Preserve

Big Thicket National Preserve

Kountze · Texas

Overview

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.

BikingBoatingCampingBackcountry CampingCanoe or Kayak CampingFishingFoodPicnickingHands-OnCitizen ScienceHikingHunting and Gathering

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 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.

Key Facts

TypePreserve

DesignationNational Preserve

Official Website

Gallery

Photos of Big Thicket National Preserve.

11 images

Things to do

Discover Big Thicket National Preserve.

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.

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Hand holding a wooden badge that says Junior Ranger, Big Thicket National Preserve.

Become a Big Thicket Junior Ranger

20-60 Minutes

Get a free activity booklet from the visitor center and earn a junior ranger badge. All ages are welcome!

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low angle view of a mountain bike on a trail in the forest

Bike the Big Sandy Trail

4-8 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.

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woman in the woods looking upward with binoculars

Birdwatch in a Wetland Pine Savannah

1-2 Hours

Grab your binoculars and birdwatch in a popular spot for our local and migratory birds.

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rutted dirt road leading into green forest

Explore the Rugged Lance Rosier Unit

1-3 Hours

The Lance Rosier Unit is the largest, wildest area of the Big Thicket. Discover its secrets on this scenic, unpaved auto tour.

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Pond reflecting the bright green trees growing from within and along its banks.

Hike the Beaver Slide Trail

30-60 Minutes

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!

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Colorful beech trees displaying red-orange-yellow colors along a trail leading through the forest.

Hike the Beech Woods Trail

1-2 Hours

1½ miles roundtrip | See a forest of American beeches on this pleasant loop hike in the northeastern corner of the preserve.

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A wide curving path lined with grass leads into a dense green forest on a sunny spring day.

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 in the preserve open to bicycles and horses.

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A wide, curving creek with trees and green shrubs lining its banks.

Hike the Birdwatchers Trail

30-60 Minutes

¾ mile roundtrip | This short hike leads to views of Menard Creek and the Trinity River, an important migration route for birds.

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