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Piney Creek Horse Trail

Davy Crockett National Forest, Texas · 3 min read

Distance
16 mi
Elevation Gain
400 ft
Difficulty
moderate
Route Type
Loop
Best Season
October through April
Est. Time
6-8 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

  • 16 miles of multi-use trail designed primarily for equestrians but open to hikers
  • Pine-hardwood forest typical of the Davy Crockett uplands
  • Horse camp with trailer parking and facilities
  • Several creek crossings and small drainages through the interior
  • One of the longer continuous trail experiences in the East Texas national forests
wildlifewildflowers

Overview

The Piney Creek Horse Trail circles 16 miles through the upland pine-hardwood interior of Davy Crockett National Forest, serving as the primary equestrian route in the forest while remaining open to hikers and mountain bikers. The trail covers terrain typical of the Pineywoods: sandy-soiled uplands with loblolly and longleaf pine, mixed hardwood in the drainages, and several creek crossings through the forest interior. This is a working multi-use trail rather than a scenic destination route, but it provides genuine access to the quieter parts of the forest away from Ratcliff Lake and the Four C trailheads.

No permit is required. Dogs are welcome on leash.

The Route

Miles 0 to 4: Trailhead to eastern section. From the Piney Creek Horse Camp trailhead on Forest Road 534, the loop begins through loblolly pine upland, heading east into the forest interior. The trail is wide and well-marked, with sandy soil underfoot and a mixed pine-hardwood canopy overhead. Several seasonal drainages cross this section.

Miles 4 to 8: Northern interior. The trail swings north through the most remote part of the loop, away from most forest roads. Longleaf pine restoration areas appear in this section, with low ground cover characteristic of managed longleaf habitat. Red-cockaded woodpecker colonies may be present in some areas.

Miles 8 to 12: Western arc. The western section of the loop crosses through mixed pine-hardwood with more hardwood content in the bottomland areas near Piney Creek itself. Creek crossings require attention in wet conditions when water levels are higher.

Miles 12 to 16: Return to trailhead. The final section swings back south toward the horse camp through upland pine forest, completing the loop at the trailhead.

When to Hike

October through April: Best conditions. Moderate temperatures and lower insect pressure. The sandy trail surface dries quickly after rain in the cooler months.

November through January: Hunting seasons are active in Davy Crockett. Blaze orange is strongly recommended for hikers during deer season.

Summer: Hot and humid. Not recommended for the full 16-mile loop without extensive preparation and very early start.

What to Bring

Many hikers carry 2 to 3 liters of water for the full 16-mile circuit. Creek crossings provide water, but all water must be filtered or treated before drinking. Some sources may be low during dry periods. Insect repellent year-round. Blaze orange during hunting seasons (October through January).

Trailhead Access

Piney Creek Horse Camp is reached via Forest Road 534, south of TX-7. The gravel forest roads are navigable with a standard passenger vehicle. Download offline maps before visiting as cell service is absent throughout the area.

Nearby

The Four C National Recreation Trail is the forest's premier backpacking route. The Longleaf Ridge Trail covers the longleaf restoration ridge system in a shorter format. Review the Leave No Trace seven principles and the checking conditions guide before any multi-day trip.

Trailhead Parking

Piney Creek Horse Camp trailhead on Forest Road 534. Gravel lot with horse trailer parking. Restrooms on-site. No fee.

← Back to Davy Crockett National Forest

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can hikers use the Piney Creek Horse Trail?
Yes. The Piney Creek Horse Trail is a multi-use route open to hikers and mountain bikers as well as equestrians. Hikers should yield to horses and make their presence known to riders before approaching from behind. The wide trail tread is comfortable for walking and provides a different perspective on the forest interior than the narrower Four C Trail.
Is the full 16-mile loop doable in one day on foot?
Most fit hikers can complete the 16-mile loop in a single long day, allowing 6 to 8 hours. The terrain is flat to gently rolling and the elevation gain is spread evenly. Many hikers prefer to split the route over two days, camping at one of the primitive sites available along the trail. The horse camp at the trailhead has facilities for an overnight stay.
When is the best season for the Piney Creek Horse Trail?
October through April is the recommended window. The trail surface is sandy soil that holds water after significant rain, making late summer and fall potentially muddy in wet years. Winter and spring are generally drier and more pleasant for both equestrians and hikers.