Official websites use .gov
A .gov
website belongs to an official government organization in the
United States.
Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock
(
) or https:// means you've safely
connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only
on official, secure websites.
Four C National Recreation Trail : (936) 655-2299
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.
June 2023- The trail is closed from CR1170 to Neches Bluff.
Maps and waypoints for the trail:
At a Glance
| Current Conditions: | The Trail is CLOSED from CR 1170 to Neches Bluff in Houston County, Texas is TEMPORARILY CLOSED. ~ Closure Map ~ |
|---|---|
| Open Season: | Open year-round |
| Busiest Season: | Spring and Fall |
| Closest Towns: | Crockett, Texas; Lufkin, Texas |
| Water: | None |
| Restroom: | None |
General Information
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.
General Notes:
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.
Activities
Day Hiking
The level of difficulty for the Four C Trail would be rated as EASY for the South and Central Sections. Due to the steeper terrain, the North Section would be considered MORE DIFFICULT. See the maps for locations of these three parts of the trail.
Backpacking
The level of difficulty for the Four C Trail would be rated as EASY for the South and Central Sections. Due to the steeper terrain, the North Section would be considered MORE DIFFICULT. See the maps for locations of these three parts of the trail.
Marijuana detection - Report suspicious activity on the forest by calling (936-639-8530) or (936-639-8507).