Big Thicket National Preserve

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Reflections of twisting tupelo trees in calm water below a green canopy.
Explore the woods near the Edgewater Day-Use Area to find a scenic cypress-tupelo slough
An iron bridge above a murky creek surrounded by dense woods.
The bridge over Village Creek connects the Kirby Nature Trail to the Turkey Creek Trail.
A patch of palmettos glowing in warm afternoon sunlight in a forest.
Dwarf palmettos add a jungle-like atmosphere to the Big Thicket.
A leaf-covered trail leading through a tree tunnel of dense green vegetation.
A thicket is a dense forest of trees and shrubs.
Leafless bald cypress trees and knees stand in a swamp filled with leaves and branches in winter.
Winter brings a different mood to Big Thicket's sloughs.
Tupelo trees growing on the edge of a reflective pond in the woods in spring.
A still pond reflects the bright shades of green of early spring.
A log cabin in a forest beneath a canopy of sprawling live oak trees.
Historic Staley Cabin sits at the start of the Kirby Nature Trail.
Close-up of a carnivorous pitcher plant with the shadow of an insect inside.
Visit in spring to see carnivorous pitcher plants.
A woodpecker with bright red head clinging to a dead tree.
Look for woodpeckers in Big Thicket's pine forests.
Photos: National Park Service

About Big Thicket National Preserve

Life of all types abounds in the Big Thicket. This national preserve protects the incredible diversity of life found where multiple habitats meet in southeast Texas. Hiking trails and waterways meander through nine different ecosystems, from longleaf pine forests to cypress-lined bayous. It is a place of discovery, a place to wander and explore, a place to marvel at the richness of nature.

Plan a Visit

NPS DesignationNational Preserve
Park State / Territory MembershipTexas
Current Alerts1
Visitor Centers1
Campgrounds0
Things To Do20

Core visitor information on this page is sourced from the National Park Service. NPD proximity sections use NPS reference coordinates and straight-line distance. Local source bundle updated Sep 27, 2026. View the official NPS page.

Weather & Conditions

SPRING: Expect comfortable weather in Mar/Apr, with heat & humidity increasing in May. SUMMER: High heat, high humidity, and thunderstorms are common. Hurricane & tropical storm activity peaks in late summer. FALL: Early fall can be hot, while Oct/Nov bring pleasant temperatures. WINTER: Mild, chilly weather with occasional cold spells.…

NPS Reference Location

Park state / territory membership: Texas. This map uses the National Park Service reference coordinate. It may represent an administrative or reference point rather than a park entrance, trailhead, visitor center, or the nearest access point. Use the official NPS directions below when planning travel.

Operating Hours

Big Thicket National Preserve is open 24 hours. To camp in the preserve, you need a backcountry camping permit, available from the visitor center.

FridayAll Day
MondayAll Day
SaturdayAll Day
SundayAll Day
ThursdayAll Day
TuesdayAll Day
WednesdayAll Day

Activities

BikingBoatingCampingBackcountry CampingCanoe or Kayak CampingFishingFoodPicnickingHands-OnCitizen ScienceHikingHunting and GatheringHuntingPaddlingCanoeingCanoe or Kayak Camping

Current Alerts

Big Sandy Creek Unit Trails

All trails are open. Hikers in the Big Sandy Creek Unit may encounter impacts from Tropical Storm Edouard, including washouts and damaged bridges. Repairs are ongoing.

Getting There

The main corridor through the Big Thicket is US Hwy 69/287 between Beaumont and Woodville. Many smaller roads and highways branch off of the main corridor to reach trailheads and scenic areas. The visitor center is located at the intersection of US 69/287 and FM 420, about 7 miles north of Kountze and 30 miles north of Beaumont.

View Official Directions

Contact & Address

The NPS-listed address may be an administrative office, visitor center, mailing/contact location, or other park facility rather than a park entrance.

NPS-Listed Address6102 FM 420, Kountze, TX, 77625
Phone409-951-6700
Emailbith_information@nps.gov

Topics & Themes

Burial, Cemetery and GravesiteIndustryMiningLogging and Timber CuttingSocial MovementsConservation MovementAnimalsAlligators or CrocodilesBirdsCats (wild)Tortoises and TurtlesFireForests and WoodlandsRiver and RiparianThickets and ShrublandsTrails

Things To Do

Hike the Sundew Trail

Hike the Sundew Trail

0.3 to 1 mile roundtrip | Search for tiny red carnivorous plants known as sundews on an easy loop hike…

Hike to the Sandhill Loop Trail

Hike to the Sandhill Loop Trail

4½ to 9.4 miles roundtrip | Look for longleaf pines, cacti, and solitude on this out-and-back and loop hike that…

Hike the Kirby Nature Trail

Hike the Kirby Nature Trail

1½ to 2½ miles roundtrip | Experience the Big Thicket on a gentle loop hike through different kinds of forest. See majestic…

Hike the Longleaf Pine Trail

Hike the Longleaf Pine Trail

1 mile roundtrip | Stroll through a longleaf pine forest near the visitor center on Big Thicket's newest trail.

Become a Big Thicket Junior Ranger

Become a Big Thicket Junior Ranger

Get a free