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Backpack the 4-C National Recreation Hiking Trail

Kennard, Texas

5.0/5
based on 1 reviews

Details

Distance

20 miles

Elevation Gain

2326 ft

Route Type

Point-to-Point

Description

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Added by The Outbound Collective

If the thought of a long-distance forest and lake hike makes your heart sing, this trail is for you! This trail features 100 foot pine trees, ample huckleberry bushes, armadillos, and deer. Good for beginner overnight campers, trail runners, or those looking for a long hike. Located near Kennard Texas, in the Davy Crockett National Forest.

There is a campsite at mile 9.2 - Walnut Creek Shelter. There is no potable water around this trail, so bring ample supplies. 

Park in the lot at the end of the dirt road off of 4700 (see map) to access the trail. This is a 20-mile point-to-point trail so if you don't plan on an out-and-back you will need to plan accordingly for transportation.

Step by step:

1. Head east on the Four C Trail, tracing the sandy bluff for half a mile before descending to the Neches River at mile 1.5.

2. Continue 5.5 miles south on the main path to Pond Camp (cross the forest road at miles 2.5, 4, and 5.1). 

3. Follow the trail south through a field of purple wildflowers (bloom in late summer).

4. Reach the Walnut Creek Shelter at mile 9.2. 

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Features

Camping
Photography
Backpacking
Hiking
Forest
Lake
River

Backpack the 4-C National Recreation Hiking Trail Reviews

Backpacked this in 3 days with a group of friends. A section of the trail that passes through a swampy area appeared to have been raised on wooden walkways and bridges at one point, but most had been washed out (so wear waterproof boots and bring a stick for balance). Also be sure to check in with the nearby ranger station; we hiked through some freshly burned woods (some logs still smoldering) and only saw the controlled burn signs towards the end of the trail... oops! All in all a beautiful hike with easy/intermediate terrain.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Lanana Creek Trail

Ruby M. Mize Azalea Garden

Swim in the Blue Lagoon

Hike the Four Notch Loop

Sawmill Trail

Chinquapin Loop Trail