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Texas
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Texas State Parks

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USA Parks
Texas
Piney Woods Region
John H Kirby State Forest
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JOHN H KIRBY STATE FOREST
JOHN H KIRBY STATE FOREST
The John H Kirby State Forest, nestled in the heart of Texas, is a natural oasis abundant with lush greenery and diverse wildlife. With its vast expanse of over 26,000 acres, this forest offers a serene escape from the bustling city life. Towering pine and hardwood trees provide a picturesque backdrop, while the numerous trails winding through the forest allow for peaceful hikes and immersive nature walks. Visitors can fully immerse themselves in the tranquility as they encounter a variety of flora and fauna, from vibrant wildflowers to deer, squirrels, and an array of bird species. Whether one seeks solitude, outdoor recreation, or a chance to reconnect with nature, the John H Kirby State Forest offers an idyllic setting that captivates the senses and offers a rejuvenating escape.
History of the Area
John H. Kirby State Forest is a forest located in East Texas, named after John Henry Kirby, a prominent businessman and philanthropist. The history of the forest and its establishment dates back to the early 20th century.

John Henry Kirby was born in 1860 in North Carolina and moved to Texas in the late 1870s. He established himself as a successful lumber magnate and entrepreneur, eventually becoming one of the wealthiest men in the state.

In the early 1900s, Kirby recognized the need for sustainable forest management and the importance of reforestation. He acquired vast tracts of land in East Texas and began implementing innovative practices to use timber resources efficiently and protect the environment.

Kirby's conservation efforts gained recognition, and he became an advocate for sustainable forestry practices across the state. In 1923, Kirby donated over 100,000 acres of his forested land to the Texas Forest Service for preservation and scientific study, with the condition that it would be named in his honor.

This donation marked the establishment of the John H. Kirby State Forest, which became Texas' first state forest and one of the country's earliest forest management areas. The forest was primarily intended for research and demonstration purposes to showcase sustainable silviculture, timber harvesting techniques, and wildlife management practices.
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Location
John H Kirby State Forest is located near Silsbee, Woodville

Trails
1. Kirby Nature Trail: A 2. 5-mile loop trail, featuring a variety of plant and animal life native to the region.

2. Sandhill Loop: This is an easy 0. 8 mile long trail that winds through sandy terrain with pine trees surrounding it.

3. Big Slough Wilderness Area Trails: These trails cover approximately five miles within untouched wilderness area; difficulty varies depending on path chosen.

4. Inner Forest Loop Trail: It's about three miles in length, offering hikers views of diverse forest ecosystems including wetlands and hardwood forests.

5. Outer Forest Loop Trail: Approximately four miles long showcasing various tree species like loblolly pines, sweetgum and oak trees along its route.

6. Creek Side Pathway: Short half-a-mile walk alongside picturesque creekside scenery ideal for bird watching or relaxing nature walks .

7. Pitcher Plant Bog Boardwalk: Less than a quarter mile boardwalk leading you directly into one of Texas's rare pitcher plant bogs.

8. Turkey Hill Ranch Road Hiking Route: Roughly two-miles-long old ranch road now used as hiking pathway providing scenic overlooks throughout journey.

9. Slough View Walkway: One-and-half-mile trek giving panoramic view over slough (wetland) areas rich in wildlife sightings especially waterfowl.

10. Big Sandy Hunting Track: Three-miles-long hunting track also open for non-hunting recreational activities such as hiking during off-season periods.

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Area Campgrounds
Triple Creek RV Music Park
2889 PR 8335
Woodville, TX
409-283-3779
Triple Creek RV Music Park
2889 PR 8335
Woodville, TX
409-283-3779

Directions
1. Start on US:59 N from Houston.
2. Continue for about 75 miles until you reach Livingston, Texas.
3. Take the exit toward U.S 190 E/TX:63 Loop/E Church St in Livingston.
4. Merge onto S Washington Ave and continue straight to stay on it.
5. Turn right at W Polk Street after passing McDonald's restaurant on your left side.
6. Take a slight left turn onto Pedigo Park Rd/US Highway 59 Bypass North.
7. Turn Right into FM942 East towards Leggett.
8. Continue driving eastward till reaching John H Kirby State Forest.

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Texas
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Texas State Parks

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