PINEY WOODS PINING FOR THE WOODS GREAT OUTDOORS With so many options in this region to ex-
plore the outdoors, the hardest part is decid- ing where to start. T e national forests, lo- cated just northeast of Houston, might be a good place. T e forests can be experienced by car or on foot. On foot, hikers are treated to miles and miles of trails with up-close views of 100-plus-year-old timber stands and the animals that call the forest home. By car, it is an adventure to travel roads lined for miles on either side with towering pines. Travelers camp for the night then enjoy
the recreation areas the next day. All four forests also off er opportunities for day hikes
S I GH T S The NATIONAL FORESTS
BIG THICKET NATL. PRESERVE CADDO LAKE STATE PARK SAM HOUSTON MEMORIAL NACOGDOCHES
1 2 3 4 5
to get out and walk amongst the trees. Stop at the ranger station for each forest to in- quire about a hiking map before heading out. T e forests, each more than 150,000 acres, also off er some diff erent opportu- nities. Sam Houston has mountain biking trails, Davy Crockett has nature viewing areas, and both have horse riding trails. Angelina has the Aldridge Sawmill Historic Site, which includes the crumbling and graffi ti-covered remains of a former lumber town. East of Houston, travelers will fi nd the Big T icket National Preserve. Established in 1974, the preserve brings together spe- cies from diff erent habitats—cacti, yucca, longleaf pines, southern magnolias, beech trees and bald cypress. Hiking is a great way to enjoy the diversity of ecosystems in the preserve. With about 40 miles of hiking trails, people can choose from a .3-mile boardwalk loop to 14.5 miles along the Turkey Creek Trail, which parallels the creek and passes through longleaf pine stands, hardwood forests and cypress sloughs. Another way to enjoy the
Carriage tours are one way explore Jefferson. 80
Big T icket is by water. Village Creek has one of Texas Parks and Wildlife’s paddling trails. Access points along the creek allow paddlers to pick trips that take as little as two hours or as long as six hours. T e Neches River fl ows through bottomland hardwood forests with lakes and bayous further south. Paddlers PHOTO: STAN WILLIAMS/TXDOT
THE MOST VERDANT PART OF TEXAS IS THE PINEY WOODS REGION. STRETCHING FROM JUST NORTH OF HOUSTON to Texarkana, this area encompasses some of the state’s most interesting natural spaces. It is home to four national forests and fi ve state forests, as well as the Big Thicket National Preserve. It also is steeped in history from the days of the Caddo settlements, through Spanish colonization, past the Texas Revolution and into the 19th century. The region is beautiful and romantic, beckoning visitors to leave their daily lives behind and enjoy a relaxing getaway. Travelers are invited to explore museums, historic sites, theaters and downtowns. They will fi nd roses, azaleas, dogwoods and plenty of greenery lining peace- ful trails through the many natural areas. Embrace the wonder and beauty of the Piney Woods.
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