With Lake O' The Pines and Caddo Lake just a few miles away, visitors to Marshall have ample opportunities for outdoor recreation. Fishing, swimming, boating, skiing, bird watching and camping are among activities available on these scenic lakes.

Caddo Lake is one of only two natural lakes in Texas. The irregularly shaped body of water stretches between the borders of northwestern Louisiana (Shreveport) and Harrison and Marion counties. It is a 35,000-acre maze of sloughs, bogs, bayous, and "Boat-roads." Caddo is known for its exotic flora and fauna. Fishing is great, and scenic lake tours are available. Caddo also is home to a number of lakeside restaurants and bed-and-breakfasts.

With ten official paddling trails in the region, the Caddo area now has over 50 miles of canoe and kayak trails for visiting paddlers! Follow the trail markers posted along each of the trails to explore the mysterious maze of sloughs, swamps and bayous for which this beautiful region is known.

Benton Lake Paddling Trail (Big Cypress Bayou)
Clear Lake Paddling Trail (Big Cypress Bayou)
Haggerty Creek Paddling Trail (Big Cypress Bayou)
Mill Pond Paddling Trail (Big Cypress Bayou)
Old River II Paddling Trail (Big Cypress Bayou)
Carter's Chute Paddling Trail (Caddo Lake)
Cathedral Paddling Trail (Caddo Lake)
Hell's Half Acre Paddling Trail (Caddo Lake)
Old Folks Playground Paddling Trail (Caddo Lake)
Turtle Shell Paddling Trail (Caddo Lake)

Lake O' The Pines, northwest of Marshall in Marion and Morris counties, is a popular fishing destination brimming with bass, catfish and crappie. The lake has several full-service marinas, motels, cabins, guesthouses, bed-and-breakfast establishments, restaurants and shops. Campsite information may be obtained by calling (903) 665-2548, or on the web at www.lakeothepines.com.

In addition, a myriad of outdoor recreational opportunities are available at Caddo Lake State Park in Karnack. The park features a museum of natural history, hiking trails with the indigenous species marked, canoe and cabin rentals, and picnic areas. For park information, call (903) 679-3351 or visit www.uncertain-tx.com.

Marshall also boasts a site that is a part of the Texas Parks and Wildlife system. The Starr Family State Historic Park includes museums at Maplecroft, Starr-Blake Home and Rosemont, the latter being a beautifully restored bed and breakfast facility as well. For more information on the Starr Family State Historical Center, call (800) 792-1112 or visit www.tpwd.state.tx.us.

For hunting enthusiasts, Marshall is a perfect home base for excursions onto public lands and private hunting clubs that feature deer, turkey and duck. And, make sure to pack your clubs. Golfers will appreciate the scenic and well-maintained public and private golf courses in Marshall.