The Trail Between the Lakes is a 28-mile hiking trail that winds through the southern half of the Sabine National Forest. Located in the southern Sabine County, it extends from Lakeview Recreation Area on Toledo Bend Reservoir to State Highway 96 within sight of the easternmost point of Sam Rayburn Reservoir.

In a joint effort between the Golden Triangle Group of the Sierra Club and the USDA Forest Service, trail planning started in 1981, and construction
began in 1985. The final section of trail was located and marked during the fall of 1990, but the group continues to do volunteer work on the trail.

Hikers can see plant communities, interesting topography, wildlife, beautiful scenery, and various forest management activities. A portion of the trail is adjacent to Toledo Bend Reservoir, and many portions lie along streams or special wildlife areas. The trail crosses roads at many locations, so it's easy to plan shorter hikes of varying lengths.

The trail is easy to follow. It's marked with 2-by 4-inch aluminum, rectangular-shaped tags which are attached to trees at a height of five feet above the ground in both directions. A vertical tag indicates that the trail generally continues straight ahead. A single tag with the long side leaning to the left indicates a left turn, and double tags with the long sides leaning to the right indicate a hard right turn.

The trail is designated for hiking only; horses, off-road vehicles, and mountain bikes are not allowed.

There are many opportunities to camp in primitive or natural settings along the route, except in the Moore Plantation Wildlife Management Area during
the gun deer season and in colonies of red-cockaded woodpeckers, which are an endangered species. Woodpecker colony boundaries are marked
with aqua-green paint and boundary signs.

Please be careful with campfires, and if you "pack it in, pack it out."

Directions: From Pineland, TX, Follow FM 2426 east for 10 miles; turn right (south) on Highway 87 for 3 miles; turn left (east) on FM 2928 for 3.5 miles to end of paved road; follow signs to Lakeview (approximately 4 miles).An alternative approach is from State Highway 96 within sight of the easternmost point of Sam Rayburn Reservoir.

Difficulty: Varies

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