Journey through the Piney Woods of East Texas.
Who doesn’t love beautiful views while taking a leisurely drive? Embark on these stunning scenic drives in East Texas. Bonus if you’re planning a trip during an East Texas Festival or Event. From Dallas, head east to escape to the open road of rolling terrain, scattered pinecones, picturesque lakes, and charming small towns. From Houston, drive north and hang a right. Be sure not to pass up Sam Houston National Park!!
Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a history buff, or simply seeking a peaceful escape from the city, East Texas has something spectacular for everyone. Venture through the towering pine forests of the Piney Woods Scenic Byway and discover the enchanting beauty of nature in the fall, or cruise along the iconic Bluebonnet Trail and immerse yourself in a sea of vibrant wildflowers.
The Lone Star State is full of hidden gems. This one is in the Piney Woods Region of East Texas!
Planning Your Scenic Drives In East Texas
As you navigate the winding roads in East Texas, be prepared for awe-inspiring vistas, quaint roadside stops, and friendly wildlife crossing the streets. And while you’re driving along, consider stopping in towns to indulge in mouthwatering Southern cuisine at charming diners and cafes. Just my thought!
Always take a paper map, as you may encounter low or no cell service. That happened to me once. I had to stop at a store and ask someone if I could borrow their phone, as my phone service was not working.
So pack your bags, grab some snacks, hit the road to explore these different routes on your own time, and let the captivating beauty of East Texas lead you through the back roads.
The Best Scenic Drives In East Texas – Route 1
Piney Woods Autumn Trail – Athens To Palestine, TX
From Dallas, start in Athens, TX, on Highway 19, and head to Palestine, TX, located in the Texas Forest Trail Region, for an outstanding fall foliage trail. If you want to take the entire scenic route, plan for a 145-mile scenic drive and continue through Palestine to the small towns of Poynor, LaRue, and New York on Hwy 175, then back to Athens.
Time Frame: November
Things To Do In Athens, TX
Although Athens is in the Prairies and Lakes Region of Texas (not the Piney Woods), with the beautiful East Texas Arboretum that’s gorgeous in the fall, it should be. There are plenty of things to do in Athens, and if you’re in the area, consider a side trip to the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center or Lake Athens – popular destinations with locals and visitors.
Additionally, if you enjoy wine, consider visiting Tara Vineyard & Winery, located on Highway 175. It offers excellent views and wine tastings. There is also a fireplace inside, where you can sit—my favorite spot in the wintertime.
Things To Do In Palestine, TX
Davey Dogwood Park is not to be missed. You can hike through the woods and enjoy a creek with small waterfalls. During the Dogwood Celebration, the park will feature handmade fairy gardens throughout, created from scraps by local artisans. April and May are great times to go to the park.
Another area of East Texas in Palestine is the Palestine Community Forest. I came across this in my research, and it sounds like a great place to wander. It’s 700 acres of heavily wooded land with towering pines and two miles of trails by a lake with fish.
Directions: It’s located across from the Palestine Civic Center. Turn south on S. Armory for a short drive, and the forest entrance is on the right.
If time allows, consider visiting Lake Palestine for a refreshing swim.
The Best Scenic Drives In East Texas – Route 2
Highway 84 (Palestine to Rusk)
If the Dogwood Lunch Train Excursion aboard the Texas State Railroad goes through Palestine to Rusk and back again, then so does this drive along Highway 84. This US Route takes you through small towns and tall pine trees, offering a glimpse of East Texas’s dogwood flowers (when in season).
Time Frame: March/April
You may want to check on this train ride (because it’s pretty spectacular) at Texas State Railroad. My mom and I took it a couple of years ago. We were a week early to see all the dogwood blooms fully sprout, but the train ride was beautiful. The train stopped at the Rusk Depot for an outdoor lunch; she loved it (she was 83 at the time).
The Best Scenic Drives In East Texas – Route 3
Piney Woods Scenic Byway
Start your drive at Mission Tejas State Park, then go east on Texas State Highway 21 to Nacogdoches. It’s a beautiful drive any time of year, especially in the fall.
Time Frame: March through October
While at the park, indulge in hiking the 8.5-mile trails through the tall pine trees, fish, and camp. Don’t miss the log cabin, which depicts Spanish settlers from the early 1800s.
The Best Scenic Drives In East Texas – Route 4
Caddo Lake State Park
If you want to see the largest cypress tree forest in the world, head to Caddo Lake State Park for a scenic drive through the park and on the lake. The cypress trees with Spanish moss draping from tree to tree will be a sight. Drive along FM 2791 near the park for scenic views of the wetland, cypress trees, and plenty of wildlife.
Time Frame: Spring and Fall
The lotus flowers bloom on Lake Caddo from late spring through summer and are gorgeous.
In autumn, the lake is surrounded by endless forests of cypress trees, with vibrant red, orange, and yellow hues.
The Best Scenic Drives In East Texas – Route 5
Texas has four national forests, all of which are located in East Texas. Driving through each of these East Texas areas is a scenic drive you’ll want to put on your road trip wish list.
Sabine National Forest
Drive along Highway 87 through the Sabine National Forest to experience the beauty of thick forests and the Angelina River.
Angelina National Forest
Take SH 63 to Forest Road, located in Jasper, TX. While you’re there, experience some of the outdoor activities this national forest offers – camping, hiking, fishing, hunting, 4-wheeling, and canoeing.
Davy Crockett National Forest
Located in one of the oldest towns in Texas – Crockett, expect to see many streams, wildlife, and recreation areas for picnics and play in the park. If you’re traveling to all four national forests, this one would be my pick for stopping for the day – after all, Davy Crockett and his friends camped around here somewhere on their way to the Alamo!
Sam Houston National Forest
Take the back roads to this national forest, and you’ll see why many flock to Sam Houston National Forest for camping, hiking, and viewing this tree-lined forest. I was returning home from Conroe, and my GPS directed me to the back roads leading to the forest. I was in awe and didn’t even enter the park—it was terrific!
Find a forest at the US Forest Service.
The Best Scenic Drives In East Texas – Route 6
Daingerfield State Park
Time Frame: Fall
I’ve read several times that Daingerfield State Park is the prettiest state park in the fall in this part of Texas.
If camping, paddleboarding, fishing, and scenic views inspire you, this state park will be the one to excite the whole family, especially in the fall. Remember, no fishing license is required in Texas State Parks, so bring your pole!
The Best Scenic Drives In East Texas – Route 7
Texas Bluebonnet Trail – Ennis, TX
Time Frame: Early Spring
You’ll want to put the town of Ennis high on your list for spring scenic drives. This town has fields and bluebonnets to, in, and around. Get all your Bluebonnet family photos in this town. Additionally, there is a Buc-ees in town.
Their Bluebonnet Festival is always in April and promises a great family time. I finally made it out there a couple of years ago, and I’m glad I did – the flowers were stunning. Be careful, though, because most fields of bluebonnets are on private property; however, the homeowners do allow you to stop and take photos.
Embrace the beauty of East Texas through its scenic drives.
Since you’re heading to East Texas and it’s the fall season (when this article was posted), you may be interested in our best places in East Texas for fall camping or the 12 best RV campgrounds in East Texas.
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