I’ve already covered wonderful state parks in Texas, but I think our gorgeous national forests and preserves deserve some attention, too. I could get lost in the piney woods in East Texas for hours, and if you are a nature-lover, avid hiker, or seasoned bird-watcher, you will love the following national forests just as much as I do, I’m sure.

1) Angelina National Forest (Zavalla)
US Forest Service - Southern Region/Flickr
US Forest Service - Southern Region/Flickr
This 153,179 acre national forest stretches across four different counties and lies in both the Neches River Basin and the north and south shores of the Sam Rayburn Reservoir. Bouton Lake, Boykin Springs, and the Sawmill Hiking Trail are popular recreation spots here.
2) Sam Houston National Forest (New Waverly)
NIxBC/Flickr
NixBC/Flickr
Here you'll find the impressive 128 mile Lone Star Hiking Trail winding through the park, and the Little Lake Creek Wilderness and Big Creek Scenic Areas are popular as well.
3) Davy Crockett National Forest (Kennard)
US Forest Service - Southern Region/Flickr

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US Forest Service - Southern Region/Flickr
Named after the legendary pioneer, the Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area offers guests hiking trails, including the Four C National Recreation Trail, swimming, picnicking, boating, and fishing.
4) Sabine National Forest (Hemphill)
Youth Odyssey/Facebook
Google
This park forms part of the border between Texas and Louisiana, and the 28-mile Trail Between the Lakes hiking trail extending from the Toledo Bend Reservoir all the way to the Sam Rayburn Reservoir offers plenty of hiking opportunities and wildlife sightings.
5) Big Thicket National Preserve (Kountze)
meltedplastic/Flickr
nps.gov
I come here often for the beautiful hiking trails and abundant wildlife; you will totally forget about modern civilization in the solitude of this ecologically diverse, enchanting forest.

Which of these national forests or preserves have you been to? Let us know about your experiences in the comments below!

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