Davy Crockett N.F. - Big Slough Wilderness

Wilderness is...

Congressionally designated land managed to allow the earth's natural processes to shape and influence the area. 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.

What is allowed...

hunting and fishing according to state regulations
hiking and horseback riding
trail maintenance
outfitter/guide operations by permit
collecting nuts, berries and cones for personal use
campfires when not under fire ban, call office for details

What is prohibited...

roads and structures (except to private inholdings)
timber harvesting
bicycles and other wheeled vehicles
motorized vehicles and equipment
aircraft landings
removal of plants, stone, moss for personal or commercial use
removal of historical or archeological artifacts

Leave no trace...

is a set of outdoor ethics to encourage wilderness visitors to keep areas pristine. There are six simple guidelines to follow:

(1) KNOW BEFORE YOU GO - Be prepared with proper map(s), information, and equipment.

(2) CHOOSE THE RIGHT PATH - Use existing trails and avoid trampling seedlings or flowers. Camp 200 feet away from trails and water sources.

(3) KEEP WATER CLEAN - Do not put soap, food or human waste in water. Bury human waste 4-8 inches deep and at least 200 feet from water, camp or trails.

(4) STASH YOUR TRASH - Take trash home to dispose of properly.

(5) LEAVE IT AS YOU FIND IT - Leave vegetation, rocks and historical items as you found them.

(6) BE CAREFUL WITH FIRE - Use gas-fueled camp stoves. Don't build new fire rings or build fires next to large rocks. Bring wood with you or collect loose pieces from the ground, and don't break limbs off of trees or cut trees. Make sure fire is out before leaving site.

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.
 

For More Information

Davy Crockett National Forest
18551 State Highway 7 East
Kennard, TX 75847
(936)-655-2299