You know what’s great about living in Texas? Well, lots of things, but the weather is definitely on that list. Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the great outdoors. You’ll catch a warm patch of weather here and there, and when that happens, it’s time to go to the Davy Crockett National Forest. This 160,000-acre national forest is full of recreation activities to enjoy. Whether you want to spend a quiet day by yourself or need to get out with the entire family, you’ll love your trip.
Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area
The Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area is the crown jewel of the park. This 45-acre lake has plenty of fish, and you’re welcome to bring your boat along for a fishing adventure. Of course, you can just cast from the bank too. Bring a picnic lunch along and spend the day reeling them in.
Not into fishing? This recreation area is also home to the Four C National Recreation Trail. You’ll want to bring a camera along when you hike along this 20-mile trail. The towering pines make for great photos, and the bottomland hardwoods add a nice bit of diversity to the forest.
Oh, and then there’s the Naches Bluff Overlook. It’s located on the trail, and it provides a panoramic view of the forest. It’s simply breathtaking.
Big Slough Wilderness Area
Really want to get in touch with nature? The Big Slough Wilderness Area is perfect for that. This area is 3,040 acres, and it contains tons of animal and plant life. Be sure to look for the black oak. This species is hard to find in Southeast Texas, so you’ll want to check it out.
Oh, and get this. When it rains a lot, most of the wilderness area is covered by water, and you can actually tour it via canoe. Just head to the Neches River and take the four-mile round trip to Big Slough and back. You will see so much on this trip.
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Piney Creek Horse Trail
If you have a horse, he’ll want to go to the Davy Crockett National Forest with you. With more than 50 miles of horse trails, you can tour the park on horseback. It’s a great place to get some exercise for your horse, and there’s nothing better than exploring nature on horseback.
Horses are great for riding around the Davy Crocket National Forest, but when it’s time to hit the highways, you need something with a motor. Palestine Toyota in Palestine, Texas, has a variety of new and pre-owned options available. Head over and pick your new wheels out today.
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