5 Favorite Outdoor Activities to Enjoy Near Jacksonville, TX

For outdoor enthusiasts, Jacksonville, TX is the place to be for exciting outdoor activities. The clear water of Jacksonville Lake is excellent for fishing, swimming, and boating. You can head off to River Run ATV Park and hit a trail in your off-road vehicle. The pristine hardwood forest at the Neches River National Wildlife Refuge provides hikers with an extraordinary outdoor experience.

5 Favorite Outdoor Activities to Enjoy Near Jacksonville, TX

1. Hiking and Birdwatching

The 7,000-acre Neches River National Wildlife Refuge boasts the best preserved bottomland hardwood forest in the country. Eight marked trails wind for over 25 scenic miles through the extraordinary forest, run along the Neches River, and climb up the pines woodlands.

The trails range from one to seven miles in length with various degrees of difficulty. Hikers will hear birds in the trees, the calls of coyotes, and catch glimpses of ducks, herons, haws, and other bird species.

2. Boating, Swimming, Fishing, and Camping

Grab your gear and head out to Lake Jacksonville for a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Here you can sunbathe on the beach, swim, boat, fish, and camp on the shores of the 1,325-acre lake. It’s a favorite fishing spot to reel in largemouth and spotted bass, crappie, perch, and catfish. There is a boat launch and a pier.

The campgrounds on the shores of the lake include shelters and RV pads with water, electricity, barbecue pits, and restrooms with showers. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife around the lake. Visitors often spot bald eagles, deer, and red foxes.

3. Off-Road Trail Riding

Get in your ATV, UTV, 4×4 truck, golf cart, saddle your horse, and hop on your bicycle and explore the 2,000 acre River Run ATV Park on the Neches River down miles of trails. The trails that run through woodlands and over oil field roads are for any type of off-road vehicle. Some of the tracks are really muddy, others are dry, but all offer spectacular views of the river and Big Rock.

4. Picnicking and Panoramic Views

At an elevation of 720 feet above sea level, Love’s Lookout Park provides spectacular views of the eastern horizon that stretches out over 30 miles on clear days. The gardens are planted with colorful perennials which attract butterflies and birds. The picnic tables and benches make this the perfect spot to appreciate the magnificent views and enjoy picnics in scenic surroundings. The park has restrooms, an information center, and vending machines.

5. Exotic Wildlife Safari

See a wide range of exotic and endangered animals at Cherokee Trace on a drive-through wildlife safari on miles of trails through the hills and savannas of this 300-acre park. The animals live in habitats that closely resemble their native territories. You can watch them from the comfort of your vehicle drinking at the waterholes, roaming across open fields, and lazing under the trees in the shade.

The region offers a wide range of exciting activities and adventures in beautiful surroundings that suits everyone’s tastes. Contact Bacon Auto Country today and make a service appointment. One of our expert technicians will ensure that your vehicle is in perfect condition to take you on an exciting outdoor adventure.

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