Story by Tom Wiley | Photography by Miguel Asensio
Sometimes, roads are defined by neat towns and features that line their paths.
There are numerous opportunities to park and visit. Then, there are roads that are unbridled by anything but lush scenery. They offer a continuous pace without interruptions. They don’t shout, “Stop here! Go there!” They whisper sweetly in your ear, “Just ride me!” That’s what Farm-to-Market Road 315 does, and why it is one of our favorites.
FM 315 is a 45-mile highway that splits two Travel Regions in East Texas — the Piney Woods Region and the Prairies and Lakes Region. “Highway” may be too extreme of a word. FM 315 is narrow, winding, and rolls up and down like a ride at the Texas State Fair. One minute you’re concentrating on a tight sweeper. The next, you’re gaping at a 20-mile view.
If you’re approaching the northern terminus of FM 315 via FM 279, it’s a good bet that you enjoyed a belt-stretching meal at The Shed in nearby Edom, another Ride Texas® favorite. The town of Chandler is a short four-mile ride down FM 315. This would be a good spot to stop for gas, if necessary. That will allow you to free your mind of such concerns as you continue down the highway.
Before the first European explorers were marching across this area, it was inhabited by Caddo Indians. They grew beans, corn, and squash. Staying in one spot allowed Caddoan groups to establish a higher level of cultural development. Growing fruits and vegetables is still a major part of the economy in Henderson and Anderson Counties.
For the next ten miles, you will cross two western arms of Lake Palestine. This 25,000-acre lake was formed from the Neches River for industrial, municipal, and recreational purposes. FM 315 passes numerous lake-related businesses — boat and fishing services, convenience stores, RV parks. Several local roads lead back to the lake where marinas and cabin rentals are available.
Majestic pine trees begin making an appearance. The highway turns right just before Coffee City. Or maybe you’ll want to enter this micro-town that juts into Lake Palestine. For some reason, you might suddenly be craving a cup of coffee.
After the turn, FM 315 continues on its winding path. There’s a good mix of hardwoods and pines. Tight sweepers demand your attention, especially if a spray of leaf litter coats the road. If you reside in any other part of Texas, this scenic part of the route might remind you of some roads you’ve traveled in other states. The sleepy community of Poynor reminds me of some similar small towns I’ve passed through in Colorado. Poynor was born when the railroad came through this part of Henderson County. A few general stores and a mill thrived for a while, and the crumbling remains of some of those businesses remain. If you enjoy strolling through old graveyards, there is a historic marker and some interesting headstones in the Poynor Cemetery, including some Civil War veterans.
After passing US Highway 175, FM 315 wears the designation of the Texas Forest Trail, part of a travel region created by the Texas Historical Commission’s Heritage Trails Program. The hills and sweepers continue. Trees crowd the roadsides, then back away to display beautiful, pastoral vistas. Narrow bridges cross small creeks stained by falling leaves and needles. The battle continues for the last 20 miles of FM 315, a skirmish between forests and pastures, both vying for your attention.
Our route ends at the city of Palestine, a longtime favorite of Ride Texas® readers. Palestine merits at least an overnight visit. Over 1,800 historic sites can be found. That includes the 1914 Beaux-Arts style Anderson County Courthouse designed by Charles and Louis Page. Other historic structures are located in the Main Street District. Palestine is home to the Texas State Railroad and is graced with stately homes and gorgeous scenic drives. One of those would be the road through Davey Dogwood Park. This ride is especially popular during the annual dogwood season in March, but should be visited anytime of the year, including fall foliage season. Treat yourself to a meal at Switch Brick Oven Pizzaria and Wine Bar. The setting and menu will “Wow” you!
Farm-to-Market Road 315 makes our Favorite Roads list because of what it has, but mostly because of what it doesn’t have. It is truly a scenic highway in the middle of one of the most beautiful regions of Texas. Enjoying this ride means you’re not distracted by much more than a possible squirrel scampering across the road. That is a good thing!
Roadspec
REGIONAL INFORMATION
Texas Forest Trail
texasforesttrail.com
CHANDLER
City of Chandler
chandlertx.com
EDOM
Chamber of Commerce
visitedom.com
The Shed Cafe
8337 FM 279
903-852-7791
PALESTINE
Visitors Center
visitpalestine.com
Switch Brick Oven Pizzeria & Wine Bar
1615 S Royall St.
903-729-7700
switchbrickovenpizza.com
Dogwood Trails Celebration
texasdogwoodtrails.com
