If you told someone you were going to visit Texas they would probably picture an image of a wide open range with some cactus and tumbleweeds. The reality is that Texas is a very diverse state with several distinct regions that offer its visitors an opportunity to experience a broad array of cultures, climates, terrains, and lifestyles all within the boundaries of The Lone Star State. Today I want to talk about the East Texas Piney Woods region. This part of Texas does not have tumbleweeds and although there are some cactus it is not the type that you will see in the movies. East Texas is an area filled with history, old town charm, and a long forgotten lifestyle.
This region of Texas is called the Piney Woods for good reason. It is home to thousands of acres pine trees that are planted and harvested by the paper and lumber companies. This industry is a major source of revenue and employs, directly or indirectly, a large percentage of the working people around East Texas. But pines are not the only trees grow in this region. This area is also an excellent source for hardwoods like the magnolia, oak, ash, elm, and cypress just to name a few. With four national forests, five state forest, and many large privately owned wooded ranches any outdoor enthusiasts will surely find East Texas a great place to explore.
If you enjoy camping, fishing, and hunting then you need look no further. East Texas has some of the most beautiful settings in which to park your RV and watch the sunset. If fishing is more your style, this region is home to several world class lakes and reservoirs full of largemouth bass, crappie, and catfish. There are many top quality impoundments in the area like Lake Fork, Toledo Bend, Lake Livingston, and Caddo Lake just to name a few. Then there is Lake Sam Rayburn, just north of Jasper, one of the top fishing lakes in the country and a frequent stop for many professional fishing tournaments. Lake Sam Rayburn draws annually some of top ranked professional and amateur fishermen, and women, from around the country to its water every year to try and find that elusive record bass. Rayburn, Toledo Bend, and Caddo Lake all offer excellent crappie fishing too, but if it is catfish you want then you should head to Lake Livingston in Polk County. Catfish are so abundant that the daily bag limit on this lake is higher than on any other lake in Texas. Each fall deer hunter from all over the US make their way to East Texas for their shot at a trophy buck. The thick underbrush, heavy timber, and wide spread availability of forage is a perfect recipe for big trophy buck.
If you enjoy reading and seeing history and historic sites then East Texas has a lot to offer. Visit Nacogdoches, "The Oldest Town In Texas", originally established as a Spanish fort in the mid 1700s and in 1832 it is widely believed that the first shots fired in the Texas Revolution were fired right here in Nacogdoches Texas. Still a thriving community and home to Stephen F. Austin State University. Just a little further up the road in Kilgore where you will find the "World's Richest Acre". Actually about 1.2 acres, once stood the largest concentration of oil derricks during the oil boom days. And nearby Tyler Texas is home to the Tyler Municipal Rose Garden, the nation's largest municipal rose garden. This is a must see in the spring.
The Christmas season is another exciting time to visit East Texas. Many of the historic homes throughout the area take on a very traditional holiday spirit. With thousands of lights and old fashion decorations these home will remind you of a lifestyle from a past era. Many of the small towns throughout East Texas decorate their town squares in celebration of the holiday season and transform themselves into holiday wonderlands offering tours of the historic homes decorated for the holidays and many still offer traditional Christmas parades.
This is just a small sampling of everything available throughout East Texas. When you are planning your next vacation be sure and explore what East Texas has to offer. The culture, scenery, history, lifestyle, and the food are all worth the trip to the Piney Woods of East Texas.
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