Piney Woods

The Piney Woods is the name of the region encompassing east and northeast Texas. This region of Texas often defies traditional views of the state having a mountainous desert landscape or brush-covered hills. Large pines and other evergreen trees cover this area of the state, with forestry and oil/gas mining being large industries for area residents.

Regions

Northeastern Texas This area serves as the only point where Texas and Arkansas meet, featuring a blend of influences from both sides of the state line. Known for its rolling hills and Red River plains, this area is centered by Texarkana, which is a key cultural and economic center of the region.

Central Piney Woods Positioned roughly along the Interstate 20 corridor, this subregion is characterized by its expansive pine forests and numerous lakes and rivers, including the enchanting Caddo Lake, famous for its cypress trees and rich biodiversity. The cities of Tyler and Longview anchor this particular region.

Deep East Texas Covering the southern two-thirds of the Piney Woods region and known for its deep, dense forests and cultural heritage, this region is the most rural part of the Piney Woods. Nacogdoches, reputed to be the oldest town in Texas, offers a rich history and connection to Spanish, French, and Southern traditions.

Cities

• 1 Gladewater - Known for its rich oil history and antique shopping scene.
• 2 Huntsville - Home of Sam Houston State University and the Texas State Penitentiary.
• 3 Kilgore - Renowned for its oil boom and the home of the Kilgore Rangerettes, the first woman's precision drill team in the world.
• 4 Longview - Regional hub and host of the Great Texas Balloon Race.
• 5 Lufkin - A central city in Deep East Texas, known for its forestry industry.
• 6 Nacogdoches , historic city important to Texas' early development, the oldest city in the state.
• 7 Texarkana - Straddles the Texas-Arkansas State Line and has a unique two-state community.
• 8 Tyler - Regional city known for its gardens of roses and the largest Civil War prisoner-of-war camp west of the Mississippi River.
• 9 The Woodlands - A suburban bedroom community of Houston that hosts the Houston Symphony during the summer.

Other destinations

• 1 Big Thicket National Preserve

Do

Great fishing and good golf facilities are in this area.

Hike, bike or ride the Northeast Texas Trail from Farmersville northeast of Dallas to New Boston, just west of Texarkana.

Go next

Article Geo different to Wikidata
Wikivoyage: Latitude 32.31499, Longitude -94.75708 (Map, Geohack)
Wikidata: Latitude 31, Longitude -93 (Map, Geohack)
Difference: 221.5km