It is part of a much larger region of pine-hardwood forest that extends into Louisiana, Arkansas, and Oklahoma. Available moisture and soil differences limit the forest on the west. Elevation in Texas varies from 200 to 500 feet above sea level. The average annual rainfall of 35 to 50 inches is fairly uniformly distributed throughout the year. Humidity and temperatures are typically high and the area is comparatively free from persistent winds.
Soils are mostly pale to dark gray sands or sandy loams and are generally acidic.
The area is interspersed with native pine-hardwood vegetation, farm lands, and pasture. Deer are locally abundant throughout the Piney Woods. Paper pulp production is an important economic pursuit within this region. The Longleaf Pine Forest once dominated the southeastern part of the Piney Woods of Texas. A few pockets of longleaf may still be seen today.