4C National Recreation Trail
~4 days · 19.8 mi · easy · Point-to-point
Quick facts
What the 4C National Recreation Trail is known for
A 20-mile (31.8 km) one-way trail through the longleaf pine forests of Davy Crockett National Forest in East Texas, running between two trailheads along the Neches River. The trail passes through the Four C's timber management area (Commercial, Cattle, Camping, and Conservation), featuring the Neches Bluff Overlook with sweeping river views and several creek crossings. Easy terrain with minimal elevation gain makes this suitable for beginning backpackers; a car shuttle between the north and south trailheads is recommended.
Elevation profile
Elevation ranges from 873 ft to 1,430 ft over 19.8 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).
- Uphill 7.4 mi · 38%
- Downhill 7.7 mi · 39%
- Flat 4.5 mi · 23%
Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.
How hard is the 4C National Recreation Trail?
On the Ridgefold Difficulty Index, the 4C National Recreation Trail scores 6/100, a relative rating across the 1,243 trails we've mapped, blending distance, elevation gain, and steepness. It is a comparison within our set, not an official rating.
Frequently asked questions
How many days does the 4C National Recreation Trail take?
Most backpackers hike the 4C National Recreation Trail in about 4 days (3 nights out) over its 19.8 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.
How much elevation gain is on the 4C National Recreation Trail?
The 4C National Recreation Trail climbs roughly 787 ft total — about 40 ft per mile, topping out near 436 ft.
Related trails
Sources & attribution
Route geometry from OpenStreetMap, © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.