Karnack Travel Guide

Explore the best places to visit, things to do, and cultural customs of Karnack, Texas with this comprehensive travel guide.


Introduction to Karnack

Located in the heart of Piney Woods, Karnack offers a unique blend of natural beauty, outdoor adventures, and rich history. This small town nestled in Texas has something for everyone, from hiking and biking routes to museums and historical landmarks.

In this travel guide, we’ll explore the best places to visit, things to do, and cultural customs of Karnack. Whether you’re a local Texan or a first-time visitor, this guide will help you make the most of your trip to Karnack.

List of Places to Visit in Karnack

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Caddo Lake State Park: Home to the largest natural lake in Texas, Caddo Lake State Park offers scenic views, hiking trails, and boat rides through the wetlands.
  • Texas & Pacific Railway Depot Museum: This historical landmark features restored 1920s train cars, a caboose, and a depot building which showcases the role of the railway in Texas history.
  • Starr Family Home State Historic Site: Explore the lives of the influential Starr family, who were prominent figures in early Texas history and played a key role in shaping the history and culture of the region.

Natural Attractions of Karnack: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Caddo Lake: Explore the bayous and cypress forests of the lake with a guided boat tour, rent a kayak or fish along the banks.
  • Big Cypress Bayou: Take in the scenery of the longest bayou in the world and enjoy kayaking or canoeing along the waterway.
  • Kellyville Nature Trail: This 1.5-mile round trip nature trail offers scenic views, birding opportunities, and an educational experience as it offers interactive signage along the path.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Karnack

  • Thick Forest Trail: This 10.5-mile bike trail in Caddo Lake State Park features scenic views of the wetland and cypress forest.
  • Bald Cypress Nature Trail: This 1-mile trail offers an easy 30-minute hike through the lush forest, and an opportunity to see some of the diversity of the region’s wildlife.
  • Northeast Texas Trail: This 130-mile trail connects New Boston in Texas to Texarkana on the border of Texas and Arkansas, offering a great long-distance cycling opportunity.

Best Things to Do in Karnack: Activities and Tours

  • Caddo Lake Paddle: Take a guided boat or kayak tour through the cypress-lined waterways of Caddo Lake. This unique natural experience reveals inner workings of wildlife and flora of the swampy region
  • Horseback Riding: Explore Caddo Lake State Park on horseback with guided tours, which provides an opportunity to observe a variety of bird and wildlife.
  • Caddo Outback Tours: This tour provides a unique insight into the upper basin environment of the Caddo Lake and its history. The bilingual guide shares a broad range of cultural insights into the region and unique access to the areas that most visitors don’t get to see.

Week-Long Itinerary for Karnack

Day Activity
Day 1 Visit the Caddo Lake State Park and take a guided boat tour. Hike or bike the Thick Forest Trail for scenic views.
Day 2 Explore the Texas & Pacific Railway Depot Museum, grab lunch at one of the local restaurants, and marvel at the impressive Starr Family Home State Historic Site.
Day 3 Take on a guided horseback riding tour at Caddo Lake. Beat the heat of the journey with an afternoon visit to the Caddo Outback Tours
Day 4 Visit Floyds Old General Store (closed on Mondays) and take advantage of the Kellyville Nature Trail. Follow up with lunch at a local restaurant.
Day 5 Take another guided boat tour or rent kayaks and explore Caddo Lake. Take a drive down the scenic Big Cypress Bayou to enjoy history at Karnack’s historic churchyards.
Day 6 Cycle the Northeast Texas Trail, pack a picnic and explore the scenic trail.
Day 7 Enjoy the Baldwin Caddo Indian Powwow & Heritage Festival (held in the first week of June) before you say goodbye to Karnack.

Food and Drink Scene of Karnack

Must-Try Dishes

  • Barbecue: Texas is famous for its barbecue, and Karnack has plenty of places to dig into various dishes, including chops, brisket, and ribs with the best local flavor.
  • Seafood: As a lake town, Caddo Lake offers some of the best seafood in Texas, try the local catfish and hushpuppies
  • Tex-Mex: Satisfy your Tex-Mex cravings with some local favorites such as tacos, enchiladas, and freshly made salsa.

Local Beverages

  • Caddo Lake Tea: Topped with a lemon slice and served iced, this sweet tea is a refreshing drink you’ll only find in Karnack.
  • Craft Beer: Enjoy locally crafted beer at one of the breweries in the nearby towns of Marshall and Longview.

Where to Stay in Karnack: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Caddo Lake Lodge: This intimate guest house is perfect for small families and couples, with cozy rooms overlooking the beautiful surroundings of Caddo Lake.
  • Comfort Suites: This modern hotel offers spacious rooms, including suites, with on-site fitness and business centers.
  • Pine Creek Country Inn: This historic bed and breakfast offers a peaceful retreat with beautiful garden scenery and elegance.

What to Buy in Karnack: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Caddo Lake Jewelry & Gifts: Browse local handicrafts and unique souvenirs, such as jewelry and gifts, at this charming store in the Caddo Lake State Park.
  • Lone Star Mercantile: For handmade products and local craft items, visit this quaint shop, which also provides perfect gifts to take home.
  • Sewing Bee Embroidery & Gifts: Personalize your souvenir with custom embroidery for gifts and various decor items to take back home.

Local Culture and Customs of Karnack

Karnack is a small town known for its friendly people, beautiful nature, and welcoming spirit. The local customs of the area celebrate southern hospitality, cultural heritage, and love for the outdoors. It’s best to embrace and respect these customs while enjoying the town for an unforgettable experience.

Best Time to Visit Karnack

The best time to visit Karnack is in the fall when the weather is comfortable and the scenery is stunning with the changing colors of the leaves. In the summer, visitors can enjoy long days and various outdoor activities such as kayaking and hiking.

Do’s and Don’ts of Karnack

Do:

  • Respect the natural beauty and wildlife of Caddo Lake State Park.
  • Take advantage of the opportunities to learn about Texan history and culture.
  • Embrace the local hospitality and loosen your belt for the best cuisine in the area.

Don’t:

  • Litter the natural parks or waterways.
  • Ignore the rich history and cultural heritage of the town.
  • Overlook the opportunity to shop for locally crafted products.

Safety and Health

Safety in Karnack

Karnack is a small town, and violent crime is rare in the area. Visitors should use common sense and take the usual precautionary measures. When hiking and exploring the outdoors, keep an eye out for the native wildlife including snakes, alligators and other wildlife that call this area home.

Health in Karnack

Karnack adheres to regular safety standards for safe swimming, boating, and general outdoor recreation. As Caddo Lake is largely swamp and wetland terrain, be cautious when boating or hiking to prevent exposure to mosquitoes and ticks carried in the area. Visitors should always bring sunscreen, insect repellent, and appropriate clothing against the elements.

Getting to Karnack: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Karnack

The closest commercial airports are Tyler Pounds Regional Airport (TYR) in Texas, which is approximately 73 miles south of Karnack, and Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport (BTR), about 180 miles to the east of Karnack.

Bus Stations Near Karnack

There is no direct bus access to Karnack, but visitors can take a bus to the nearby cities of Marshall or Longview, and rent a car from there.

Other Options

Visitors can drive to Karnack, which is located off of US Highway 59 to the east of Marshall. Rental cars and taxis are available in nearby Longview for those who wouldn’t like to drive.

How to Get Around in Karnack

The best way to get around Karnack is by car. Visitors can rent a car at one of the nearby airports or in the cities of Marshall or Longview. Bicycles are also a popular choice for exploring the area.

Where to Go Next from Karnack: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Jefferson, Texas: Historic riverfront town – 30-minute drive
  • Marshall, Texas: Historical landmarks and museums – 30-minute drive
  • Longview, Texas: Piney Woods scenery, outdoor adventures, and shopping – 30-minute drive

Conclusion

Karnack is a unique destination that combines outdoor adventure, cultural heritage, and southern charm. Whether you’re exploring Caddo Lake State Park, visiting a local museum, or sampling the local cuisine, there’s always something new to discover in this charming town. With this comprehensive travel guide at hand, you’ll be prepared to make the most of your trip and create lifelong memories with family and friends.

Caddo Lake near Karnack Caddo Lake near Karnack