Big Thicket National Preserve - National Park Directory

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.

Quick Facts

State Texas

Designation National Preserve

State Code TX

Weather 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…

Location & Map

Big Thicket National Preserve is located in Texas.

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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.

Wednesday All Day

Monday All Day

Thursday All Day

Sunday All Day

Tuesday All Day

Friday All Day

Saturday All Day

Activities

Biking Boating Camping Backcountry Camping Canoe or Kayak Camping Fishing Food Picnicking Hands-On Citizen Science Hiking Hunting and Gathering Hunting Paddling Canoeing Canoe or Kayak Camping Kayaking Junior Ranger Program Wildlife Watching Birdwatching Park Film Shopping Bookstore and Park Store Gift Shop and Souvenirs

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

Address 6102 FM 420, Kountze, TX, 77625

Phone 409-951-6700

Email bith_information@nps.gov

Topics & Themes

Burial, Cemetery and Gravesite Industry Mining Logging and Timber Cutting Social Movements Conservation Movement Animals Alligators or Crocodiles Birds Cats (wild) Tortoises and Turtles Fire Forests and Woodlands River and Riparian Thickets and Shrublands Trails Water Trails Unique Species Endangered Watersheds Wetlands

Things To Do

Backcountry Camp at Big Thicket National Preserve

You can camp for free in much of the Big Thicket backcountry! Pick up a permit at the visitor center.

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 the Longleaf Pine Trail

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

Bike the Big Sandy Trail

Take your mountain bike on a 14.7-mile roundtrip trail through the woods of the Big Sandy Creek Unit. See different…

Hike the Big Sandy Trail

14.7 miles roundtrip | The Big Sandy Trail follows old logging roads through the woods. This is the only 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…

Visitor Centers

Big Thicket Visitor Center

Start your trip here! Get free maps and information, meet a park ranger, and learn about the Big Thicket's plants, animals, and history. Staying awhile?…

Hours: The visitor center is open 7 days a week from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm central time, except for Thanksgiving, December 25, and January 1.

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