When people think of Texas, they often visualize wide-open
spaces and cactus as far as the eye can see. But when we say Texas is like a
whole other country, we’re talking about places just like the Piney Woods
region. If you’re searching for scrub brush and tumbleweeds, you’ll be
disappointed. However, prepare to be dazzled at the beauty and majesty that
awaits you here.
Specifically, the Piney Woods region contains thousands of
acres of pine and pine-hardwood forests. Visitors will find a variety of loblolly,
shortleaf and some pockets of longleaf pine, as well as magnolia, elm, oak,
ash, cypress and other trees. Located primarily in East Texas, this area boasts
the state’s four national forests and five state forests, nestled among the
wooded acres here. For outdoor enthusiasts, this region is also home to many
state parks and bodies of water that offer fun and enjoyment.
The grandeur of majestic, towering trees and eye-popping
landscapes can be seen year-round, but this area is dominated by breathtaking colors
during the fall when the sassafras, persimmon, maples, sweetgums, dogwoods,
elms, and oaks can generally be counted on to offer up hues of golden brown,
yellow, orange, red and even reddish purple.
Then, during the Christmas season, this part of Texas becomes truly magical. Town squares are transformed into holiday wonderlands with
thousands of lights. Re-experience the childhood delight of old-fashioned and
lighted holiday parades. Tour historic homes specially decorated for the
holidays. See unique sights like the star-topped oil derricks in the World’s
Richest Acre in Kilgore.
It is also quite beautiful in the spring, too. Blooming
azaleas and dogwoods are occasions to celebrate. These spring specimens can be
seen on trails in cities like Palestine,
Woodville
and Quitman.
Tyler
seems to be an especially prolific site for flora. Apart from colorful spring
flowers, this city is known around the world for its roses, and it’s also home
to Tyler
Municipal Rose Garden, the nation’s largest municipal rose garden.
In the southern portion of the region, the towering pine
trees give way to mammoth bald cypress trees and lush swampland, found in Big
Thicket National Preserve and accessible via neighboring cities Jasper,
Kirbyville,
Kountze,
Silsbee
and Saratoga.
The awe-inspiring ecosystem is also home to amazing diversity, because here you
can also find cactus, ferns and orchids, as well as pine and oak trees.
But beautiful landscapes are not the only things to see
here, as this region is rich in Texas heritage and history as well. Discover
how the Early Caddo tribe lived at the site of an ancient Indian settlement at
the Caddoan
Mounds State Historic Site in Alto.
There, you can wander through reconstructed Caddo dwellings and ceremonial
areas of this archaeological gem.
For a taste of Texas history during the time of its struggle
for independence, look no further than Nacogdoches.
One of Texas’ oldest communities, it was originally established as a Spanish
fort in the mid 1700s and later the site of three short-lived republics. In
1832, what were considered the opening shots of the Texas Revolution were fired
here, as citizens fought a Mexican garrison in the center of town and were
successful in forcing the Mexican troops out of East Texas.
Signs of East Texas’ oil history can be seen throughout the
region. Several historic towns such as Kilgore,
Marshall,
Joinerville
and Longview
celebrate their ties to Texas’ oil boom days with museums, attractions and
other historical markers that mark the Lone Star State’s impact on the oil
industry at the turn of the 20th century.
With the dogwoods, cypress, magnolias and other foliage,
parts of East Texas exude a feeling of being in the Old South. Venerable
plantation homes and graceful mansions further this impression. Take a
horse-drawn carriage ride in Jefferson,
or enjoy a relaxing and romantic trip on a paddle wheel-style riverboat in Uncertain,
and soak in the Southern hospitality and charm of the region.
Because there’s much more to see and do, please wander
through the following pages and learn more about the cities and attractions
found within the area, and use the information to prepare for a memorable
get-away.
Enjoy the wonder and glory that awaits you in the Piney
Woods!