The 4C National Recreation Trail runs 20 miles through the Davy Crockett National Forest in the East Texas piney woods, from Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area in the south to Neches Bluff Overlook in the north. The name comes from the Central Coal and Coke Company, which logged the area in the early 1920s, and the trail follows the company's abandoned logging tramways through tall loblolly pines, bottomland hardwoods, and boggy sloughs. A 2-mile section cuts through the Big Slough Wilderness Area.
This is a good trail for beginner overnight backpackers who want a relatively flat, forested trip in a region where backpacking options are scarce. The centerpiece is the Walnut Creek shelter at the midpoint, mile 9.2: a 12-person wooden lean-to with tent pads that works well for a quick out-and-back overnight. Be aware that the trail has real problems at the moment, including flood damage in the wilderness section, bridges that are no longer safe, and contaminated water sources.
No permits are required for backpacking or dispersed camping in Davy Crockett National Forest. The forest is free to access year-round, though Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area charges a $5 day-use parking fee.
Important seasonal restriction: During fall deer hunting season (typically November), dispersed camping is limited to 20 designated hunter camps and established recreation areas. Contact the ranger district office at (936) 655-2299 in early September for a map of designated camps.
Food storage order: All food, garbage, and scented items must be stored in bear-resistant containers, hard-topped vehicles, or proper food hangs (10 feet high, 4 feet from vertical supports). Do not burn or bury trash; pack it all out.
Fire restrictions: Check county burn ban status before your trip. When Houston or Trinity Counties have burn bans in effect, no open campfires are allowed anywhere in the forest, and only gas/propane stoves and grills are permitted. During normal conditions, fires are allowed in established rings at designated sites.
Optimal: March-May and October-November
Spring (March-May) brings mild temperatures in the 60s-70°F, green foliage, and wildflowers throughout the forest. It is the most popular hiking season here. Fall (October-November) has pleasant 70-80°F days with lower humidity and fewer people.
Summer (June-September): Extremely hot and humid, with temperatures regularly reaching the mid-90s. The humidity makes the heat feel worse than the number suggests, and ticks, chiggers, and mosquitoes are relentless. Not recommended unless you handle heat well.
Winter (December-February): Short, cold, and wet, with temperatures occasionally dropping to near-freezing. Quieter than the rest of the year but less comfortable.
Weather considerations: East Texas gets significant rainfall year-round. The trail crosses multiple creeks and boggy areas that turn muddy or impassable in wet periods. Check recent conditions before attempting the Big Slough Wilderness section.
Critical water warning: There is NO potable water along the trail. The Forest Service explicitly warns against drinking from creeks and ponds even after filtering or treating, due to chemical contamination from mineral extraction and pipeline construction, including heavy metals.
Water strategy: Carry all water needed (1 gallon per person per day minimum) or pre-cache water at forest road crossings: - Forest Road 517 (mile 8.9, near Hickory Creek): Midpoint access, good caching location - Forest Road 512 (mile 14.9): Northern access for water caching
Some hikers report a water cache at Walnut Creek shelter, but do not count on it being there.
Water features along trail (for navigation only, not drinking): - Sikes Creek (mile 3.9) - Hickory Creek (mile 8.9) - Walnut Creek (mile 12.3) - Pond near primitive campsite (mile 13.1)
Resupply: At 20 miles, most trips will not need a resupply. The nearest town with full services is Lufkin (20 minutes from the forest), which has grocery stores, outdoor retailers, restaurants, and accommodations. Smaller communities include Ratcliff, Crockett (15 miles west), and Alto (8 miles north).
Trail condition alert (2024-2025): The Big Slough Wilderness section is impassable due to flood damage. Large downed trees and washed-out trail markers make navigation extremely difficult, and several bridges at various mile markers are no longer safe to cross. Contact the ranger office for current conditions before attempting this trail.
Water contamination: Chemical runoff from industrial activity has contaminated all water sources. Plan accordingly.
Flooding: Most of Big Slough lies in the Neches River floodplain, and water levels rise quickly during rain. Boggy sections and creek crossings may be impassable after wet weather.
Wildlife: - Venomous snakes: Cottonmouths (water moccasins) frequent creeks and swampy areas. Copperheads and rattlesnakes are also present. - Alligators: Common in marshes and along waterways, most active March-May, though they generally avoid humans - Ticks and chiggers: Relentless throughout the warm months, and ticks are around year-round in this region. Treat clothing with permethrin, wear long layers, and check thoroughly.
Heat and humidity: Summer conditions can be dangerous. The forest provides shade, but the humidity remains extreme.
Navigation: Trail markers have been washed out in some sections. Carry a GPS device or detailed map. The FS Road 517 crossing is unmarked from Highway 21, so watch carefully for the turnoff.
Southern trailhead (Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area): - From Houston (130 miles, 2.5 hours): Take US-59 north to Lufkin, continue north on US-69 to State Highway 7, go west 1 mile past Ratcliff - From Lufkin (16 miles): Highway 103 west to Highway 7, continue west 12 miles, turn right at entrance - From Crockett (15 miles): Highway 7 east, turn left at entrance road - Trailhead is at the parking lot about 0.5 miles up the access road on the left - Day-use parking: $5 per vehicle - Developed campground: $15-20/night if you want a pre-trip base camp
Northern trailhead (Neches Bluff Overlook): - From Highway 21: Turn onto Forest Road 511 (3 miles SW of Caddo Mounds State Historic Site, 26 miles NE of Crockett, 8 miles south of Alto) - Warning: FS Road 511 is unmarked from Highway 21, so watch carefully - Go 0.5 miles on FR 511, then veer left onto FR 511-A for about 1 mile - Well-maintained gravel road - Free primitive camping and day use - Vault toilet, picnic area, scenic overlook
Airports: Fly into Houston (George Bush Intercontinental or Hobby), rent a car, and drive 2.5 hours north. Lufkin has a small regional airport with limited commercial service.
Shuttle services: No commercial shuttles operate for this trail. A thru-hike takes two vehicles; otherwise plan an out-and-back from either trailhead.
Water caching is essential: Pre-hike the trail or drive to the FR 517 and FR 512 crossings to cache water in gallon jugs. This is not optional; there is no safe drinking water on trail.
Consider an out-and-back from Ratcliff: Hike 9.2 miles to Walnut Creek shelter, camp overnight, and return the next day. This avoids the flood-damaged Big Slough section and solves the shuttle problem. The shelter is first-come, first-served, sleeps 10-12, and has established tent pads, a fire ring, and log benches.
Deer season closures: If planning a fall trip, call the ranger office in early September to get the hunter camp map and understand camping restrictions.
Insect protection: Treat all clothing and gear with permethrin before your trip. Wear long sleeves and pants even in heat, and do thorough tick checks twice daily. The East Texas piney woods are tick heaven.
Check current conditions: Call the Davy Crockett Ranger District at (936) 655-2299 before your trip to confirm trail status, bridge conditions, and any temporary closures.
Bring a good map: Trail markers are missing in sections due to flood damage. Download offline maps or carry a paper topo.
Time your creek crossings: If rain is forecast, consider postponing. The boggy sections and creek crossings can turn dangerous or impassable quickly.
Pack light on water weight: Since you are carrying all your water, cut pack weight everywhere else. A gallon weighs 8.3 pounds, and a two-day trip might mean 2+ gallons per person.
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