Sawmill Hiking Trail

Not many options in this area so I went to this because had a lot of good feedback. Took maybe an hour and a half to hike to the Mill and that was stopping several times. Trails pretty until you pass the road halfway through then afterwards things get a little overgrown. It's not bad but wear pants or at least bug spray. The Mill is pretty cool. The overgrowth plus the graffiti and being alone made me feel like I was in the opening scene of a horror movie

I would probably give this a 5 if only it were a loop, rather than an out-and-back. The scenery in the creek bottom is splendid, and I was very pleasantly surprised by the challenges this trail presented. There are so few trails in Southeast Texas with any elevation changes at all that this trail, with it's steep descents and scrambles up creek banks, is a real treasure. Because the creek is spring-fed and there is a thick canopy of hardwoods much of the way, this is a relatively cool hike even on the hottest summer day.

We had such fun today! There is a creek and several little waterfalls. The terrain was a bit rough in spots, ups and downs. The abandon mill was pretty cool. A lot of graffiti, though. On the way back we stopped at the creek and cooled off. The trail to the Aldridge Sawill and back is actually 6 miles.

I made the mistake of telling my husband it was a bike trail - it is NOT!

Great trail, been coming out here since I was a kid. First half of the trail is great. It follows along a nice cool spring fed creek just about to the halfway point, where it’s going to diverge off into a forest trail. Definitely best in the fall when things are cooling off and the leaves are changing. A lot of people are complaining about the graffiti but it really adds a lot to the experience in my opinion. Also if you want to see a couple bats you should stick around until dark.

First half of trail is great. Nice views of the stream, some small waterfalls, open spaces. At the halfway point, you cross a street and everything changes. Lots of overgrowth, not much to see, downed trees, poorly marked at times. There are a few elevation changes which was nice however. Unfortunately The sawmill and the structures near it are covered graffiti. Not a waste of a day, but not on my list to return.

great trail sawmill is awesome. lots of sights and water falls are great

Great trail! Maintained well without making it a bike path. The Aldridge Saw Mill is a creepy cool reward at the end, great place to take a break, cook some hot dogs and then head back. Cool weather a must in my opinion.

The second half of this trail no longer exists. Found out the hard way when the trail just ended and had to find my way back through a swampy, vine infested area. Once you get to County road 34 (where there is a metal barrier that leads to a road) turn around and back track the same way you came.

Forest Service is showing signs of their meager appropriations. Nice trail, but needs some maintenance. Aldridge sawmill has been tainted with graffiti.

Great little hike. Wish the old sawmill was better protected and cleaned up.(spray paint...) but still very neat to see.

Hiked this trail many times!! So many memories here!! Beautiful hike and just about anyone can do it!!

This may be the prettiest Texas trail I have ever walked. it runs alongside a beautiful creek for most of it. and the water is some of the cleanest I have seen in Texas. ive hiked in colorado so anything in texas is easy to me, but I may call this trail moderate for some. its a very fun and pretty hike. the sawmill ruin is also fascinating to see. too bad it has graffiti all over it. I plan on coming back and camping here!

fun little trail and the saw Mill is cool looking

Great trail!

Great trail, great camping area. Easy.

Great hike but lower part of trail impassible due to flooding from Neches river. Still good for a 2 and a half hour hike. Lots of creeks and little ravines to cross. Lots of fallen trees across the trail. Trail runs along a creek with fast running water and white sand banks. Water looks pretty clear and cool. You really have to keep an eye out for the little yellow squares that mark the trail. Beginning of the trail to the left across the grass field from the shelter and restrooms... where it crosses a creek. Pretty hard to do without getting your feet and shoes wet. Mine got soaked on the way back. I would definitely do this trail again.

What a great Hike! Water runs next to most of the trail. I wouldn't rate it as easy though. Lots of ravines to go through - which was fun, but challenging.

great mountains but loose rocks

Signs say that it's closed due to Hurricane damage however the hurricane damage increase the difficulty level and made it a lot more fun.

Didn't actual hike but the lake part was great

I enjoyed the beach with the mountain views

I took my kids out to enjoy the hike, it was around 70 degrees on a mid January day...perfect temperature. The trail begins at the bottom of the hill after you enter the Boykin Springs Rec area. Completely single track and with little elevation change, the trail traverses along a creek for the majority of the hike. There had been some recent rains which left the creek moderately full and flowing. Due to the rain portions of the trail in lower areas were soggy or had standing water. There were a few bridges that have been washed out by high waters, some appeared to be more recent than others. I would recommend the expectation of wet shoes...especially if you have young kids with you. The washed out bridges would make it difficult for some people, depending on their ability. The hike is absolutely worth the effort once you reach the incredibly photogenic sawmill. My biggest criticism regards the trash left at the sawmill by people who think its a good drinking spot.

It was a good hike. The saw mill is really spooky. I wouldn't joke out there by myself. Also, there isn't really a waterfall. I'm guessing what everyone is referring to as a "waterfall" is near the beginning of the hike there is a small spillover on the creek. Pretty disappointing for my 9 year old daughter who was expecting much more.