Summary

This 83.16-acre retreat in central Cherokee County offers a balanced mix of improved pasture, native timber, and a striking reservoir-style lake as its centerpiece. Tucked away just 13 minutes northeast of Rusk, this secluded property at 2683 CR 1316 is a turnkey ranch ideal for recreation, retreat, or full-time living. With multiple residences, a beautiful setting, and quality improvements, this is a rare opportunity in East Texas.

Land & Water Features

The land is gently rolling, with elevations ranging from approximately 290 to 330 feet above sea level, offering a scenic and entirely upland topography free of floodplain. The northwest portion of the property is comprised of approximately 27.5 acres of rolling pasture with scattered mature trees, well suited for grazing or hay production. Improved with healthy stands of Bermuda grass, this pasture is fenced by timber and offers picturesque views towards the lake. The centerpiece of the property is a beautiful, long-established reservoir-style lake encompassing approximately 6.5 acres at full capacity. Situated in the central and southwestern portions of the property, the lake is a true focal point—providing scenic views, excellent fishing, and a peaceful ambiance. It has been well-maintained over the years, with recent work on the dam and spillway performed by the current owner.

Timber & Wildlife

The remainder of the property consists of mixed native timber, including oak, hickory, elm, and other native hardwoods, along with various pines. This diverse cover provides excellent wildlife habitat for white-tailed deer, squirrels, rabbits, and occasional wild hogs. The lake and timber edge also create habitat for waterfowl, songbirds, and a variety of non-game species, making the property a true haven for wildlife viewing and hunting alike.

Improvements

The property is improved with a 1,728 SF main residence, reportedly built in 1999. The home offers three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and an open-concept living and dining area. It has been updated over time and appears to be in good overall condition. Just a short walk from the main home is a 960 SF guest residence—originally a mobile home—which has been attractively finished inside and is ideal for visitors, extended family, or even as a short-term rental or AirBnB opportunity. Also included is a 1,140 SF all-steel shop building on a concrete slab, perfect for equipment storage or hobby use. Additional outbuildings include a covered equipment shed and a separate storage building, offering functionality without sacrificing aesthetics.

Access & Driveway

A gated entrance is located near the center of the CR 1316 frontage. From there, a well-maintained ranch road leads south for approximately 900 feet before turning southwest for another 850 feet toward the improvements. The drive closely follows the timberline, offering views across the pasture, then turns to parallel the lake—providing a dramatic and scenic arrival to the home site. The homes and improvements are tucked away for privacy yet positioned to take full advantage of the lake views.

Local Area & Attractions

Cherokee County is known for its diverse landscapes of mixed hardwoods and gently rolling hills. In this part of East Texas, soils are typically sandy loam, well-suited for pasture and timber. Native grasses, including bluestem and switchgrass, are found in the wooded areas, while Bermuda grass thrives in cleared pastures. Nearby Rusk is home to the historic Texas State Railroad, which offers scenic rides through the Piney Woods. Other local attractions include the Neches River, the Jim Hogg City Park and RV Campground, and quaint local shops and restaurants in downtown Rusk. For more extensive dining and shopping, the city of Jacksonville is just 25 minutes to the north.

Directions from Rusk

From the intersection of US Hwy 69 and US Hwy 84 in downtown Rusk, head north on US Hwy 69 for approximately 2.3 miles. Turn right (east) onto FM 343 and continue for 5.5 miles. Turn left (north) onto CR 1316 and travel approximately 1.3 miles. The gated entrance to the property will be on your left, near coordinates 31.8604, -95.045.