Drives Texas East Texas and the Piney Woods
FM 852: Winnsboro to Gilmer
FM 852, Gilmer Road · Winnsboro → Gilmer
The drive
FM 852 is a quiet farm road between Winnsboro and Gilmer, the Upshur County seat. It leaves Winnsboro heading south-east through woodland, then opens into rolling hills and green grazing land, with mostly fast curves and the odd tighter bend. Past Perryville it shares a few miles with FM 2088 before turning south toward Gilmer.
There's very little between the towns: a small country store and gas station, pasture and pine. The drive ends on FM 852 about two miles west of downtown Gilmer. Riders have long recommended it in both directions; this one runs from Winnsboro, the end nearer Dallas.
Along the way
- Winnsboro
- FM 852
- FM 852 south
- Gilmer
Good to know
- Services between Winnsboro and Gilmer come down to one small country store; plan fuel in town.
- The drive stays on FM 852 the whole way, where FM 1002 and Highway 154 offer a shortcut toward Gilmer; follow the FM 852 signs.
Open all year, weather permitting. Roads close for snow, fire, storms and repairs: before you set off, check DriveTexas.
Questions about this drive
How long is FM 852 from Winnsboro to Gilmer?
FM 852 from Winnsboro to Gilmer is 26.2 miles and takes about 40 minutes.
Is FM 852 a good drive?
FM 852 is a well-kept two-lane through rolling woods and pasture, with fast curves, a few tight ones and very little traffic.
Is FM 852 twisty?
Not very. FM 852 is mostly gentle curves, with the twistiest part in the woods south of Winnsboro.
What you get in the app
Free on iPhone and Android. CarPlay and Android Auto come with Apex.
More drives near here
Distance, time, elevation, curves and intensity are from Carve's route. Checked 2026-10-28.

