East Texas is a broad cultural, geographic, and ecological region in the eastern part of the United States state of Texas that comprises the majority of 41 counties and can take several hours to drive through. It’s commonly referred to as the Piney Woods region because of its tall trees, vast forests, and rivers that wind their way to Louisiana.
East Texas is sure to provide some unique experiences and great memories, whether you’re looking for a short-day trip or a fun weekend getaway.
While East Texas offers many exciting experiences, some of these fun Texas experiences should not be skipped. So here are the 10 best things to do in East Texas.
1. New York Texas Zipline Adventures
It is located in the New York Community, approximately 15 to 20 minutes east of Athens.
Choose from a variety of tours lasting 1 to 2 hours. Each tour includes 6 to 7 ziplines as well as 2 cable bridges that lead to the big zipline.
Enjoy the wildlife and learn about the local ecology while on your ZipLine Tour, or relax in a beautiful, peaceful, private setting.
It is 40 feet tall, so you better have the courage because this is one of the best things to do in East Texas.
Location: 7290 Cr 4328, Larue, Texas 75770, United States
Phone: 903.681.3791
2. Caddo Lake State Park
Caddo Lake State Park is an East Texas treasure located in Karnack’s Piney Woods ecoregion. It is surrounded by bald cypress trees that float mystically in the water. You can walk out of the pier to see the water and the trees.
Picnics, boating, hiking, and fishing are just a few activities available here.
The lake is home to over 70 species of fish, a fishing pier, and a boat ramp.
There are more than 80 kilometers (50 miles) of paddling trails with breathtaking views at every turn.
Location: 4200 Smith School Road, Austin, TX 78744
Phone: (512) 389-4800
3. Aldridge Sawmill
Hal Aldridge built the first Aldridge Sawmill in 1905. The mill, a power plant, a fuels building, and a dry kiln are among the four structures on the property. Nature has reclaimed this area beautifully, with trees and vines growing through. Hikers are welcome, but no off-road vehicles or horses may be ridden in the Aldridge area due to archeological concerns.
Location: 111 Walnut Ridge Road, Zavalla, TX 75980
Phone: (936) 897-1068
4. Love’s Lookout
Love’s Lookout is located approximately 30 miles south of Tyler, Texas. It offers breathtaking views of East Texas.
Locals refer to this location as “Lookout Mountain” because it provides views of 30-35 miles to the east. This is due to the lookout point’s elevation of 713 feet.
On a warm day, grab a blanket and a picnic basket and enjoy the outdoors at Loves Lookout!
Location: 402 E Rusk St, Jacksonville, TX 75766, USA
Phone: 903-586-3510
5. Daingerfield State Park
Explore the forest life at Daingerfield State Park by hiking the trails, paddling Little Pine Lake, or relaxing at your campsite.
Explore the East Texas Pineywoods by walking through our cathedral of trees, which includes pines, oaks, dogwoods, and other species. The Rustling Leaves Trail is a 2.4-mile easy hike that circles the lake.
There are two campsites at the park: full hookup sites and tent-only sites. The full-hookup campsites are in the Big Pine area. The amenities include picnic tables, water hookups, sewer hookups, electric hookups, and nearby restrooms.
Location: 455 Park Road 17 Daingerfield, TX 75638
Phone: (903) 645-2921
6. Eiffel Tower Paris Texas
The Eiffel Tower can be seen without having to travel to Europe. Instead, one can be found right here in Texas, complete with a red cowboy hat!
The Eiffel Tower in Paris, Texas, is not the same as that in Paris, France, but it is a replica.
Numerous activities are available, including hiking, biking, shopping, dining, and many others.
Location: Eight West Plaza, Paris, TX 75460
Phone: (800) 727-4789
7. Blueberry Hills Farm
The farm has been open to the public for U-Pick Blueberries since 1982.
They have blueberry preserves and other fruit preserves like fig, peach, apricot, cherry, blackberry, and so on.
They also have a BAKERY where they make Blueberries’n Cream Pies, Blueberry Muffins, Blueberry Frozen Yogurt, and Blueberry Lemonade.
On weekends, baskets will be waiting for you, as well as live music. Arrive early because the farm can become crowded. After you’ve picked your blueberries, pack a picnic and explore the farm.
Note: No pets are allowed on the property.
Location: 10268 FM 314 Edom, Texas
Phone: +1 903-852-6175
8. Texas Country Music Hall of Fame
The Texas Country Music Hall of Fame, located in Carthage, honors Texans’ contributions to folk music. It opened in 1998 and has since become a popular destination for music fans.
They host many events and festivals annually, including the Classic Country Music Concert and the Tex Ritter Tribute Concert in August.
Location: 310 W. Panola, Carthage, TX 75633
Phone: 903.694.9561
9. Tyler Rose Garden
Rose Tyler is home to over 38,000 rose bushes and over 500 varieties of roses. This scenic area is ideal for a peaceful outing with breathtaking views.
Books, stationery, garden items, sachets, china, and other unique rose motif gifts and seasonal specialties are available.
The garden is open all year. However, it is best enjoyed in early spring, late September, and October, when the roses are in full bloom.
Location: 420 Rose Park Dr. Tyler, TX 75702
Phone: (903) 531-1212
10. World’s Richest Acre Park
Visit the World’s Richest Acre in Kilgore, Texas. The area was named this because, during the 19th-century oil boom, it had the most oil rigs on one acre, which is more than anywhere else on the planet. With a cap of 1,000 rigs, this small town made a lot of money.
Today, you can see a few oil rig replicas and be taken on a history lesson throughout town. Kilgore has changed a lot since then, but they are very proud of their heritage.
Location: 100 N Commerce St, Kilgore, TX 75662, United States
Phone: +1 903-984-1333
Was your visit to East Texas worth your while? That’s not all Texas has to offer. Visit these other places within Texas for more interesting things to do: Missouri City, Rosenberg, Pearland, League City, Houston First Ward, Clear Lake, Sugar Land, Montrose, Lake Jackson, Conroe, The Woodlands, Galveston, Friendswood, The Woodlands, Deer Park, Houston Heights, Pasadena, Baytown, Conroe, and Atascocita.