Big Thicket National Preserve • Texas

Reflections of twisting tupelo trees in calm water below a green canopy.

An iron bridge above a murky creek surrounded by dense woods.

A patch of palmettos glowing in warm afternoon sunlight in a forest.

A leaf-covered trail leading through a tree tunnel of dense green vegetation.

Leafless bald cypress trees and knees stand in a swamp filled with leaves and branches in winter.

Tupelo trees growing on the edge of a reflective pond in the woods in spring.

A log cabin in a forest beneath a canopy of sprawling live oak trees.

Close-up of a carnivorous pitcher plant with the shadow of an insect inside.

A woodpecker with bright red head clinging to a dead tree.

A calm pond reflecting red, green, and yellow foliage of trees along its shore.

Shadowy-looking cypress knees and their reflections in still water.

A wooden boardwalk meanders through a sunny forest of pines and ferns.

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.

Explore the woods near the Edgewater Day-Use Area to find a scenic cypress-tupelo slough
NPS Photo / Scott Sharaga

The bridge over Village Creek connects the Kirby Nature Trail to the Turkey Creek Trail.
NPS Photo / Scott Sharaga

Dwarf palmettos add a jungle-like atmosphere to the Big Thicket.
NPS Photo / Scott Sharaga

A thicket is a dense forest of trees and shrubs.
NPS Photo / Scott Sharaga

Winter brings a different mood to Big Thicket's sloughs.
NPS Photo / Steve Heineke

A still pond reflects the bright shades of green of early spring.
NPS Photo / Scott Sharaga

Historic Staley Cabin sits at the start of the Kirby Nature Trail.
NPS Photo / Scott Sharaga

Visit in spring to see carnivorous pitcher plants.
NPS Photo / Scott Sharaga

Look for woodpeckers in Big Thicket's pine forests.
NPS Photo / Nathan Pattee

Big Thicket's fall colors typically peak late November through early December.
NPS Photo / Scott Sharaga

Cypress knees, extensions of bald cypresses' roots, are abundant in Big Thicket waters.
NPS Photo / Scott Sharaga

The Sundew Trail leads hikers through a wetland pine savannah.
NPS Photo / Scott Sharaga

Hours and seasons

Reservations and timed entry

Fees and passes

Group of 4 hikers walking on a boardwalk through a dense thicket in winter.

Take a walk in the woods! Big Thicket offers over 30 miles of hiking trails.

A forest of pine trees with the ground covered in light brown pine needles.

Learn about the units of Big Thicket National Preserve and the things to do in each.

A patch of several dozen bright green funnel-shaped pitcher plants in a sunny grassy field.

Insects beware! Big Thicket is home to four kinds of carnivorous plants.

A male park ranger with glasses and beard holding a lit vintage lantern.

Join rangers for free programs and special events, including night hikes, nature walks, canoe trips, and much more!

A man wearing an orange life vest paddling a blue canoe in murky water past leafless trees.

Creeks, bayous, and the Neches River provide miles of peaceful paddling and great opportunities to see wildlife.

A brown and white dog with a leash looking at the camera in an outdoor setting.

Explore Big Thicket with your pet!

A woman wearing hunting orange vest and camo pattern clothing aiming a bow and arrow in the woods.

Find out how to get a free hunting permit for Big Thicket National Preserve.

A big yellow school bus parked outside outside of the visitor center near flagpole and big trees.

Big Thicket offers many curriculum-based field trips and virtual visits. Reserve a free, ranger-led program today!

A kneeling man starting a campfire next to a woman sitting on a log in front of a green tent.

Go backpacking and set up camp in the woods or along a riverside sandbar.

historic black and white photo of an old cabin next to a tree with a man standing out front

Learn about the Big Thicket's industrious past and how the preserve was established.

Last updated: March 9, 2026

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

6044 FM 420
Kountze, TX 77625

Phone:

409-951-6700

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