National Preserve

Big Thicket National Preserve

South

About Big Thicket

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.

From the National Park Service.

Region: South
State: Texas
Designation: National Preserve
Entrance fee: None listed

Trail data for this park is still being added.
Places for this park are still being added.

Know before you go

Fees, hours, weather and getting to Big Thicket.

Entrance fees

The National Park Service lists no entrance fee for this park.

Hours

All Park Hours

Open 24 hours a day, every day.

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

Weather and when to go

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. Snow is rare. Some Dec/Jan/Feb nights may dip below freezing.

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.

Directions from the National Park Service

Contact the park

Address: 6102 FM 420, Kountze, TX 77625
Phone: (409) 951-6700
Email: bith_information@nps.gov
Official site: nps.gov/bith

From the National Park Service, checked weekly. Fees, hours and road conditions change: confirm with the park before you go.

Trip planner

A day-by-day plan for Big Thicket

Tell us your dates and what you are into. We group the stops by where they are, so each day is one part of the park, not a zigzag.

Plan your park trip Free. No account needed.

Things to do in Big Thicket

The park service's own list, with how long each takes.

Hike the Sundew Trail

Hiking · about 1.3 hours

0.3 to 1 mile roundtrip | Search for tiny red carnivorous plants known as sundews on an easy loop hike through a lush wetland pine savannah.
Hike to the Sandhill Loop Trail

Hiking · about 4 hours

4½ to 9.4 miles roundtrip | Look for longleaf pines, cacti, and solitude on this out-and-back and loop hike that leads to an arid sandyland ecosystem.
Hike the Kirby Nature Trail

Hiking · about 1.3 hours

1½ to 2½ miles roundtrip | Experience the Big Thicket on a gentle loop hike through different kinds of forest. See majestic bald cypress trees and knees and Village Creek.
Hike the Longleaf Pine Trail

Hiking · about 40 min

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

Backcountry Camping · about 45 min

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

Biking · about 5.3 hours

Take your mountain bike on a 14.7-mile roundtrip trail through the woods of the Big Sandy Creek Unit. See different kinds of forest habitats along the way.
Hike the Big Sandy Trail

Hiking · about 2 hours

14.7 miles roundtrip | The Big Sandy Trail follows old logging roads through the woods. This is the only trail in the preserve open to bicycles and horses.
Hike the Turkey Creek Trail

Hiking · about 2 hours

14 miles one-way | The Turkey Creek Trail leads into the backcountry of the Turkey Creek Unit. Several trailheads at road crossings provide options for shorter hikes.
Hike the Beaver Slide Trail

Hiking · about 40 min

1 mile roundtrip | The Beaver Slide Trail is a hidden gem. This short hike leads hikers past several scenic ponds and sloughs. Keep an eye out for beaver dams along the way!