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ForestMatters, LLC

Four Notch Trail

Sabine National Forest, Texas · 3 min read

Distance
8 mi
Elevation Gain
300 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

  • Longest single trail route in Sabine National Forest
  • Mixed pine-hardwood interior covering both upland and creek-bottom terrain
  • Good white-tailed deer and feral hog sign in the remote interior sections
  • Several creek crossings through bottomland hardwood drainages
  • Genuine solitude in the forest interior away from developed recreation areas
riverwildlife

Overview

The Four Notch Trail is the longest continuous trail route in Sabine National Forest, covering 8 miles through the pine-hardwood interior of the forest's central section. The out-and-back route passes through both upland loblolly pine and bottomland hardwood terrain, with several creek crossings through small drainages that characterize the forest's interior. The Four Notch Trail attracts hikers who want to experience the quieter, less-developed side of Sabine away from the Toledo Bend shoreline recreation areas.

No permit required. No fee. No restrooms at the trailhead. Cell service is absent throughout.

The Route

Miles 0 to 3: Northern upland section. From the Forest Road 416 trailhead, the trail heads south through loblolly pine upland on sandy soils. The first section is the most exposed, with the pine canopy providing partial shade. Small drainages cross the trail at intervals.

Miles 3 to 5: Creek bottom section. The trail descends into a series of creek bottomland areas where hardwood species replace the pines. Water oak, sweetgum, and eastern red cedar appear in the creek drainages. The first main creek crossing is at mile 3, followed by two more crossings through this section.

Miles 5 to 8: Southern interior. The trail continues through mixed forest in the forest's interior, with the most remote character of the route. Wildlife sign including deer trails, turkey scratchings, and feral hog rootings is common in this section. Turnaround at the 8-mile point where the maintained trail ends.

When to Hike

October through April: Best conditions. Lower insect pressure, moderate temperatures, and the most reliable creek crossing conditions.

November through January: Hunting season. Blaze orange is strongly recommended.

April: Good birding along the creek bottoms. Migrant warblers in the Pineywoods.

Summer: High heat and humidity in the creek bottomland sections. Not recommended for the full route.

What to Bring

Many hikers carry 2 to 2.5 liters of water for the full round trip. Creek crossings provide water but must be filtered. Waterproof boots for the creek crossings. Insect repellent year-round, particularly in the creek bottomland sections. Blaze orange during hunting seasons.

Trailhead Access

Forest Road 416 is accessible from TX-87 and connecting forest roads. The gravel roads require offline maps and careful navigation. Download maps before leaving cell service range.

Nearby

The Indian Mounds Wilderness Trail provides access to the wilderness area for a different kind of remote experience. The Sabine River Trail covers the bottomland corridor along the eastern edge of the forest. Review the Leave No Trace seven principles and our checking conditions guide before any backcountry outing.

Trailhead Parking

Four Notch Trailhead on Forest Road 416. Gravel pullout. No fee. No restrooms on-site.

← Back to Sabine National Forest

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it called the Four Notch Trail?
The Four Notch Trail takes its name from Four Notch, a historic community name in the Sabine National Forest area. 'Notch' names are common in East Texas, often referring to gaps or passes in the piney woods ridgelines. The trail covers terrain near this historic area in the forest interior.
Is the Four Notch Trail suitable for backpacking?
Yes. The 8-mile one-way distance makes the Four Notch Trail suitable for a one-night backpacking trip covering the full route as an out-and-back (16 miles total) or a shorter one-night itinerary going 4 miles in and camping before returning. Dispersed camping is permitted on national forest land along the route. Carry all water or plan to filter from creek sources.
How difficult are the creek crossings on the Four Notch Trail?
The creek crossings are rock hops or wading crossings in most conditions. In winter and spring after significant rain, the crossings can be knee-deep or temporarily impassable. Check conditions before visiting if recent heavy rain has occurred in the area. The crossings are generally manageable for experienced hikers in waterproof boots.