Sabine National Forest Forest Road 276 Yellowpine Trail
CCC ruins through virgin East Texas pine
Forest Road 276 cuts through the heart of Sabine National Forest’s most remote section, following old logging roads past towering longleaf pines and cypress bottoms that the Civilian Conservation Corps carved in the 1930s. The route starts near Milam and winds through dense forest canopy to the abandoned Yellowpine CCC camp ruins, crossing Palo Gaucho Creek three times and threading between towering pine stands that predate modern timber management.
This is moderate-difficulty territory requiring high-clearance 4WD for the creek crossings and seasonal mud holes that can swallow a stock truck. Best tackled April through October when water levels drop and the clay hardens up. No permits needed, but fuel up in Hemphill before starting — it’s 18 miles of zero services through genuine East Texas wilderness. You’ll earn solitude few Texans ever see and some of the state’s last virgin timber.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Dirt |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 18 mi / 29 km |
| Duration | 1 day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 420 ft |
| Best season | April-October |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock 4WD high-clearance |
| Nearest town | Hemphill, Texas |
| Land manager | US Forest Service |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
No recent condition reports. Be the first to post one.
Log in to post a condition report.
Frequently asked questions
Can a stock 4Runner or Wrangler handle FR 276 without any mods?
Yes, a stock high-clearance 4WD with good all-terrain tires can complete this trail. Skid plates are a smart addition given the mud holes and creek crossings, but lifts and lockers aren't required for moderate conditions.
When does FR 276 turn into a muddy mess and is it passable year-round?
Best window is April through October. Winter rains and freeze-thaw cycles in November through March can turn the clay-heavy dirt surface into a serious bog that'll swallow stock vehicles. After heavy summer storms, the creek crossings rise fast — check conditions locally before you go.
Do I need a permit to run this trail or camp in Sabine National Forest?
No permit is required for day use or dispersed camping on Sabine National Forest. Dispersed camping is free but you must stay 150 feet from water sources and roads. There's no fee station on FR 276.
What's the hardest section and what should I expect?
The creek crossings and mud holes are the crux — water depth varies significantly after rain and some crossings can reach axle depth on a stock truck. The trail is otherwise a straightforward two-track through dense pine, but one bad crossing can end your day if you're not paying attention to the entry and exit angles.
Is there anywhere to get gas or water near the trailhead, and will I have cell service on trail?
Fuel up in Hemphill, Texas before you head in — it's the last reliable stop and the trail runs 18 miles through remote East Texas forest with zero cell service the entire way. Bring all the water you need; the creek crossings are not a clean drinking source without treatment.
Trail track
No GPX track for this trail yet. If you've driven it and have a track, contribute below.
Log in to contribute a GPX track.