In September 2011, at the end of the worst single-year drought in Texas history and with a tropical storm's winds behind it, fire burned about 34,000 acres of this pine forest and more than 1,600 homes — the most destructive wildfire the state has recorded. Loblolly pine does not resprout from its roots the way many oaks do, so a stand that burns that hot comes back only from seed, and the seed source burned with it. Millions of seedlings have been hand-planted here since, which is why the young pines along this stretch stand in visibly even-aged blocks.
Getting there
30.1100, -97.2600
Locations are approximate and may be inaccurate, on private land, or otherwise inaccessible. Check before you travel.
Hear it from the road
Whistlestop tells you this story automatically when you drive past. No searching, no tapping, nothing to ask.
