Fastrill Flats Ranch

Location & Setting

This 97.78-acre tract lies along the west side of FM 23, just north of SH 294, immediately east of the Neches River in the river corridor that separates Cherokee County and Anderson County, Texas. The Neches River corridor is rich in timber and water resources, offering a naturally game-rich environment. The subject property enjoys a unique setting in that it is surrounded by very large, institutionally owned timber tracts which have been well managed for whitetail deer hunting for many years, giving the impression of an exclusive, big-tract neighborhood.

Terrain & Timber Features

The property’s terrain varies gently from approximately 240 feet above sea level at its lowest point to about 260 feet at its highest. The east side of the Neches River in this area lies on higher ground, so seasonal flooding generally affects only properties to the west and is not known to impact this tract. The land features a blend of open native forage areas, scattered mature hardwoods, and multiple stands of planted pine of varying ages, creating a balanced mix of habitat and visual diversity.

A distinctive aspect of this property is its connection to the Texas A&M Forest Service, which has used the tract for decades as part of a forestry research and genetic-improvement program. This program focuses on studying pine species such as loblolly, shortleaf, and slash pine to enhance timber growth, disease resistance, and adaptability to East Texas conditions. As a result, many of the pine stands here were professionally established and monitored using industry-best silvicultural practices. The legacy of this research contributes not only to the property’s strong timber base but also to the region’s broader forestry advancements, helping shape modern pine management standards throughout East Texas.

The ongoing lease with the Texas A&M Forest Service can be terminated with six months’ notice if desired, but it has not been an inconvenience to the current owner during more than a decade of ownership. The lease has been in effect since 1980 with the previous owners, all of which have decided to keep it in place. Its continuation could also appeal to buyers interested in maintaining an association with a recognized forestry institution.

Recreational & Wildlife Aspects

The property’s surroundings—large managed timber holdings and river-corridor geography—lend it immediate credibility for deer, turkey and other game species. Native forbs and grasses in the open areas provide forage, while the mix of mature timber and younger pine stands offer cover and structure. Whitetail deer, hogs and assorted small game are abundant in East Texas river bottoms and this is no exception. The established timber management and adjacency to large hunting tracts further support viable hunting and wildlife-management opportunities.

Improvements & Utilities

At the FM 23 frontage there is an older home plus a shed. The house is in poor to fair condition and likely has limited contributory value, but utilities (electricity and well) are in place. Further into the tract, near the center, sits a well-constructed 35′ × 40′ shed (with a small storage area) that is wired for electricity. A 285-foot deep water well serves the property, and RV hookups are installed — meaning a new owner can bring an RV onto the tract with minimal delay and begin enjoying the land.

Expansion Opportunity

Adjacent to this 97.78-acre tract is approximately 89 acres of leased timber company land, with access to the Neches River. If the lease is approved for transfer to a new owner, the effective utility of land use could almost double, and the new owner would gain river access plus additional timber/recreation acreage.

Local Area & Amenities

The property lies within the Neches River corridor of western Cherokee County, an area known for rolling timberlands, abundant wildlife, and easy access to East Texas recreation. It is about six miles northwest of Maydelle, fifteen miles southwest of Rusk, and roughly thirty miles northeast of Palestine, with larger services available in Jacksonville and Tyler.

Nearby opportunities include fishing and kayaking on the Neches River, hunting and hiking in the Neches River National Wildlife Refuge and Davy Crockett National Forest, and public hunting access at Gus Engeling Wildlife Management Area in Anderson County. Several nearby lakes, including Lake Palestine, Lake Striker, and Houston County Lake, provide additional options for boating and fishing.

Together, these surrounding amenities make this area ideal for those seeking a quiet rural setting with strong recreational and natural appeal.

Historical Note

This property occupies ground once home to the early 1900s logging community of Fastrill in western Cherokee County. Established in 1922 by the Southern Pine Lumber Company, Fastrill was named by combining the surnames of three company men—Farrington, Strauss, and Hill. At its peak, the camp supported around 600 residents and included a school, two churches, a commissary, a hotel, and housing for workers and their families. Steam-powered logging trains hauled East Texas pine from this very area to the company mill in Diboll, and the settlement even operated its own water and electric systems to support daily life.

By 1941, with most of the timber harvested, the camp was abandoned and its residents relocated. Today, only a pair of children’s graves remain as a quiet reminder of what was once a thriving East Texas logging town. This legacy adds a meaningful layer of history to the property and connects it to the region’s rich timber heritage.

Summary

In sum, this 97.78-acre tract offers a mixture of managed timber, open native forage, utilities in place, a meaningful recreational and wildlife setting, historical context, and the near-term potential to expand via the adjacent leased acreage for river access. It is well-suited to a buyer seeking a rural East Texas timber and hunting/recreational property with infrastructure already in place.