Sam Rayburn Reservoir is the largest reservoir wholly within the state, and its 560-mile shoreline is dotted with campgrounds and marinas. Plentiful bass and catfish make it popular with anglers. Two notable wilderness areas within the forest are Turkey Hill and Upland Island.
Relics of the region's logging days can be seen along the 5.5-mile Sawmill Trail. The trail consists of two loops: one extending from Bouton Lake Recreation Area and the other from Boykin Springs Recreation Area and the Aldridge Sawmill. Portions of each loop follow the Neches River past vestiges of an old tram line, logging camps and ruined bridges. Also on site is the Aldridge Sawmill Historic Site, home to the concrete shells of a 1911 sawmill, a fuels building, a dry kiln and a power plant as well as the mill pond and part of a railroad tram.
For more information phone the district ranger station at (936) 897-1068.