hiking cabins, screened enclosure, campsite, RV hookups, restrooms and showers. For more information, call 903-863-4336.
  • The Sabine River - Its wooded bottomlands offer a multitude of recreational opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy fishing, boating, canoeing, hunting, and camping. Boat ramps at bridges on U.S. Highways 59 and 79 and FM 2517 allow public access to the river. In addition, private hunting clubs and family camping sites are popular weekend activities for the people of Panola County.
  • The Panola County Cattlemen's Association Rodeo - Held in May of each year, the rodeo showcases bull riding, calf roping, barrel racing, and other rodeo competitions. Other equestrian activities are available in the county, including 4-H sponsored youth competition.
  • The Cotton Valley Country Club - Located on U.S. Highway 79 North, a nine-hole golf course is available to members, guests, and others participating in tournaments throughout the year, including the Keith Steptoe memorial Golf Tournament in April.

 

Polk County

  • Bill Garsee Rodeo Arena, 1400 W 2nd St, Corrigan 75939 For more information, contact Melony Taylor (936) 676-3530
  • Polk County Youth Rodeo, 1635 State Hwy 146 @ Fair St, Livingston Annual event held in July. One of the largest Youth Rodeos in the state, bringing contestants from all over Texas and many neighboring states. (936) 365-2258
  • An attractive 9 holes golf course is located at Matthews Street Park. (936) 327-4777
  • Lake Livingston State Park Located on FM 3126 Fishing, picnicking, camping facilities, walking trails, swimming pool and horse back riding area are available.
    (936) 365-2201; Info Only: (800) 792-1112; Reservations: (512) 389-8900
  • Pedigo Park Trade Days held the Friday, Saturday and Sunday prior to the 3rd Monday of each month. Softball fields, soccer fields, two large fishing ponds and large covered pavilions are available. (936) 327-3656
  • Matthews Street Park 709 Matthews Street, off of Business 59, in Livingston. Picnic areas, two covered pavilions, restroom facilities, tennis courts, 1/2 mile paved walking trail, exercise stations, Olympic swimming pool and three playground areas for children. Numerous summer activities and programs for youth. (936) 327-3656
  • Corrigan Youth Baseball Park, 1400 W. 2nd St, Corrigan, TX 75939. 10 acres with five fields. Contact City of Corrigan at (936) 398-5363.

 

Sabine County

  • Toledo Bend Lake - A joint project of the Sabine River Authority of Texas and Louisiana, this 75 mile long impoundment is the largest man-made reservoir in the South with 185,000 acres and 1200 miles of shoreline. Parks are operated by the SRA and U.S Forest Service. Lake records include Bass Hybrid Striped 15.81, Bass Largemouth 15.32, Bass White 4.25, Catfish Flathead 97.5 and Crappie black 3.69. (Sabine River Authority - (409) 565-2273)
  • Lake Sam Rayburn - This Lake is in the heart of the Angelina National Forest. The U.S. Corp of Engineer and the U.S. Forest Service operate a number of parks, camps, marinas and recreational areas along the 560-mile shoreline. Open water is available for all types of boating activities. Fisherman take black bass, white bass, striped bass, Florida bass, walleye, crappie, catfish and beam. Lake fish records include: Bass Hybrid Striped 11.58 lbs, Bass Largemouth 16.8 lbs, Bass White 3.25 lbs, Catfish Flathead 84.06 and Crappie Black 2.01 lbs. (US Corp of Engineer - (409) 384-5716)
  • Sabine National Forest - The forest covers 2/3 of the county providing scenic drives in all directions. Recreational Areas located within the forest include: Indian Mounds Wilderness, located off Hwy 83 E. on Hwy 3382. Red Hills Lake, located off Hwy 87 N., 5 miles north of Milam, is a man made lake, great for swimming. Trail Between the Lakes, located off Hwy 96 within sight of the easternmost point of Lake Sam Rayburn is a 28-mile hiking trail.
  • Hemphill City Park - Located off Hwy 87 S on Hwy 944. This park includes a play ground, tennis court, walking trails, basketball court, volleyball court, picnic tables, pavilion, and public restrooms. (Contact Hemphill City Hall)
  • Katherine Sage Park - Located in Pineland off Hwy 96 N on Maple Street. This park includes playgrounds, tennis court, basketball court, two baseball fields, walking trails, picnic tables, pavilion, and public restrooms. (Contact Pineland City Hall)
 

San Augustine County


 

San Jacinto County

  • PARKS
  • Double Lake Recreation Area - 301 FM 2025, Coldspring
    Nestled in the towering pines of the Sam Houston National Forest and located just outside the city limits of Coldspring. Double Lake offers a little of everything including camping, fishing, canoeing, picnicking or just getting back in touch with nature. (877) 444-6777
  • Wolf Creek Park - 21 Wolf Creek Park Road (Highway 156 at North Loop 224)
    Water skiing, fishing, hiking, and boating are some of the activities offered in the park. 30 RV campsites requiring full hookups; 54 tent sites with water and electricity; and 19 tent sites with water only. A marina and grocery are located on the premises with everything from boat rentals to bait and provisions. Boat ramps, fishing piers with customer-designed fish cleaning stations, restrooms, hot showering stations and coin-operated washers and dryers are available. A basketball court and playground areas are popular with children. Open March 1 through November 30. (936) 653-4312
  • GOLF COURSES
  • Cape Royale Golf Course - 210 Cape Royale Drive
    Set amidst some of East Texas' most breathtaking landscapes, Cape Royale Golf Course incorporates the natural rolling hills along the western shores of Lake Livingston to bring a unique and welcome change of pace from the "mostly flat" courses in the urban market. (800) 707-7022
  • Waterwood National Resort and Country Club - 1 Waterwood Parkway
    Widely considered among the top golf course designes in America, Waterwood has hosted national championship events and the final stage of the PGA Tour Qualifying school. (877) 441-5211
  • COUNTRY CLUBS
  • Waterwood National Resort and Country Club - 1 Waterwood Parkway
    Launch your private boat from the full-service marina, or allow them to arrange for a guided tour of Lake Livingston. Waterwood boasts four tennis courts and two swimming pools so you'll never be without a relaxing or exciting way to spend your time. Some of Texas' best natural beauty can be seen here also. (877) 441-5211
  • LAKES
  • Double Lake - 301 FM 2025, Coldspring
    Double Lake is a beautiful spring-fed lake nestled within the Sam Houston National Forest. Camping is available around the lake. Enjoy fishing, canoeing or picnicking. (877) 444-6777
  • Lake Livingston - This huge reservoir contains 90,000 surface acres of water, is surrounded by two million acres, and has a timbered shoreline of 452 miles. The largest single-purpose water supply lake situated entirely within Texas, Lake Livingston provides recreational opportunities for the outdoor enthusiast, including fishing, boating, swimming, nature trails for hiking, and sights of beautiful sunsets. Cabins and boats are available to rent and a paved lookout site is available for picture taking and gazing.
  • BIRDING
  • Big Creek Scenic Area - Numerous varieties of beautiful birds are often spotted, including the red-cockaded woodpecker, an endangered species.
  • Waterwood Wildlife Trail - Listen and watch for pileated woodpeckers, white-eyed vireos, great crested flycatchers, Northern Cardinals, Chickadees, and spring and fall migrants. Around the water you may also see White Pelicans in October, and swallows, scissored-tailed flycatchers and Purple Martins in spring and summer. (877) 441-521
  • BIKING / HIKING / HORSEBACK TRAILS
  • Big Creek Scenic Area - This 1,460-acre testimony to the way things used to look is about five miles from the Double Lake Recreation Area and well worth a visit. There are four hiking loops in the scenic area all under a mile long. Mature trees, wildlife and picturesque terrain abound throughout the entire area. Exotic plants and the red-cockaded woodpecker, an endangered species, are often spotted.
  • Lone Star Hiking Trail - A 140-mile long trail which has received National Recreation Trail status is located between Coldspring and Cleveland on FM 2025. The southeast section wanders through the Big Creek Scenic Area. Relatively flat with some wet areas, bridges allow for easy crossing of creeks. The southern portion of the trail follows an old railroad tramway. Trail markers explain directions.
  • Sam Houston National Forest - The forest covers 60% of San Jacinto County - a testament to the natural beauty in this county. Nature trails wind throughout the forest where you can view wild animals, beautiful birds, and see the thick trees and plants.
  • Waterwood Horseback Riding Trails - Six of Waterwood's undeveloped and heavily-forested subdivisions located between Route 190 and the community of Waterwood offer approximately 8 miles of trails for horseback riders and cross-country bicyclists.

 

Shelby County

  • Center City Park - Located off Roughrider Drive (old "Thrill Hill Road"), the newest of Center's many recreational locations opened on April 1, 2005. Look for the sign on the right immediately past the street entrance to the tennis courts and Shelby Regional Training Center. For more information, phone (936) 598-2941
  • Center Country Club, 3833 Highway 96 N, Center, TX - (936) 598-7415
  • Toledo Bend Lake borders Texas and Louisiana. Toledo Bend Lake is a 205,000 acre lake with over 1,200 miles of shoreline, which offers fishing, camping, hiking, and outdoor activities on a lake surrounded mostly by undeveloped land, which is mostly timberland and much of that in Sabine National Forest.
  • North Toledo Bend Wildlife Management Area, 936-639-1879, adjacent to Toledo Bend Lake, Joaquin FM 139 south for 4.7 miles to FM 2572, East on FM 2752 for 1.7 miles to entrance.
    Fishing, trapping, and public hunting of deer, feral hog, waterfowl, dove, other migratory birds, squirrel, quail, rabbits, hares, predators permitted. Designated primitive campsites available, outdoor recreation consists of wildlife viewing, horseback riding, and hiking operated year round by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department under license agreement with Sabine River Authority.
  • Ragtown Recreation Area, Sabine National Forest, 409-787-3870, 87 from Center 11 miles, turn left on FM 139, go 6 miles, right onto FM 3184, 4 miles to entrance.
    Camping, boat ramp on Toledo Bend Lake, fishing, showers, flush toilet, hiking trail, drinking water. Operated by Sabine River Authority.

 

Trinity County

  • Westwood Shores Golf Club and Pro Shop - (936) 594-9172
  • Lake Estates Golf Club - (936) 594-2583
  • Whispering Pines Golf Club - (936) 594-4980
  • From hunting to fishing, Trinity County has a great deal to offer the outdoorsman. The county borders the 90,000-acres Lake Livingston reservoir on the southeast while 67,000 acres of the Davy Crockett National Forest lies within the northeastern part of the county.

 

Tyler County

  • Big Thicket National Preserve - 6044 FM 420 Kountze, TX 77625 - (409) 951-6800

    Part of "The Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail - Upper Texas Coast." The Upper Texas Coast map of this trail lists the Big Thicket Loop with 19 stops. Look for the "bird in flight" road signs which mark the trail.

    Recreation PictureKirby Nature Trail: The trailhead is 2.5 miles east of the junction of U.S. Highway 69 and FM 420 on FM 420. The trail will take you through slope forest, baygall, floodplain, cypress slough and stream bank communities. Good place for warblers, vireos, woodpeckers and resident song birds.

    Pitcher Plant Trail: Take FM 1943 4.3 miles east from Warren, Texas. Go south 1.9 miles on the dirt road that follows the eastern Preserve Boundary along the Turkey Creek Unit. This small trail goes through wetland savannah and upland pine habitats with great access to a floodplain community. Good place for woodpeckers and warblers.

    Sundew Trail: Take FM 2827 one half mile west off U.S. highway 69 (Big Thicket National Preserve Parkway) and then the dirt road south to the trailhead. This open wetland savannah is good habitat for pine warblers and brown headed nuthatches.

    Additional Nature Sites:
    - Turkey Creek Unit
    - Beech Creek Unit
    - Upper Neches Corridor
    - Hickory Creek Savannah Unit

  • CAMPGROUNDS
  • Lake Tejas, Elton Hightower, PO Box 37, Colmesneil, TX 75938 - Phone: (409) 837-5757 x.100 | Fax: (409) 837-5759 - Email

    Recreation PictureLake Tejas, located on FM 256 East, is owned and operated by the Colmesneil Independent School District. The spring-fed lake, dug out in the shape of Texas by the National Youth Administration in 1939 and named after the Tejas Indians, has clean and clear water that is tested each year for safety in both swimming and fishing.

    Lake Tejas is opened in the summer months starting from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. Each summer the many visitors are drawn to the large swimming area, with concession stand, diving boards, canoes, and camp sites with picnic tables. The lake is stocked with rainbow trout, black bass, catfish, crappie, and hybrid perch. For more information contact the Administration office at (409) 837-5757 ext 100.
  • Mill Creek Motorcycle Campground, Alan or Bobbie Jean Leger, RT 3 Box 627, Woodville, TX 75979 - Phone: (409) 429-3446 | Cell: (409) 781-8952 - Email
  • COUNTRY CLUBS
  • Dogwood Hills Country Club, Doug Bennett, 150 Hwy 190 W, Woodville, TX 75979 - (409) 283-8725
  • OTHER HIKING AND BIRDING OPPORTUNITIES
  • Steinhagen Reservoir
  • Martin Dies State Park
  • Heritage Village Museum & Big Woods Trail
  • Dogwood Trail
  • Triple Creek RV Park
  • Champion Woodland Trail
  • Lake Tejas