East Texas has four large national forests, the largest being Sam Houston National Forest, covering 255 sq miles just miles north of Houston between I-45 and I-59. Recreational facilities include lakes, camping, mountain-biking and hiking trails. At this writing, sections of the 128-mile Lone Star Hiking Trail (http://lonestartrail.org) are closed indetermidably due to downed trees; maps and opeinings are posted online. Exercise caution during deer-hunting season (November to early January; call the ranger’s office for exact dates).
