Big Thicket is an American biological crossroads, a mixture of sandhills and bogs, plains and eastern forests. There are 186 species of birds here, from Eastern bluebirds to roadrunners, and 85 species of trees. A thousand species of flowering plants grow in the thicket, among them four species of insect-eating plants, four of North America’s five. This is also a haven for the cold-blooded, with fifty species of reptiles and plenty of frogs and toads.
Big Thicket is home to eight trails, including the Big Sandy Creek Horse/Bike Trail, which is 18 miles of loop through pine forests, magnolias, and holly (the flora changes as you go). Other trails are the Kirby Nature Trail System, the Turkey Creek Trail, Pitcher Plant Trail (named for the carnivorous pitcher plant), the Sundew Trail (named for the carnivorous sundew plant), the Woodlands Trail, the Beech Woods Trail, and the Beaver Slide Trail. For birders, the Big Thicket Loop is a must-walk. Watch for the Red-cockaded Woodpecker, the Bachman’s Sparrow, and the Brown-leaded Nuthatch.
You can also take your canoe out on the floodplain / swamp hybrid of the shores of Cook’s Lake, or the bald cypress of Franklin Lake.
The Basics
Location:
Near Beaumont
Hours:
Daily; daylight (visitor center open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm)
Going north from Beaumont, take US 69-287. After you've driven about eight miles north of Kountze, Texas, you'll take FM 420 east and follow the signs to the visitor center.
Climate
Rain, heat, and humidity are typical. An average rainfall of 55 inches is well distributed throughout the year. Summers are hot and humid with daytime temperatures between 85 and 95° Fahrenheit. Moderate temperatures in the mid-50s are normal for winter. Spring and fall are the most pleasant seasons for outdoor activity.
Hiking is available year-round though it is warm and humid during the summer months. Wildflower viewing is best from March to October. The Preserve is on two migratory flyways: the Central and Mississippi. Bird watching is excellent from mid-April to mid-May and less active during the fall. Boating, canoeing, fishing can be enjoyed from April to October. Hunting specific areas is authorized by a Preserve issued permit, accompanied by a valid State of Texas Hunting License, from late September/early October to mid-January. Trapping in specific areas is authorized by a Preserved issued permit, accompanied by a valid State of Texas Trapping License, during the months of December and January.
For Kids
The Preserve offers a wide range of curriculum based programs for school age children pre-K through 12th grade. These programs are offered at no charge and only by reservation to our regional schools.
Contact us for reservation at 409-951-6725.
An easy and exciting way for our young visitors to learn the many unique wonders of Big Thicket National Preserve. Just ask the ranger at the Visitor Center for your Junior Ranger
Outdoor Camping
Backcountry Camping Only Open: Open All Year Phone: 409-951- 6725 Fees: Free
Details Backcountry camping is available. Campers must have a valid Preserve issued Backcountry Use Permit to camp in designated areas. Permits can be obtained at the Visitor Center or Headquarters offices.
