Photo: NPS Photo / Scott Sharaga
Life of all types abounds in the Big Thicket.
Weather now87°F Patchy rain nearby
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.
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.
All units except the Turkey Creek Unit allow hunting. In hunting areas, hunting is not allowed within 500 feet of trails. Wear orange if entering a hunting area.
20 experiences from the National Park Service. Check details on NPS.gov before you go.
Watch a 16-minute film about the story of Big Thicket National Preserve at the visitor center or online.
Learn more about Watch the Big Thicket Park Film on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)Showing 1 of 1
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Find visitor services available in the park. Check current hours and availability before you go.
Facility
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? Watch a short…
6102 FM 420, Kountze, TX (409) 951-6700 Directions
Open 24 hours, daily · All Park 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.
No entrance fees listed.
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91° 68°
Updated 1 hr ago
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.
Join park rangers for a guided canoe trip on the waters of the preserve. The program targets the casual and novice paddler. Canoes, life jackets, and paddles are provided. Visitors are asked to bring water, snacks, and water shoes. Canoe trips start in the morning (actual start time depends on the season) and take 3-4 hours.
Please call the visitor center at 409-951-6700 to reserve your spot. We have 16 seats available per trip. Please limit one family per reservation. Reservations open 2 weeks prior to trip.
Join a ranger to walk the Longleaf Pine Trail after sunset and observe the wonders of the night sky through a telescope as the sky gets dark. If conditions allow, we'll look at the Moon, Saturn, and distant objects in our galaxy.
The hike is 1 mile roundtrip. Please bring a flashlight for the return hike in the darkness.
Meet at the visitor center. All ages are welcome!
Stroll the Sundew Trail after dark with a ranger and hear stories of Big Thicket legends, spooky animals, and more... if you dare!
Please bring a flashlight or headlamp. All ages and abilities are welcome.
Stroll the Pitcher Plant Trail with a ranger for a closer look at the preserve's carnivorous plants and misunderstood creatures. This 60-minute, 1-mile, family-friendly walk is sure to make you think twice about the critters most of us try to avoid in nature!
Meet at the Pitcher Plant Trail on County Road 4850 in Warren. No reservations. All ages welcome!
Join park rangers for a guided canoe trip on the waters of the preserve. The program targets the casual and novice paddler. Canoes, life jackets, and paddles are provided. Visitors are asked to bring water, snacks, and water shoes. Canoe trips start in the morning (actual start time depends on the season) and take 3-4 hours.
Please call the visitor center at 409-951-6700 to reserve your spot. We have 16 seats available per trip. Please limit one family per reservation. Reservations open 2 weeks prior to trip.
Stroll the Pitcher Plant Trail with a ranger for a closer look at the preserve's carnivorous plants and misunderstood creatures. This 60-minute, 1-mile, family-friendly walk is sure to make you think twice about the critters most of us try to avoid in nature!
Meet at the Pitcher Plant Trail on County Road 4850 in Warren. No reservations. All ages welcome!
Join park rangers for a guided canoe trip on the waters of the preserve. The program targets the casual and novice paddler. Canoes, life jackets, and paddles are provided. Visitors are asked to bring water, snacks, and water shoes. Canoe trips start in the morning (actual start time depends on the season) and take 3-4 hours.
Please call the visitor center at 409-951-6700 to reserve your spot. We have 16 seats available per trip. Please limit one family per reservation. Reservations open 2 weeks prior to trip.
Stroll the Pitcher Plant Trail with a ranger for a closer look at the preserve's carnivorous plants and misunderstood creatures. This 60-minute, 1-mile, family-friendly walk is sure to make you think twice about the critters most of us try to avoid in nature!
Meet at the Pitcher Plant Trail on County Road 4850 in Warren. No reservations. All ages welcome!
Join park rangers for a guided canoe trip on the waters of the preserve. The program targets the casual and novice paddler. Canoes, life jackets, and paddles are provided. Visitors are asked to bring water, snacks, and water shoes. Canoe trips start in the morning (actual start time depends on the season) and take 3-4 hours.
Please call the visitor center at 409-951-6700 to reserve your spot. We have 16 seats available per trip. Please limit one family per reservation. Reservations open 2 weeks prior to trip.
You can make a difference! By helping us plant native plants, you can help Big Thicket's native longleaf pine forest flourish.
All ages are welcome! All planting supplies will be provided. Wear sturdy shoes and long pants.
Location: Big Sandy Creek Unit. Specific meet-up location to be determined.
Questions? Call us at 409-951-6700.
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.
Mailing address: 6044 FM 420, Kountze, TX 77625
Ask about trails, fees, weather, events, or planning your visit.
AI answers can be wrong. Check official NPS info before you go.
