Sabine National Forest Overview
Highly fragmented into dozens of individual tracts, this forest's 160,656 acres fleck the Texas side of gigantic Toledo Bend Reservoir, the second largest lake in Texas, and bordered on one side by the state of Louisiana. The landscape is pine-hardwood woodlands with flat to rolling terrain.
Those seeking the wild in the Sabine will want to head to the Indian Mounds Wilderness Area. Contrary to the name, the Indian mounds are naturally-occurring hills that shelter the largest remaining American beech/southern magnolia plant community of any national forest. The pristine character of the forest's old-growth makes Indian Mounds the only Texas wilderness to preserve yellow lady's slipper orchids, broad beech ferns, and several other plant species. It also boasts a state champion eastern hop hornbeam.
If you want a little more development, the Ragtown Recreation Area offers lots of family activities, including hiking, fishing, bird-watching, and boating in a remote region of the forest. The Ragtown Recreation Area is located along the Texas shoreline of Toledo Bend Lake. The campground is high on a bluff that faces the lake.
Hike Between the Lakes
A highlight of the forest, the Trail Between the Lakes is 28 miles long. The trailhead is at Toledo Bend Reservoir, and the trail runs through the pineland forest to Sam Rayburn Reservoir. This is a great route for backpackers who wish to camp along the way. Enjoy the solitude of this long, winding trail.
Camp at Boles Field
Boles Field is located on the northern Sabine National Forest, about eight miles east of Shelbyville, Texas. The area centers around a cemetery for fox hounds established at the turn of the century. Boles field offers camping with electric hookups and picnicking. The area is open year-round. No reservation is needed and there is a self-service fee station at the entrance.
Fish the Sabine River
Fish for bass, bluegill, and crappie on the upper Sabine River. The river is well-stocked with some good-sized fish, and the experience fishing on the upper Sabine is far more enjoyable than fishing in a reservoir, even if reservoir fishing does tend to mean bigger fish. Your luck will be largely based on the temperature of the air—the hotter it gets, the more likely these fish are going to stay low in the water, in cool, shady areas.
Drive the Forest Trail
Drive all or part of the 840-mile route through the piney woods. The route connects the Sabine with the Davey Crockett, the Angelina, and the Sam Houston National Forests, as well as touring Governor Hogg Shrine State Park, Lake O' the Pines, and Caddo Lake State Park.
Spot some Wildlife
Wildlife in the Texas National Forests includes armadillo, gray fox, bob cat, deer, and bald eagle in addition to numerous songbirds and reptiles.
