National Forests & Grasslands in Texas

Davy Crockett National Forest

Piney Creek Horse Trail

The Piney Creek Horse Trail is a system of horse trails that meanders approximately 53 miles through the East Texas pineywoods in the Davy Crockett National Forest.

A $10-per-day fee will cover camping at either of the two horse camps and/or use of the entire horse trail system. The charge is applied per vehicle (for camping or trail use) or per user (horse, bicycle, hiker, or hunter) if a vehicle is not parked at the trailhead or camping area. An annual permit is $50 per vehicle and is valid from January to December.

Trail riding groups of more than 75 persons (including spectators) will need a Special-Use Permit and should contact the District Office three months prior to the ride date.

Contact the District Office for a trail pass a week or so prior to the visit.

For more information or to obtain this new permit, contact the District Office in Ratcliff, located on FM 227, off Highway 7, between Crockett and Lufkin. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., except holidays. If you have a question or comment concerning the horse trails, please call Merlinda Schory at 936-655-2299.

The trail is primitive; its path cleared through the forest which follows Forest Service roads, tram roads, pipeline right-of-ways, game trails, highways, and in places was established by clearing brush and trees through the forest. Primarily, it is on National Forest land, but there are crossings on private property and along public road right-of-ways. All users should show good trail manners so that private property owners will continue to allow horse passage across their land. In general, the route is well cleared and marked. Trailhead parking areas have been constructed at the main access points, and all road crossings are well signed. Different colored triangular markers indicate the route.

Usually, beginning in May, the heat, ticks, mosquitoes, and the redbugs combine to make horseback riding and camping on the trail somewhat of an ordeal. The best seasons for using the Piney Creek Horse Trail are fall or spring. Insects can be a bit of a problem in the spring and fall, too, so bring along some repellent.

Because the trail is intended to be primitive, there are no restrooms or facilities along the trail. Camping is permitted anywhere along the trail and/or at one of the two horse camps. The camp facilities are limited to a vault toilet at each location and potable water at only one camp. There are trash receptacles at each horse camp. Users generally carry their own along the trail. Water removed from local streams should be purified before use. The "pack-it-in/pack-it-out" philosophy prevails.

Davy Crockett National Forest is a multiple-use forest. By law, our national forests must be managed to produce a variety of "goods and services" including timber, minerals, wildlife and forage for livestock in addition to recreational opportunities. You will see signs of these activities as you ride through the forest, but in general, the trail has been carefully routed around heavily used areas. There is one activity that horseback riders might want to avoid--deer hunting. During deer hunting season (October through the first weekend in Jan.), it can be dangerous to ride in the national forest. Overnight camping is prohibited at this time except in designated hunter camps.  There is a $10.00  per day charge for camping in either horse camp.

Use caution in wet weather since parts of the trail flood. Some sections of the trail route around the bottomlands and can be used even in wet weather. Generally, firewood is available on the trail (use dead and down wood only), but riders should be careful with their fires. When leaving, be sure the fire is out and covered with dirt. Build fires so that they will not damage trees or shrubs. We recommend you use no-trace back-packing methods or technique.
Several local Clubs have cooperative agreements with the Forest Service to help maintain Piney Creek Horse Trail. If you would like to volunteer your help to keep the trail looking good and easy to follow, feel free to call the Forest Service to coordinate your efforts or to get information concerning our trail partners.

Directions

From Lufkin: Take Hwy. 103 West for 16 miles to Hwy. 7 West and continue for 13 miles to Kennard. Turn left at the Kennard Post Office on CR 4625 and go approximately 2.5 miles to Piney Creek Horse Camp sign at FS 566; turn right and go 1 mile to the camp.

From Crockett: Take Hwy 7 East for 11 miles to FSR 514 South. Continue on 514 for 10 miles to FSR 514-D.

Map

For More Information:

Davy Crockett National Forest
18551 State Highway 7 East
Kennard, TX 75847
(936)-655-2299

USDA Forest Service - National Forests & Grasslands in Texas
Last Modified:  July 2008