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Four C South Section

Davy Crockett National Forest, Texas · 3 min read

Distance
8 mi
Elevation Gain
200 ft
Difficulty
moderate
Route Type
Out-And-Back
Best Season
October through April
Est. Time
4-5 hours
Dog Friendly
Yes
Kid Friendly
No
Difficulty Score
5 / 10

Trailhead Amenities

Restroom
None
Parking
Free
Cell Service
No Signal
Water
Nearby
Camping
Dispersed
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Conditions, regulations, and fees change frequently. Verify with the local ranger district before your trip. Full disclaimer

At a Glance

  • Southern portion of the 20-mile Four C Trail covering the best bottomland hardwood section
  • Transition from Neches River bottomland cypress and hardwood to pine uplands
  • Most botanically diverse section of the Four C Trail
  • Good birding for bottomland species: prothonotary warbler, wood duck, and Swainson's warbler
  • Day-hike access to the Four C's most remote interior without a full through-hike
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Overview

The Four C South Section provides day-hike access to the most ecologically rich portion of the Four C National Recreation Trail in Davy Crockett National Forest, starting from the Neches River end and heading north through the bottomland hardwood transition zone. Where the northern section of the Four C Trail emphasizes longleaf pine restoration, the southern section covers the forest's other ecological signature: the transition from Pineywoods upland through mixed pine-hardwood to bottomland cypress and hardwood near the Neches River. The 8-mile out-and-back captures the best of this section without requiring the shuttle logistics of the full 20-mile through-hike.

No permit is required. Dogs are welcome on leash. No facilities at the southern trailhead.

The Route

Miles 0 to 2: Neches bottomland. The trail begins in the bottomland transition zone near the Neches River terminus. Bottomland hardwood species dominate: water oak, overcup oak, sweetgum, and bald cypress in the wetter areas. The understory is dense and the canopy is broad and low compared to the upland pine sections. Prothonotary warblers and wood ducks are regularly present in breeding season.

Miles 2 to 4: Transition zone. The trail climbs gradually from the bottomland into the mixed pine-hardwood transition zone. Loblolly pine begins to mix with the hardwoods, and the understory opens somewhat. Several creek crossings through this section have reliable water. The character is intermediate between the open pine uplands to the north and the bottomland below.

Miles 4 to 8: Turnaround and return. The trail continues north toward the forest interior; the 4-mile turnaround point places hikers in the heart of the transition zone. Return the way you came. The return trip feels different as the forest opens and you descend back toward the bottomland.

When to Hike

November through March: Best backpacking and day-hiking conditions. Low insect pressure and moderate temperatures.

April: Spring wildflowers in the bottomland. Migrating warblers moving through the forest in large numbers.

May through September: High heat and humidity. Not recommended without extensive preparation.

October: Temperatures begin to moderate. Good fall hiking.

What to Bring

Many hikers carry 2 liters of water with a filter for creek refills. Insect repellent is important year-round in East Texas bottomland. Waterproof boots for the creek crossings. Blaze orange during hunting seasons (October through January).

Trailhead Access

The southern trailhead is accessible via Forest Road 536 from TX-94, east of Crockett. The route requires navigating several miles of gravel forest road. Download offline maps before visiting.

Nearby

The Four C National Recreation Trail full 20-mile route connects this southern trailhead to Ratcliff Lake in the north. The Neches Bluff Overlook Trail provides elevated views above this same bottomland corridor. Review Leave No Trace principles and the checking conditions guide before any backcountry outing.

Trailhead Parking

Southern Four C Trailhead near Neches River on Forest Road 536. Gravel pullout. No fee. No restrooms.

← Back to Davy Crockett National Forest

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Four C National Recreation Trail

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Frequently Asked Questions

How does the Four C South Section differ from the full Four C Trail?
The Four C South Section is an 8-mile out-and-back that accesses the southern terminus of the 20-mile Four C Trail from the Neches River end rather than the Ratcliff Lake end. It covers the bottomland hardwood transition zone that is the most ecologically diverse section of the full trail. Hikers who do not want to complete the full 20-mile through-hike can experience the trail's southern character with a day hike from this trailhead.
Is the southern Four C trailhead easy to find?
The southern trailhead requires navigating several miles of forest roads from TX-7. Download offline maps and confirm the route before your visit as cell service is absent and the road markings can be inconsistent. The trailhead is a gravel pullout with no facilities.
What water sources are available on the Four C South Section?
Several creek crossings along this section provide water, but all water must be filtered or treated. The section near the Neches River has the most reliable water sources in the forest. Carry at least 2 liters from the trailhead and plan refills at the creek crossings.