Epic Day-trip to Angelina National Forest, TX

In East Texas, about 2 and a half hours north of Houston, we have a pretty amazing forest - Angelina National Forest. Had a chance to go today, and even though we didn't get to see everything we wanted (day trip and way too big of a park to explore), we made the best out of it.

Pulling off the highway and onto the forest roads, you are immediately greeted with 4x4 trails and surrounded by very tall (for Houston standards) pine trees.

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One last WOL glamour pic.

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I lied, sorry, just a couple more.

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Heading off to see the first stop of the day was the Aldridge Sawmill. The large sawmill used to see logs straight off the trains that ran through this forest. They would cut them, dry them, store them, and ship them off to wherever their destination was.

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Notice the massive Texas State cut-out in the wall.

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Sadly, much of the outside and inside of the mill is covered in graffiti. There are also rumors around ghosts and such here which is why you'll never find me here at night haha.

Next, was the Boykin Springs. Again, no challenging obstacles to get there, just narrow tree filled trails with deep ruts here and there.

About 5 slow miles later, here it was. It was really beautiful actually, pictures don't do it justice. Especially from my phone.

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Lastly, off to see the Angelina River herself, where an afternoon snack was had, right before heading back home.

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One last glamour shot. After all, this is a Jeep forum.

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And that was it! Heading back home on an easy 2.5 hour drive. I'll be heading back again to see the other stuff that was missed very soon.

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Exodus 4x4

New member
Wow man, that's some good stuff. Thanks for sharing. It never ceases to amaze me how much beautiful stuff we have tucked away in the state and national parks here in Texas.
 

Napalm

New member
Crazy to think that this is only about an hour and a half away from my house. I will have to check this out!!!

Great pictures!!
 
Wow man, that's some good stuff. Thanks for sharing. It never ceases to amaze me how much beautiful stuff we have tucked away in the state and national parks here in Texas.

Yea, Angelina is a little far from Houston which is why it never really popped up on my radar. But glad I found it...we'll likely be coming back in the fall for some camping here.

Brilliant photos, and your Jeep looks awesome as well.

Thanks man! Glad you enjoyed them.

Crazy to think that this is only about an hour and a half away from my house. I will have to check this out!!!

Great pictures!!

No brainer, you guys can make an afternoon trip out of it!

Beautiful Scenery! Thanks for sharing.

You're welcome!

Looks awesome, I had no idea that even existed!

You gotta check it out for sure.

Looks like a blast. Great photos.

Great time, wish we had more time to explore more!
 

Bunz-o-fun

New member
Beautiful pictures! Great park! I've been to Angelina Forest once, and hung out all day at Boykin Springs once. I remember the water at Boykin being VERY cold for September. Gorgeous area, now I'm motivated to take another trip and do some exploring. Thanks for sharing!
 
Beautiful pictures! Great park! I've been to Angelina Forest once, and hung out all day at Boykin Springs once. I remember the water at Boykin being VERY cold for September. Gorgeous area, now I'm motivated to take another trip and do some exploring. Thanks for sharing!

Nice! It's really an unknown national forest for how freaking huge it is...which surprises me. I can't wait to go back again.
 

jmy

New member
Great photos! I grew up near the area and went out to Boykin and the sawmill many times when I was in high school and college for dirt biking, moutain biking, hiking and camping. After living away for many years, I moved back from Houston and now live 30 miles from Boykin and have yet to go back. You most likely passed my house on the way from Houston if you took the cut off road in Diboll. Your trip has given me inspriation to wander back over there some evening and do some riding.
 

Jackal01

New member
So we took a trip out there yesterday. I could not find any of the landmarks you went to. It was still a nice drive though. We loved it. We spent about 3 hours exploring. I forgot to fill up before we got into the park so once the dash read "lo" we made our way out which was about 5 miles in. We plan to go back in a few weeks...maybe go as a group if any of the Texas people wanna tag along.

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Napalm

New member
So we took a trip out there yesterday. I could not find any of the landmarks you went to. It was still a nice drive though. We loved it. We spent about 3 hours exploring. I forgot to fill up before we got into the park so once the dash read "lo" we made our way out which was about 5 miles in. We plan to go back in a few weeks...maybe go as a group if any of the Texas people wanna tag along.

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