Situated on the Texas–Louisiana border, Panola County encompasses roughly 505 square miles of rolling pine–hardwood forests, fertile pastures, and gentle creek valleys. The county seat of Carthage blends historic brick streets with vibrant community events—like the annual Panola County Heritage Festival—while smaller towns such as Beckville, Gary, and Tatum offer genuine East Texas hospitality just 45 minutes from Shreveport and 90 minutes from Tyler.
Timber and agriculture drive Panola’s economy, with vast loblolly pine plantations, cattle ranches, and poultry farms stretching across the landscape. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy boating and fishing on Lake Murvaul and Lake Bob Sandlin, paddling the Sabine River, or hunting whitetail deer and waterfowl in managed wildlife areas.