Four C National Recreation Trail
The Four C National Recreation Trail leads hikers through part of the Davy Crockett National Forest. This 20-mile-long trail begins at Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area and ends at the Neches Bluff Overlook.
Named for the Central Coal and Coke Company, which logged virgin timber in the area, the Four C Trail follows some abandoned tramways built by that company. The area around the trail is a forest that grew after the company completed its logging operation in the early 1920s. The sawmill was located at Ratcliff Lake, which served as a log pond.
*7/14/2025: The Wilderness section (Big Slough) of the 4C trail is impassable due to flood damage. Visitors may encounter large, downed trees, washed-out trail markers, making the trail difficult to navigate.
* 7/26/2025: The following bridges on the 4C Hiking Trail have been identified as no longer safe to cross:
Mile Marker: 1.7
Mile Marker: 2.07
Mile Marker: 2.70
Mile Marker: 3.40
Mile Marker: 3.98
Mile Marker: 15.00
Active Alerts
General Information
Except for a 1-mile segment through privately owned timberlands, the Four C Trail stays on national forest land. The trail, marked with white rectangular tags on trees, is easy to follow.
Open year-round
None
Getting There
Directions
Ratcliff Lake --
From Lufkin: Take Hwy. 103 west for 16 miles where it merges with Hwy. 7. Continue west for 12 miles and turn right at entrance to the recreation area.
From Crockett:
Take Hwy. 7 east for 15 miles and turn left on entrance road ($3 day-use fee per vehicle, per day at Ratcliff Lake).
Neches Bluff --
From Lufkin: Take Hwy. 103 west for 16 miles where it merges with Hwy. 7 West. Continue west for 11 miles and turn right on FM 227 in Ratcliff, TX. Go 11 miles to Hwy 21 and turn right. Take Hwy. 21 east for approximately 5.5 miles, turn right on FS Road 511 and follow signs to Neches Bluff.
From Crockett:
Take Hwy. 21 east for 26 miles, turn right on FS 511, go 1/2 mile and turn left on 511-A.
Additional Information
Operated By
Davy Crockett National Forest
18551 State Highway 7 East
Kennard, TX 75847
936-655-2299
