Sawmill Hiking Trail
Description
History and nature blend to provide a great family outing at the Boykin Springs Recreation Area. The Sawmill Hiking Trail, a 5-mile round trip walk marked by white painted rectangular markings, takes hikers past a waterfall on Boykin Creek to the Neches River and along a short spur to the ruins of the historic Old Aldridge Sawmill. Portions of this relatively-level trail follow an old tramway once used as a rail line to haul logs to sawmills. The recreation area also features Boykin Springs Lake (open to non-motorized boats and swimming) and a high-quality stand of the upland longleaf pine ecosystem that once dominated 90 million acres across the U.S. Southeast. Only 3% remains of the original longleaf pine savanna. Boykin Springs has been called by some the finest pine remnant in the West Gulf Coastal Plain.
Amenities: Hiking, camping, restrooms with showers, and (by reservation) a group shelter.
Directions: From Zavalla, travel east on Hwy 63 for 10.5 miles; turn right (south) on Forest Road 313 for 2.5 miles to the campground.
Admission: day-use $5 per vehicle; $10 per campsite; $25 shelter rental
Contact: 936-897-1068
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