Travel / Tuesday, 25-Nov-2025

Houston: Four C Trail

Houston: Four C Trail

Cross rolling hills and recovering woodlands on this 13.4-mile, one-way backpacking trip through a sweet slice of East Texas wilderness.

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Trail Facts

  • Distance: 21.5
  • Miles from city center: 135

Waypoints

FCT001

Location: 31.4487361907959, -95.1201171875

Head N on white-blazed trail from CR 1170

FCT002

Location: 31.4641857147217, -95.1252059936524

Cross FR 519 into Big Slough Wilderness Area, untouched by loggers since 1968. Tip: Wear blaze orange Nov. to Jan.

FCT003

Location: 31.4697036743164, -95.1202239990234

Trail follows overgrown RR bed, used by the Central Coal and Coke Co. (aka Four C) to haul lumber 85 years ago

FCT004

Location: 31.4805183410644, -95.1227493286133

Trail follows overgrown RR bed, used by the Central Coal and Coke Co. (aka Four C) to haul lumber 85 years ago

FCT005

Location: 31.4795303344727, -95.1429061889648

Continue straight across FR 511

FCT006

Location: 31.47971534729, -95.1534957885742

Take a load off at Walnut Creek Shelter; tent pads good for overnights

FCT007

Location: 31.4880790710449, -95.1660995483398

Cross Walnut Creek. Primitive campsite near man made pond in .8 mi.

FCT008

Location: 31.5220241546631, -95.1602630615234

Cross Walnut Creek. Primitive campsite near man made pond in .8 mi.

FCT009

Location: 31.5522975921631, -95.1506042480469

L @ T onto gravel road; go to the base of Neches Bluff

FCT010

Location: 31.5690326690674, -95.1532211303711

L @ Y back onto trail. Short climb ahead

FCT011

Location: 31.5671997070312, -95.1631164550781

Overlook: Faint hills rise above water-carved flats of the Neches River Valley. Pick up shuttle car or retrace steps back. Bonus: For a longer, 19.7-mi. option starting at Ratcliff Lake, go to backpacker.com/hikes

Unnamed Pond

Location: 31.5306701660156, -95.1610870361328

©Charlie Williams

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