4 C National Recreation Trail

The Four C Trail is a 20 mile trail that connects between the Neches Bluff overlook and Ratcliff Lake Recreation area. The trail meanders through the Davy Crockett National Forest amongst the tall pine trees of East Texas. If embarking on this whole trail in one go, keep in mind that there is no potable water along the trail. Luckily, there are several locations to cache along the way! The trails are in good condition and all of the bridges have signs of recent repairs from the 2015 spring floods. The path is well defined and winds through several striking pine groves as well as passing through the Big Slough Wilderness Area, which has many large and beautiful oak trees. There is a permanent open shelter at Walnut Creek camp as well as a few tent pads and fire ring. This is a great place for camping or simply stopping for a break along the way. This trail was named for the Central Coal and Coke Company, which logged timber in the area, the Four C Trail follows some abandoned tramways built by that company. The sawmill was located at Ratcliff Lake, which served as a log pond. The area around the trail is a forest that grew after logging operations ended in the early 1920s.