Nature & Outdoors

The region’s name says it all: The Pineywoods is heavily forested land. And the forests of the Pineywoods and the waters that run through them provide visitors with untold recreational opportunities, including all kinds of activities--like canoeing through cypress swamps--that you might not expect to find in Texas.

Birding & Wildlife
Hundreds of avian species make the Pineywoods their home or visit the region during seasonal migrations. But the area’s amazingly diverse habitats also support animals and plants of every description.
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Hiking, Biking & Horseback Riding
Whether you’re in the mood for a leisurely stroll through nature or an extended, miles-long hike or horseback ride through wild terrain, the beauty of Pineywoods trails will exhilarate you.
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Boating
Canoeing, kayaking, and other boating options abound on the Pineywoods’ waterways--and the cypress and tupelo swamps of the region offer boating experiences you won’t find elsewhere.
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Fishing
The Pineywoods lakes, reservoirs, rivers, and streams are an angler’s paradise. Grab your rod and tackle: the bass, catfish, and crappie are biting.
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Swimming
Many of the region’s parks and recreation areas invite you to dive right into the Pineywoods Experience by enjoying a refreshing swim.
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Camping
Whether you’re pitching a tent or hooking up the RV, the Pineywoods has campsites to accommodate your style of living out of doors.
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Itineraries

Artisans, Architecture and Antiques

Today, Pineywoods arts and culture mix the down-home with the cutting edge--and testify to the region’s diverse mix of people and traditions.

Texas History Comes to Life

From “The Oldest Town in Texas” to the Pineywoods’ biggest city--the region's rich history abounds.

Get In Tune with Nature

A wealth of state parks, a national preserve and other sanctuaries offer a full menu of recreational options, from birding to boating.

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Plan your trip using
THE PINEYWOODS MAP »

Nature & Outdoors Spotlight

Boating in Big Thicket

The waterways of Big Thicket National Preserve draw boating enthusiasts from all over Texas, the country, and the world. Big Thicket has two official canoeing trails, but these are just a fraction of the canoeing, kayaking, and other boating experiences the preserve affords, which also include wild-river experiences along the Neches River and the primal pleasures of paddling through cypress and tupelo swamps in Pine Island Bayou. Boating is permitted from April through October. Read more>

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