Texas Riding in East Texas

[fischbones]

I live in East Texas, looking for riding/camping areas with single track, forrest riding. 

 

If you guys have any good spots just post them here. 

 

All I know about is Sam Houston NF, but you need off highway approved sticker. 

[Cirus]

Where are you located?

[Piney Woods]

Get the sticker and ride.

[fischbones]

I'm getting the sticker, the point was to find other areas as well. 

 

I'm in Nac.

[Piney Woods]

I'm getting the sticker, the point was to find other areas as well. 

 

I'm in Nac.

Get on the Cycleland waiting list. Or the Kisatchie in LA. Several great areas.

[TR185]

I've rode at Gator Run ATV park which is southeast of Longview.  The cost is fairly reasonable at $20 for rider and bike and the area is large enough that you're not running into one another.  Expect pipelines, trails, some technical, as well as access roads with plenty of sand and some mud.       

[thomas liles]

What about Barnwell mountain rec area in Gilmer? Never been but would like to make a trip over and check it out

[cleaner1]

What about Barnwell mountain rec area in Gilmer? Never been but would like to make a trip over and check it out

You should check this place out. Lots of fun! It has it all. Edited May 8, 2014 by cleaner1

[thomas liles]

Is there places to stay near by that are safe to leave your bikes on a trailer? What about the cabins at Barnwell?

[fischbones]

Just rode at Sam Houston NF this past weekend. Camped out at Kelly's Pond, which is the trail head for some of the West Side Trails. Super loud night with about a billion frogs and a couple owls. Slept like a baby. Woke up and rode for a couple of hours. 

 

The trails were wet and muddy due to the recent rain. I heard it was a good thing though because it tampers a lot of the dust that gets kicked up on the trails. I'm a new rider so I found it challenging and somewhat technical. Terrain was all over the place from thick woods, open woods, sand, mud, fallen trees, moguls, grass, ruts, just a lot of fun. I found parts really frustrating and other parts really fun. I'll definitely be going back.

 

Best part - campground was free, $5 riding fee which is based on honor system, and 85 miles of trails to explore. 

[Piney Woods]

Just rode at Sam Houston NF this past weekend. Camped out at Kelly's Pond, which is the trail head for some of the West Side Trails. Super loud night with about a billion frogs and a couple owls. Slept like a baby. Woke up and rode for a couple of hours. 

 

The trails were wet and muddy due to the recent rain. I heard it was a good thing though because it tampers a lot of the dust that gets kicked up on the trails. I'm a new rider so I found it challenging and somewhat technical. Terrain was all over the place from thick woods, open woods, sand, mud, fallen trees, moguls, grass, ruts, just a lot of fun. I found parts really frustrating and other parts really fun. I'll definitely be going back.

 

Best part - campground was free, $5 riding fee which is based on honor system, and 85 miles of trails to explore. 

? Be sure you have the sticker and a S/A.

[stonefort2]

This is fischbones brother in law. Thank you guys for all the great suggestions!! ?

 

Sam H was great! We will be going back for sure, I was surprised at the quality of trails there. The west side being dirtbike only really shines! 

FYI if you go...treat your cloths/gear with permethrin. The chiggers and ticks are out in full force. Other than that, it's a woods paradise.

 

We had planned on going to Barnwell M. in Gilmer this Saturday morning....but last night....after reminding Fisch 6... dozen...times... to not lose any of the needle pins from his suspension linkage bearings.....he lost one.  ?  At lunch I am driving out to the bearing supply house to locate one, wish me luck!

Edited May 16, 2014 by slackinoff

[Piney Woods]

One being gone is zero problem. Yes, I have experience with this. Just go ride.

[stonefort2]

One being gone is zero problem. Yes, I have experience with this. Just go ride.

 

Good! cause that is what we ended up doing.

 

Barnwell M. was tough on us. We got down some pretty rough trails by accident.... Steep climbs with little traction is TOUGH! especially when even the best lines are littered with large rocks. We cussed, we crashed, and we broke things.

 

That aside....Barnwell M has an extremely nice facility. The bathrooms are cleaner than my own house, and the faculty are very helpful and professional.

 

All in all, a good adventure.

Edited May 18, 2014 by slackinoff

[fischbones]

As a beginner (less than 50hrs) I found Barnwell difficult at best. 

 

Beside the terrain being hard and littered with loose stones. The single tracks where narrow and definitely something I need to improve upon. 

 

Definitely a technical challenge for anyone riding.