East Texas is definitely one of the most underrated regions in the state. From the lush, evergreen landscape that earned it the nickname “Piney Woods” to the plethora of charming small towns scattered about, there’s so much about the area to love. This 3-hour road trip showcases some of the very best things to do in East Texas. You’ll visit the oldest general store in the state, two remote and beautiful state parks, and a museum honoring a NASA space shuttle that crashed upon reentry into the atmosphere. Here are some of the best hidden gems in East Texas.

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1. Hemphill

Patricia Huffman Smith NASA Museum, 375 Sabine St Suite B, Hemphill, TX 75948, USA
TripAdvisor/mamaWarren
Our first destination on the East Texas road trip is the tiny town of Hemphill, home to just over 1,000 people. Despite being little more than a blip on the map, Hemphill is the site of one of the most infamous and tragic historical events in world history: the disintegration of the NASA space shuttle Columbia. The Patricia Huffman Smith NASA "Remembering Columbia" Museum pays homage to the brave crew members who lost their lives in the disaster, featuring real artifacts from the spacecraft as well as other items and information detailing the history of American space exploration.
Before leaving town, definitely check out the Canadian River Historic Wagon Bridge.
Canadian River Historic Wagon Bridge, Canadian, TX 79014, USA
Flickr/C Hanchey
The longest bridge of its kind in the entire country, this feat of engineering dates to the early 1900s and is open to pedestrian traffic.

Take a look at this video of the Canadian River Historic Wagon Bridge by @cruisingalongproductions:

2. San Augustine

San Augustine, TX 75972, USA
Flickr/J. Stephen Conn
Next, we're heading to San Augustine, one of the most historic small towns in Texas. There are so many hidden gems to discover here, from old buildings to outdoor recreation opportunities to even an early 1700s Spanish mission.

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3. T. C. Lindsey and Co. General Store (Jonesville)

T C Lindsey & Co, 2293 FM 134, Jonesville, TX 75659, USA
TripAdvisor/texaswillie
After strolling through the streets of San Augustine, it's back to the car for the longest stretch of the entire trip. About an hour and a half's drive takes us to Jonesville, where we'll be visiting the T. C. Lindsey and Co. General Store.
The oldest general store in Texas, T. C. Lindsey and Co. has been around for over 170 years.
TripAdvisor/texaswillie
To step inside this living time capsule is to travel back to a bygone era. The shelves are lined with historic artifacts and books, as well as nostalgic candies and even an old-fashioned cheese cutting block. You could easily spend hours looking at everything!

4. Caddo Lake State Park (Karnack)

Caddo Lake State Park, 245 Park Rd 2, Karnack, TX 75661, USA
Flickr/Maciej Kraus
Deeper into the Piney Woods we go on our way to Caddo Lake State Park, the largest cypress tree forest in the world. Peace and solitude abound at this underrated oasis where you can kayak, hike, and fish.

Take a look at this video of Caddo Lake State Park by @MrSTravelQuest:

5. Jefferson

Jefferson, TX 75657, USA
Flickr/Nicolas Henderson
No trip through East Texas would be complete without stopping in Jefferson. This tiny town is full of charm, from the 1860s Jefferson General Store to the Historic Jefferson Railway, which leads scenic train rides through the lush landscape. Jefferson is also known for being one of the most haunted small towns in Texas, and dozens of its buildings have ghost stories associated with them.

6. Atlanta State Park (Atlanta)

Atlanta State Park, 927 Park Rd 42, Atlanta, TX 75551, USA
Texas Parks & Wildlife
Our final stop on one of the best Texas road trips is, perhaps, one of the most underrated state parks in the state. Situated along the banks of the beautiful and little-known Wright Patman Lake, Atlanta State Park is characterized by its towering trees and splendorous fall and spring foliage (although it's gorgeous year-round.) This peaceful escape offers excellent fishing, hiking, paddling, and swimming opportunities, and you'll surely feel rejuvenated when you leave.

Take a look at this video of Atlanta State Park by @texasparksandwildlife:

Would you take this road trip to the best hidden gems in East Texas? Tell us your thoughts in the comments! Don’t forget to check out our previous article for a great BBQ restaurant to try while you’re in the Piney Woods.

Before hitting the road on this or any other road trips in Texas, make sure you check out our Ultimate Road Trip Essentials Packing List, and don’t forget the snacks!

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More to Explore

Hidden Gems In Texas

Melissa M. | December 13, 2023

What are some other hidden gems in Texas I should visit?

If you love uncovering hidden gems as much as I do, here are more of the best hidden gems in Texas:

  • Boca Chica Beach in Brownsville
  • Blue Lagoon Huntsville
  • Marfa
  • San Felipe Springs in Del Rio
  • Hueco Tanks State Park in El Paso
  • Claiborne West Park in Vidor
  • Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center in Orange
  • Copper Breaks State Park in Quanah
  • Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve in Austin
  • Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge in Freeport
  • Tiger Creek Wildlife Refuge in Tyler
  • Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge in Los Fresnos

Check out more details on these and more hidden gems in Texas.

What are some of the best natural wonders in Texas?

Hidden gems and natural wonders are parts of what makes a state so special. Here are some of the best natural wonders in Texas:

  • Big Bend National Park
  • Jacob's Well in Wimberley
  • Palo Duro Canyon
  • Guadalupe Mountains National Park in Salt Flat
  • Gorman Falls in Bend
  • Enchanted Rock State Park in Fredericksburg
  • Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park in Mission
  • Hamilton Pool Preserve in Dripping Springs
  • Big Thicket National Preserve in Kountze

Uncover more details on these and a few more natural wonders in Texas.

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