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Four C National Recreation Trail

Davy Crockett National Forest, Texas · 3 min read

Distance
20 mi
Elevation Gain
600 ft
Difficulty
moderate
Route Type
Point-To-Point
Best Season
October through April
Est. Time
8-12 hours
Dog Friendly
Yes
Kid Friendly
No
Difficulty Score
6 / 10

Trailhead Amenities

Restroom
Vault Toilet
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

  • 20 miles of classic East Texas Pineywoods backpacking
  • Passes through longleaf pine restoration areas, mature loblolly uplands, and Neches River bottomland
  • Named for the Central Coal and Coke Company that historically operated in the area
  • One of the best backpacking routes in the Texas national forest system
  • Multiple creek crossings and primitive campsites along the route
riverwildlifewildflowers

Overview

The Four C National Recreation Trail is the signature experience of Davy Crockett National Forest, running 20 miles from Ratcliff Lake south through the Pineywoods to the Neches River bottomland. Named for the Central Coal and Coke Company that once operated in this part of East Texas, the trail covers the full ecological range of the forest: longleaf pine restoration zones, mature loblolly pine uplands, mixed pine-hardwood, and the bottomland hardwood transition near the river. Most hikers take 2 days; the flat terrain makes daily mileage manageable.

No permit is required. Dogs are welcome on leash. October through April is the recommended season.

The Route

Miles 0 to 7: Ratcliff Lake to midpoint. The trail departs Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area heading south through longleaf pine restoration areas before entering mature loblolly pine forest. The first section has the best interpretive interest, passing through multiple stages of longleaf recovery with prescribed burn areas visible. Several small creek crossings mark the valley transitions.

Miles 7 to 14: Central forest. The middle section passes through the most remote part of the forest, away from roads for several miles. Mixed pine-hardwood forest with good wildlife habitat. Primitive camping sites are available near the creek crossings in this section.

Miles 14 to 20: Southern section and Neches bottomland. The southern portion of the trail transitions from pine uplands to the Neches River bottomland, with bottomland oak, sweetgum, and cypress replacing the pines. The Neches River is the destination at the southern terminus.

When to Hike

November through March: The best backpacking window. Low insect pressure, moderate temperatures, and adequate water in the creek crossings.

April: Spring wildflowers bloom in the understory. Water levels are good. Insects beginning to increase.

May through September: Extreme heat and humidity. Not recommended for the full route without extensive preparation.

October: Good fall hiking as temperatures moderate.

What to Bring

Many backpackers carry 2 liters of water with a filter for creek refills. Insect repellent is important year-round in East Texas. A lightweight tent or hammock system for the overnight camp. Blaze orange during hunting seasons (October through January).

Trailhead Access

The northern trailhead is at Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area on TX-7. The southern trailhead is near the Neches River. Shuttle planning or a second vehicle is required for the full through-hike. Download offline maps before visiting as cell service is absent throughout.

Nearby

The Ratcliff Lake Loop covers the lake area at the northern trailhead. The Four C South Section covers the best part of the southern route as a day hike. Review Leave No Trace principles and our checking conditions guide before any multi-day trip.

Trailhead Parking

Northern trailhead at Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area. Paved parking. Restrooms on-site. Southern trailhead near the Neches River. Shuttle required for through-hike.

← Back to Davy Crockett National Forest

More Trails in Davy Crockett National Forest

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Four C South Section

8 mi200 ft gain
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An 8-mile moderate out-and-back covering the most scenic southern portion of the Four C National Recreation Trail in Davy Crockett National Forest, Texas, from the Neches River bottomland trailhead north through pine-hardwood transition.

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Longleaf Ridge Trail

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A 5-mile moderate out-and-back through the longleaf pine restoration ridge system in Davy Crockett National Forest, Texas, showcasing active prescribed burn management and native Pineywoods habitat.

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Neches Bluff Overlook Trail

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A 3.5-mile easy-moderate out-and-back to elevated views above the Neches River bottomland in Davy Crockett National Forest, Texas, through pine uplands to a scenic overlook.

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Piney Creek Horse Trail

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A 16-mile multi-use loop through pine-hardwood uplands in Davy Crockett National Forest, Texas, the primary equestrian route in the forest with access for hikers and mountain bikers.

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Ratcliff Lake Loop

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A 4.5-mile easy loop circling 45-acre Ratcliff Lake in Davy Crockett National Forest, Texas, with lake views, CCC-era facilities, and pine-hardwood forest suitable for families.

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Ratcliff Campground Nature Walk

1.5 mi30 ft gain
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A 1.5-mile easy interpretive loop near Ratcliff Lake Campground in Davy Crockett National Forest, Texas, through pine-hardwood forest with interpretive stops explaining East Texas Pineywoods ecology.

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Walnut Creek Loop

3.5 mi80 ft gain
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A 3.5-mile easy loop near the central unit of Davy Crockett National Forest, Texas, following Walnut Creek through mixed pine-hardwood forest suitable for a short family outing.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many days does the Four C Trail take?
Most backpackers complete the 20-mile route in 2 days, hiking 8 to 12 miles per day with a camp near the midpoint. The flat to gently rolling terrain makes the daily mileage achievable without extreme effort. Section hikers can access the trail from road crossings at approximately miles 5, 10, and 15 to create shorter day hikes.
What are the water sources on the Four C Trail?
Several creek crossings and small ponds along the route provide water, but all water must be filtered or treated before drinking. In dry periods (late summer and fall), some sources may be low or dry. Carry at least 2 liters from the trailhead and plan refills at the creek crossings. The southern section near the Neches has the most reliable water.
Does the Four C Trail go through the Neches River bottomland?
The southern terminus of the trail approaches the Neches River bottomland in the forest's southeastern section, passing through the transition zone from Pineywoods uplands to bottomland hardwood. The Neches River itself is nearby but not directly traversed by the trail.