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Four C Hiking Trail

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This information is a public record of the 1979 NRT application and may be out of date if it has not been updated by a trail manager --
check with the trail manager for updated details before visiting.

Four C Hiking Trail

USDA Forest Service Backcountry Trail
  • Length
    20 miles
  • Elevation Gain
    --
  • Route Type
    out & back

/
The ruins of the Four C Mill, a former sawmill, in Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area, Houston County, Texas. Photo by Larry D. Moore.
The ruins of the Four C Mill, a former sawmill, in Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area, Houston County, Texas. Photo by Larry D. Moore.
An old bench along an abandoned tramway. Photo by Todd Shelley.
An old bench along an abandoned tramway. Photo by Todd Shelley.
An exceptionally long bridge over wetlands. Photo by Todd Shelley.
An exceptionally long bridge over wetlands. Photo by Todd Shelley.
Signage at the Walnut Creek Parking Area along FS511. Photo by Todd Shelley.
Signage at the Walnut Creek Parking Area along FS511. Photo by Todd Shelley.
Walnut Creek shelter is located midway on the trail. Photo by Todd Shelley.
Walnut Creek shelter is located midway on the trail. Photo by Todd Shelley.
The trail crosses alongside many small ponds. Photo by Todd Shelley.
The trail crosses alongside many small ponds. Photo by Todd Shelley.
Pines planted after logging operations. Photo by Todd Shelley.
Pines planted after logging operations. Photo by Todd Shelley.
Mile Marker 10. Photo by Todd Shelley.
Mile Marker 10. Photo by Todd Shelley.
Mile Marker 6. Photo by Todd Shelley.
Mile Marker 6. Photo by Todd Shelley.
The bridge at Camp Creek has washed away making for a short wade across. Photo by Todd Shelley.
The bridge at Camp Creek has washed away making for a short wade across. Photo by Todd Shelley.
  • The ruins of the Four C Mill, a former sawmill, in Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area, Houston County, Texas. Photo by Larry D. Moore.
  • The ruins of the Four C Mill, a former sawmill, in Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area, Houston County, Texas. Photo by Larry D. Moore.
  • An old bench along an abandoned tramway. Photo by Todd Shelley.
  • An exceptionally long bridge over wetlands. Photo by Todd Shelley.
  • Signage at the Walnut Creek Parking Area along FS511. Photo by Todd Shelley.
  • Walnut Creek shelter is located midway on the trail. Photo by Todd Shelley.
  • The trail crosses alongside many small ponds. Photo by Todd Shelley.
  • Pines planted after logging operations. Photo by Todd Shelley.
  • Mile Marker 10. Photo by Todd Shelley.
  • Mile Marker 6. Photo by Todd Shelley.

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Location: Davy Crockett National Forest

  • States: Texas
  • Counties: Houston

PLEASE NOTE: A large portion of the trail is now closed due to tornado damage.

Trail Closure Info:

https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/texas/home/?cid=fseprd624937

https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/texas/news-events/?cid=FSEPRD622929

The trail not only passes through several distinct vegetation communities, but the entire landscape surrounding the trail is a vast cultural resource. The 4-C NRT is named for the Central Coal & Coke Company, which logged virgin timber from the region in the early 1920s. The Civilian Conservation Corps planted the trees that are now the forest surrounding the trail.

The southern trailhead for the trail is at Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area. Ratcliff Lake was the log pond for the sawmill operations of the Central Coal & Coke Company. Much of the 4-C NRT travels along abandoned railroad tramways once used to transport lumber.

The 4-C NRT passes through pine stands, bottomland hardwoods, sloughs, and upland forests, as well as the 3,900-acre Big Slough Wilderness Area, one of only five National Wilderness Areas in East Texas. The first _-mile of the 4-C NRT has been developed to be wheelchair accessible.

At twenty miles, the 4-C NRT offers visitors hiking experiences in a diversity of environments and lends itself well to hiking either in sections, as a one-way, 20-mile (two-day) trip or a two-way, 40-mile (four-day) backpacking trip. The 4-C NRT is one of only a handful of trails in East Texas of substantial length, greater than 3-4 miles.

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Allowed Uses:

Dogs, on leash Hiking/Walking

Other Activities

  • Camping
  • Fishing
  • Wildlife viewing / observation

Public Contact

Merlinda Schory
Davy Crockett National Forest
Route 1, Box 55FS
Kennard, TX 75847
[email protected] • (936) 655-2299

Contact the trail manager for current maps and visiting details.

More Details

  • Elevation (low): 185
  • Elevation (high): 697
  • Elevation (cumulative): --
  • Part of a Trail System? No
  • Surface (primary): Soil
  • Surfaces (additional): Soil
  • Tread Width (average): 36"
  • Tread Width (minimum): --
  • Running length (minimum): --
  • Tread Grade (average, percent): --
  • Tread Grade (maximum): 58
  • Running length (maximum): --
  • Cross-slope (average, percent): --
  • Cross-slope (maximum): --
  • Running length (maximum): --
  • Certified as an NRT
    Jun 28, 1979
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