Four C National Recreation Trail

The Four C National Recreation Trail is located on the Davy Crockett National Forest. The 20-mile trail begins at Ratcliff Lake and ends at the Neches Overlook.

Named for the Central Coal and Coke Company which logged virgin timber in the area, the Four C Trail follows abandoned tramways, most built by that company. The area around the trail is a second-growth forest that grew after the company completed its logging operation in the early 1920's. Its sawmill was located at Ratcliff Lake which served as a log pond. Ratcliff Lake is a developed recreation area with 75 camping units (27 with electrical hookups), 17 picnic units, swimming beach, bathhouse, showers, boating (no motors), fishing, and a campfire theater.

Except for a one-mile segment through privately owned timberlands, the Four C Trail stays on National Forest land. The trail, marked with rectangular markers on the trees, is easy to follow. The hiker may enjoy a variety of aesthetic and educational experiences through pines, bottom land hardwoods, boggy sloughs, and upland forests. Both mature and immature areas, which represent the second and third forests of the South, are exemplified on the trail. These offer the hiker a look at the effects of even-age management on forest lands managed under the multiple use concept.

The trail passes along or close to man-made ponds that may be used for fishing or throw down camping and continues to the scenic overlook. This overlook, at Neches Bluff, offers a panoramic view of pine hardwood forests above the Neches River bottom lands.

The Walnut Creek Campsite is located on a small ridge top near Walnut Creek about midway on the trail. There are five tent pads for backpacker-type tents, a trail shelter, and a pit toilet. The Pond Campsite is near Mile 13 of the trail on the edge of a small man-made pond. There are two tent pads at this site.

Spring and fall are the best seasons to experience the trail from a climatic standpoint, but the trail can be hiked year-round. During the fall, extra care should be taken during deer season (November and December) due to hunters in the area. Bright orange or highly visible clothing should be worn. The trail crosses a number of small streams, but we do not recommend these be used for drinking purposes.

Since the Four C Trail is designated as a hiker trail, horses and off-road vehicles are not allowed. Care must be taken with fire, and users should carry out their garbage. Trees, shrubs, and plants should not be cut or removed, but left for others to enjoy.