Text for an article about the Piney Woods region of East Texas that was published in the September 2007 issue of Texas Highways magazine.

Sam Rayburn Reservoir, nestled within the enchanting East Texas Piney Woods, beckons anglers year-round to its abundant waters. As a cherished angler's haven, this picturesque reservoir hosts thrilling fishing tournaments throughout the seasons. From seasoned competitors to eager enthusiasts, the reservoir offers an unparalleled fishing experience, where the tranquility of nature meets the excitement of the catch. With the setting sun casting a golden glow over the glistening waters, the camaraderie and competitive spirit unite, creating cherished memories amidst the captivating beauty of Sam Rayburn Reservoir.

Sam Rayburn Reservoir, nestled within the scenic East Texas Piney Woods, beckons anglers from all around the year. With its bountiful waters and abundant fish species, this reservoir serves as an angler's paradise, hosting fishing tournaments throughout the year. From experienced fishermen to passionate enthusiasts, the reservoir offers a captivating fishing experience, where the thrill of the catch meets the tranquility of nature. As the sun sets over the glistening waters, the camaraderie and competitive spirit of fishing tournaments intertwine, creating unforgettable memories amidst the beauty of Sam Rayburn Reservoir.

Embracing the serene charm of the East Texas Piney Woods, Jasper's courthouse square becomes a tapestry of beauty with a blanket of bluebonnets. Nature's paintbrush adorns the landscape with vibrant blue hues, captivating onlookers as they wander through this enchanting sea of wildflowers. A breathtaking testament to the region's natural allure, the bluebonnets create a tranquil haven in the heart of Jasper, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the picturesque charm of the Piney Woods.

In a mesmerizing display of nature's artistry, the courthouse square in Jasper is graced with a vibrant carpet of bluebonnets. Nestled within the heart of the East Texas Piney Woods, this breathtaking sight transforms the landscape into a sea of blue, enchanting visitors and locals alike with the beauty of these Texas wildflowers. As the delicate bluebonnets sway gently in the breeze, the courthouse square becomes a picturesque oasis, celebrating the natural splendor of the Piney Woods region.

In the heart of the East Texas Piney Woods, Boles Field stands as a testament to the cherished tradition of fox hunting. The field is adorned with markers paying tribute to renowned fox hounds and dedicated enthusiasts of this time-honored sport. As the pine trees stand tall in the background, Boles Field preserves the spirit of a bygone era, celebrating the bond between man and hound in the embrace of the majestic forest.

Step into the past with this captivating photograph capturing a historic event celebration in the heart of the forest. Amidst the lush greenery, bottle trees stand tall, adorned with colorful bottles, while the iconic American flag proudly waves in the breeze. The scene depicts a joyous gathering, where the spirit of unity and patriotism blends harmoniously with the beauty of nature. An enchanting glimpse into history, this snapshot evokes a sense of pride and camaraderie that continues to resonate through the ages.

A mesmerizing sight unfolds at the general store, where an array of fishing baits takes center stage. Expertly displayed, these alluring lures beckon fishing enthusiasts to explore their diverse designs and vibrant colors. From classic spinners to modern soft plastics, each bait tells a unique story of craftsmanship and innovation. As visitors peruse the collection, they embark on a journey into the world of angling, where the thrill of the catch and the beauty of nature intertwine in the heart of the East Texas Piney Woods. Whether for seasoned anglers or novices seeking adventure, this captivating display celebrates the art and passion of fishing, igniting a spark of excitement for the next fishing expedition.

In this lively photograph captured during the East Texas Jamboree, a talented woman takes the stage by storm. Clad in a black shimmery dress, she effortlessly moves to the beat, dancing with infectious energy and joy. As she seamlessly transitions between singing with the band and grooving to the music, her radiant expressions mirror her sheer delight in the moment. Her dynamic performance not only captivates the audience but also infuses the entire atmosphere with an irresistible rhythm, creating an unforgettable and euphoric experience at the festival.

Immerse yourself in the captivating beauty of the East Texas Piney Woods as the sun sets over Toledo Bend Reservoir. The serene waters mirror the vibrant hues of the sky, creating a breathtaking and picturesque view. Witness the magical moment when nature's splendor meets the peaceful tranquility of the reservoir, making it a truly unforgettable experience.

Nestled near the center of Shelby County, the charming town of Center showcases its unique heritage with an extraordinary county courthouse resembling an Irish castle, adorned with 12 striking fireplace chimneys. This "Crown Jewel of Texas," erected in 1885, has been meticulously restored and transformed into a visitor center, inviting you to step back in time. Explore nearby historic treasures like the Shelby County Jail and the Historical Society Museum, and immerse yourself in the rich history of this enchanting Texan town.

Welcome to Center, a captivating town in Shelby County known for its extraordinary county courthouse, designed as an enchanting Irish castle with 12 stunning fireplace chimneys. This historical gem, built in 1885 and lovingly restored in 1998, now serves as a visitor center, offering a glimpse into the area's rich past. As you explore Center, don't miss the Shelby County Jail and the Historical Society Museum, both showcasing the town's fascinating heritage in the heart of East Texas.

Coral honeysuckle, also known as Evergreen Honeysuckle, Trumpet Honeysuckle, Woodbine, Scarlet Trumpet, or Red Honeysuckle, graces the landscape of East Texas with its vibrant presence. This smooth, twining evergreen vine embellishes stream banks, woods, and thickets, spreading its dark, shiny green leaves with a white lower surface. Its trumpet-shaped corolla, occurring in clusters of four to six blossoms, offers a stunning display of red outside and orange inside, occasionally showcasing all orange or yellow hues. Delighting the senses, the coral honeysuckle's twining stems, ranging from red to green, transform to a charming grey with a shreddy texture upon maturity. As September arrives, clusters of red berries adorn the vine, adding further allure. Perfectly suited to climb fences and trellises, this evergreen beauty attracts pollinating hummingbirds with its early bloom in January, followed by sporadic blossoms throughout the growing season. Unlike its more aggressive counterpart, the Japanese honeysuckle, coral honeysuckle remains a beloved and non-invasive addition to the enchanting East Texas Piney Woods.

Step into the warm embrace of this charming cabin, where the interiors are a celebration of rustic elegance. The all-wooden ambiance creates a cozy and inviting atmosphere, complemented by the gentle rays of sunshine streaming through the large windows. Delicate floral print curtains add a touch of whimsy to the space, while two long wooden benches and a few chairs invite you to unwind and bask in the serenity of the surrounding forest. It's a perfect retreat to immerse yourself in the beauty of nature and find solace in simplicity.

In the heart of the East Texas Piney Woods, the historic Pratt House in Hemphill serves as a timeless witness to the past. Once the residence of Sallie Pratt and her husband George Edward Pratt, the house was built in 1908 with prayers for its preservation. Today, the house stands strong, and its significance is commemorated through events like the annual Civil War Re-enactment. Dancers from the Alabama-Coushatta Indian Reservation in Woodville grace the grounds, sharing their cultural heritage and contributing to the house's continued legacy. The Pratt House remains a symbol of the region's rich history, cherished by its community for generations to come.

A captivating performer from the Alabama-Coushatta Indian Reservation at Woodville mesmerizes the crowd with their expert juggling of multiple rings during the annual Civil War Re-enactment event at Hemphill's historic Pratt House. Amidst the enchanting ambience of the event, a diverse audience delights in the cultural spectacle, savoring the rich traditions of East Texas on display.

In the scenic backdrop of the East Texas Piney Woods, the historic Pratt House stands as a testament to the past. Built in 1908 by George Edward Pratt for his wife Sallie, the house's preservation is attributed to her prayers and is revered by the Hemphill community. The annual Civil War Re-enactment event at the Pratt House brings together dancers from the Alabama-Coushatta Indian Reservation, celebrating their cultural heritage and contributing to the house's enduring legacy as a cherished symbol of East Texas history.

Captured in this mesmerizing photograph is a skilled performer from the Alabama-Coushatta Indian Reservation at Woodville, showcasing their dexterity with multiple rings during the annual Civil War Re-enactment event at Hemphill's historic Pratt House. The performer's graceful movements and the intricate display of rings add to the allure of the cultural spectacle, bringing alive the rich traditions of East Texas. Amidst the grandeur of Pratt House, the performance weaves together the past and present, celebrating the enduring heritage of the region.

Behold the captivating beauty of a clerestory window, an ethereal source of light in the sacred realm of a church. Adorning the immense cathedral with intricate craftsmanship, this window features a remarkable centerpiece: a depiction of wheat cereal with the profound inscription "I am the bread of life." In the tradition of Romanesque and Gothic architecture, the clerestory window allows radiant beams of sunlight to dance upon the vaulted ceilings, filling the space with a celestial glow. Amidst the vibrant hues of stained glass, the symbol of wheat cereal symbolizes spiritual sustenance and renewal, echoing the timeless words of divinity. "I am the bread of life" serves as a bridge between the earthly and the divine, inspiring awe and reverence in all who bask in its transcendent radiance.

This lively photograph captures the vibrant atmosphere of the East Texas Jamboree in Broaddus, Texas. The stage is filled with talented musicians, each passionately playing their instruments, including drums, guitars, keyboards, and violins. The band's harmonious melodies reverberate through the air as a female singer delivers a soulful performance, captivating the audience. In the backdrop, the banner proudly displays the event's name, "East Texas Jamboree," setting the scene for a memorable musical experience that celebrates the diverse talents and love for music in this enchanting corner of Texas.

Delve into the captivating world of the Eastern Redbud, affectionately known as the Judas-Tree, as it graces the scenic landscapes of East Texas. This small to medium-sized tree showcases its heart-shaped leaves, casting a mesmerizing allure, especially in the early spring when its clusters of pink to purplish flowers bloom along the twigs and branches, even before the leaves unfurl. As you wander through the woodlands or explore the forest's edge, you may chance upon this charming tree, adorned with its unique flattened pods and reddish-brown bark. With a rich history tied to its name, the Eastern Redbud stands as a delicate beauty in the Piney Woods region, adding to the natural wonders of the area. In this captivating photograph, the Eastern Redbud takes center stage, its exquisite blooms standing in harmonious contrast with the forest surroundings. A moving trailer in the background adds a touch of human presence, further highlighting the harmonious coexistence of nature and civilization in the East Texas Piney Woods.

Discover the enchanting Eastern Redbud, also known as the Judas-Tree, gracing the picturesque landscapes of East Texas. This small to medium-sized tree with heart-shaped leaves casts a mesmerizing allure, especially in early spring when its pink to purplish flowers bloom along the twigs and branches, even before the leaves emerge. As you wander through the woodlands or the forest's edge, you may spot this charming tree with its distinctive flattened pods and reddish-brown bark. With a fascinating history tied to its name, the Eastern Redbud stands as a delicate beauty in the Piney Woods region, adding to the natural wonders of the area.

In a remarkable portrayal of history, participants don the uniforms of Civil War battalions during the annual re-enactment event at Hemphill's historic Pratt House. With meticulous attention to detail, the scene comes alive as these dedicated re-enactors bring the past to life, immersing themselves in the spirit of the era. Amidst the timeless architecture of the Pratt House, the event pays homage to the bravery and sacrifices of those who once marched upon these very grounds.

Explore the captivating beauty of the Eastern Redbud, also known as the Judas-Tree, gracefully adorning the picturesque landscapes of East Texas Piney Woods. With its heart-shaped leaves and delightful pink to purplish flowers, this small to medium-sized tree casts a mesmerizing allure, heralding the arrival of spring. Amidst the woodlands, witness the enchanting bloom and the red fruits that follow, attracting a variety of wildlife. While the flowering dogwood faces threats in the wild, its charm and significance as a native treasure remain an enduring part of the Piney Woods' natural wonders.