SPEAKING UP for HERITAGE

HIT THE ROAD
ANGELINA
NATIONAL
FOREST
The sound of water
BY LAURENCE PARENT
H
EDITOR’S NOTE: Water. It creates
scenes like this one and sustains life.
But are we taking it for granted in
Texas? See “Water for All” in the upcoming
August issue of Texas Co-op Power.
Learn about where our water comes
from, where it goes, who’s leading the
way in conservation efforts, who’s in
danger of running out of water, and
why we need to be concerned about
future water supplies in the face of
ongoing drought and a rapidly growing
population. For now, kick back and
imagine holding your hands under this
cool, rushing waterfall so beautifully
captured by Wimberley-based photographer
and writer Laurence Parent.
Waterfalls in East Texas? There are a
few, if you know where to look. To find
the beautiful one pictured above, head
for the ANGELINA NATIONAL FOREST between
Lufkin and Jasper. The Angelina
lines much of the shore of enormous SAM
RAYBURN RESERVOIR. Thick woods of
loblolly and longleaf pine, oak, magnolia,
ash and many other species blanket the
gently rolling terrain.
On the average, high annual rainfall
creates numerous creeks in the forest,
but most are quiet with flat water.
BOYKIN CREEK, however, flows through
steep enough terrain and an erosionresistant
layer of sandstone, the necessary
conditions for a waterfall. Drive to
BOYKIN SPRINGS RECREATION AREA south
of State Highway 63 and park under
the shady pines by the small lake. Take
the SAWMILL TRAIL from the south side
of the campground. An easy stroll of
less than a mile will bring you to the
small cascade on the creek. You’ll hear
the rushing waters before you see the
waterfall.
After visiting the cascade, consider
hiking farther to the spooky, overgrown
ruins of the old ALDRIDGE SAWMILL. Trees
and vines are slowly reclaiming the concrete
walls of the old industrial site.
Energetic hikers can walk 5 1 / 2 miles to
the trail’s end at pretty BOUTON LAKE, a
good spot for fishing and canoeing.
Laurence Parent travels the world pursuing
exceptional nature photos.
38 TEXAS CO-OP POWER July 2012