Texas Traverse Bypass

The Texas Traverse Bypass is a scenic 7.7-mile alternative route ideal for offroaders seeking a dirt and gravel trek through the dense piney woods of East Texas. Transitioning from paved pavement to a rough gravel road, this trail features mild elevation changes with a gentle 192-foot cumulative gain. It is highly accessible for high-clearance four-wheel-drive vehicles and SxSs during dry conditions, though rain quickly transforms the surface into a slick, sloppy mud track. High-fenced game reserves border both sides of the road, giving drivers a unique, enclosed passage through the local landscape. Navigating this route requires careful attention to a few key obstacles, including three narrow wooden bridges and sections with deep, uneven ruts. Washboard surfaces are common, and the trail narrows significantly in multiple areas, which can make passing oncoming traffic a challenge. Drivers should plan for slow, steady progress, especially when wet weather compromises traction on the dirt sections. The bypass eventually leads directly into Groveton, where travelers can seamlessly reconnect with the original Texas Traverse route along US Route 287.