When people think of Texas, they often visualize wide-open spaces spiked with
cactus as far as the eye can see. But when we say Texas is like a whole other
country, we’re talking about places just like the Piney Woods region. Prepare to
be dazzled at the beauty and majesty that awaits you here.
Specifically, the Piney Woods Region contains thousands of acres of pine and
hardwood forests. Located primarily in East Texas, this area boasts the state’s
four national forests and five state forests. For outdoor enthusiasts, this
region also is home to many state parks and bodies of water.
The grandeur of towering trees and eye-popping landscapes can be seen
year-round, but this area is dominated by breathtaking colors during the fall
when the sassafras, persimmon, maples, sweetgums, dogwoods, elms and oaks offer
up hues of golden brown, yellow, orange, red and even reddish-purple.
Then, during the Christmas season, this part of Texas becomes truly magical.
Town squares are transformed into holiday wonderlands with thousands of lights
and seasonal activities. Tour historic homes and see the star-topped oil
derricks in the World’s Richest Acre in Kilgore.
It is quite beautiful in the spring, too. Azaleas and dogwoods in bloom are
occasions to celebrate. These spring specimens can be seen on trails in Nacogdoches, Palestine, Woodville and Quitman.
Tyler seems to be an especially
prolific site for flora. Apart from colorful spring flowers, this city is known
around the world for its roses, and it’s also home to the nation's largest municipal rose garden.
In the southern portion of the region, the towering pine trees give way to
the lush wetlands found in Big Thicket
National Preserve and accessible via the neighboring cities of Jasper, Kirbyville, Kountze, Silsbee and Saratoga. This awe-inspiring ecosystem
also is home to amazing diversity.
This region also is rich in Texas heritage and history. Discover how the
early Caddo tribe lived at the site of an ancient Native American settlement at
the Caddo
Mounds State Historic Site in Alto.
For a taste of Texas history during the time of its struggle for
independence, visit Nacogdoches.
One of Texas’ oldest communities, it was originally established as a Spanish
fort in the mid-1700s and later was the site of three short-lived republics.
Signs of East Texas’ oil history also can be seen throughout the region.
Several historic towns such as Kilgore, Marshall, Joinerville and Longview celebrate Texas’ oil boom days
with museums, attractions and historical markers that mark the state’s impact on
the oil industry at the turn of the 20th century.
With the dogwoods, cypress, magnolias and other foliage, parts of East Texas
exude a feeling of being in the Old South. Venerable plantation homes and
graceful mansions contribute to this impression. Take a horse-drawn carriage
ride in Jefferson, or enjoy a
relaxing trip on a paddle-wheel-style riverboat in Uncertain. Soak in the Southern
hospitality and charm of the region.
Because there’s much more to see and do, please wander through the following
pages and learn more about the cities and attractions found within the area, and
use the information to prepare for a memorable getaway.
Enjoy the wonder and glory that awaits you in the Piney
Woods!