Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
NORTHEAST TEXAS
Tall pine forests in Texas? You're darn tootin'. This region northeast of Houston and east of
Dallas is so filled with mixed hardwood and conifer forests, in fact, that it is known as the
'Piney Woods.' And that's not all that's a bit of a surprise in this part of the state. The
Northeast was the area in Texas most attached to the ways of the Old South, and subse-
quently affected by the Civil War. You'll find a traditional Southern influence in accents,
antebellum architecture and fine Southern food here.
Though lacking in jaw-dropping superlatives, the gently rolling wooded terrain provides
plenty of low-key thrills for nature lovers, especially around Caddo Lake. Pretty, small
towns, such as Kilgore and Nacogdoches, are enough to beguile any visitor with their clas-
sic central squares and stately brick buildings. Jefferson was once a riverboat town, and is
undeniably still the biggest draw in the area. Slightly cooler air and more rain mean that
roses and azaleas bloom gloriously up here. So slow down, explore an unexpected region,
and enjoy life's little, Southern, charms.
Information
The
North East Texas Visitor & Events Guide
(
www.northeasttexasguide.com
)
is widely
available at visitor centers, and is online. The Texas tourist board has dubbed this the
'Texas Forest Trail Region,' and provides more information at
www.texastimetravel.com
.
