Overview
The Sabine River Trail follows the eastern edge of Sabine National Forest along the Sabine River corridor, which forms the Texas-Louisiana border. The 7.5-mile out-and-back covers the forest's most distinctive bottomland terrain: bottomland cypress, water oak, and mixed hardwood replace the loblolly pine uplands as the trail descends toward the river. The bottomland habitat here is excellent for two of East Texas's most sought-after breeding warblers, the prothonotary and Swainson's. The trail provides genuine remote character along the forest's eastern fringe, away from the Toledo Bend recreation facilities.
No permit required. No water at the trailhead. Dogs welcome on leash.
The Route
Miles 0 to 2: Upland to transition. From the Forest Road 115 trailhead, the trail heads east through loblolly pine and mixed hardwood upland. The forest character transitions gradually as the trail approaches the Sabine River drainage, with bottomland hardwood species increasing in frequency. Several creek crossings mark the valley drainages.
Miles 2 to 3.75: Bottomland and river approach. The trail descends into the Sabine River bottomland, where bald cypress, water oak, overcup oak, and American hornbeam dominate. The understory is dense in the growing season and the canopy is broad and shading. The Sabine River is audible and then visible at the far end of the maintained trail. Turnaround at the 3.75-mile point.
When to Hike
November through April: Best conditions. Lower insect pressure and cooler temperatures. Check for high-water conditions in the bottomland after significant rain.
April through June: Breeding warbler season. The best time to hear and see prothonotary and Swainson's warblers in the bottomland section.
Summer: High heat and extreme insect pressure in the bottomland. Not recommended without extensive preparation.
What to Bring
Many hikers carry 2 liters of water for this round trip. River water is available but must be filtered. Insect repellent is especially important in the bottomland sections. Waterproof boots for creek crossings and potentially wet trail sections. Blaze orange during hunting seasons.
Trailhead Access
Forest Road 115 is accessible from TX-87 east of Center, Texas. The gravel roads require navigating several miles from the highway. Download offline maps before visiting.
Nearby
The Indian Mounds Wilderness Trail covers different bottomland terrain in the northern section of the forest. The Four Notch Trail provides interior upland hiking in contrast to this bottomland route. Review the Leave No Trace seven principles and our checking conditions guide before any remote outing.