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Trail Between the Lakes


General


The 28-mile-long Trail Between the Lakes is precisely that.  Contained within the Sabine National Forest, it begins at Lakeview Campground in Toledo Bend Reservoir and extends westward to within spitting distance of Sam Rayburn Reservoir.  The trail was built in the late 1980's as a joint effort between the Sierra Club and the US Forest Service.  The Sierra Club continues to play an active role in keeping the trail maintained and protecting the forest.  

The Sabine National Forest is a working forest, but along the trail corridor, you will find mature stands of pine, with a thick shady canopy.  The trail is particularly well known for its variety of bird population, including the elusive Red Cockaded Woodpecker.  You may spot an eagle nest near the water, and hear a symphony of bird calls all year long.  

The trail is for foot traffic only; horses, mountain bikes, or motorized vehicles are not permitted. 
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Topic Discussion
Administered By: US Forest Service
Address Address for the US Forest Service Sabine National Forest Office:
National Forest and Grasslands in Texas
5050 Hwy 21 Eastt
Hemphill, TX  75948
Address Address for Moore Plantation WMA
8096 FM 2782
Nacogdoches ,TX  75964
Phone (409) 625-1940 (USFS)
Hours 8:00 - 4:30 (USFS Office)
Website https://www.fs.usda.gov/texas
Website https://tpwd.texas.gov/huntwild/hunt/wma/find_a_wma/list/?id=31 (Moore Plantation WMA)
Website https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/texas/recarea/?recid=30264 (Lakeview CG)
Google link https://maps.app.goo.gl/DErUE9dZjMbG2c1B9 (TBTL Trailhead in Lakeview CG)
GPS 31.26161392179302, -93.68050509472046 (TBTL Trailhead in Lakeview CG)
Park Camping Ten tent sites at Lakeview CG, no electric hookup
Trail Camping Primitive camping permitted.  Restrictions during hunting season.
Fees Day use ($2) and camping fees ($3) apply at Lakeview CG
Trail System Single Trail, 28 Miles.  All in USFS boundary.
Trail Length 28 Miles
Trail Map Trail Between the Lakes Club Map (4 page collection of entire trail)

Trail Notes

 

The mostly level 28-mile hiking trail passes through the Sabine National Forest with only a few hundred fee of elevation change.  The Lakeview Campground on the eastern end of the trail is maintained and operated by the Sabine River Authority of Texas, but is considered a USFS Campground.  The campground has 10 tent camping site (no electric), and does have pit toilets and potable water nearby.  Overnight camping is $3/night--one of the best camping deals around!  Day use $2.

Getting to Lakeview CG:  From Pineland follow FM 2426 east for 10 miles; turn right (south) on Highway 87 for 4 miles; turn left (east) on FM 2928 for 3.5 miles to end of paved road; follow signs to Lakeview (approximately 4 miles).

Trail marking is very similar to the Lone Star Trail using 2" x 4" metal markers.  Turns are indicated by slanted markers.  

Primitive camping is permitted along the trail, and we recommend camping at least 100 feet from the trail to minimize trail impact.  There are primitive camping restrictions during hunting season and near colonies of Red-Cockaded Woodpeckers.  These colonies are marked by signs or aqua-green paint.  Check the USFS website for designated camping dates during deer hunting season.  

The trail crosses many streams and during the wetter months, water should be plentiful, but should always be treated.  Some hikers refrain from using surface water (even treated and filtered) and prefer water caches.  There are multiple road crossings so water caches would be conveniently spaced along the hike.