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4 C National Recreation Trail

General

The 20-mile-long Four C National Recreation Trail begins at Ratcliff Lake and winds through a diverse forest of towering pines, bottomland hardwoods, boggy sloughs, and upland forests. Midway down the trail is the Walnut Creek campsite with five tent pads, a shelter, and pit toilet. Neches Bluff Overlook, located at the north end of the trail, offers a panoramic view of pine-hardwood forests in the Neches River bottomlands with picnic and primitive camping facilities. No horses, bikes, or off-road vehicles are permitted on the Four C National Recreation Trail. A portion of the trail traverses the Big Slough Wilderness Area.

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.

Topic	Discussion
Administered By:	US Forest Service
Address	Address for the US Forest Service Supervisor's Office: National Forest and Grasslands in Texas 2221 North Reguet Street Lufkin, TX 75904
Address	Address for Ratcliffe Lake Recreation Area 18551 State Highway 7 East KENNARD, TX 75487
Phone	(936)-655-2299
Hours	--Not Stated--
Website	https://www.fs.usda.gov/r08/texas/recreation/trails/four-c-national-recreation-trail
Google link
GPS	31.388333, -95.155000 (Ratcliffe Lake Recreation Area)
Park Camping	Tent sites, electric hookup RV sites
Trail Camping	Stealth camping permitted. Restrictions during hunting season.
Fees	Day use and camping fees apply at Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area.
Trail System	Single Trail, 20 Miles. All in USFS boundary.
Trail Length	20 Miles
Trail Map	4C National Recreation Trail Map

Trail Notes

The level 20-mile hiking trail passes through the Davy Crockett National Forest. The trail is undergoing repair and restoration, and the USFS shows much of the the trail as closed. Stealth camping is permitted (recommended at least 100 feet from the trail to minimize impact) and there are no primitive camps along the trail. On-trail camping is restricted for all trail users during hunting season, and USFS supervisors orders should be consulted to clarify designated camping requirements. Forest and trail closures may be expected (for example, for prescribed burns). No potable water is available, and water along the trail, if present should be treated.

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