Choose Your Adventure Challenge

close-up of 3 metal pins on a wood surface. the pins read "Big Thicket National Preserve; 50 years; 1974-2024" below a forest scene with a wooden boardwalk, woodpecker, and pitcher plants.
Earn gold, silver, or bronze pins by completing adventures in the preserve!

NPS Photo / Scott Sharaga

Explore • Exercise • Earn

Established in 1974, Big Thicket is an outdoor recreation destination. To celebrate the preserve's 50th anniversary, we challenge you to explore Big Thicket, exercise for your health, and earn adventure pins. Whether you're visiting for a day or you live nearby, there's an adventure for you!

How It Works

  1. Choose your adventure(s) from the list below.
  2. Go explore—remember to take pictures!
  3. Head to the visitor center and show your pictures to a ranger to get your pin.
 

Adventures

Bronze

To earn a bronze pin, complete 1 of the 5 adventures listed below:

  • Hike less than 3 miles. Photo: Selfie with water bottle at trailhead.
  • Go fishing. Photo: Selfie with fishing license and gear.
  • Bike Big Sandy Trail (any distance). Photo: Selfie with helmet at Big Sandy Trail.
  • Attend a ranger-led activity. Photo: Selfie with a ranger.
  • Go hunting. Photo: Selfie wearing hunter orange.

Silver

To earn a silver pin, complete 1 of the 4 adventures listed below or complete 2 bronze adventures:

  • Hike 3–6 miles. Photo: Selfie with water bottle at trailhead.
  • Paddle a boat. Photo: Selfie life vest and gear.
  • Backcountry camp 1 night. Photo: Selfie with campsite and permit.
  • Volunteer at a special event. Photo: Selfie at volunteer event (check our calendar for volunteer events).

Gold

To earn a gold pin, complete 1 of the 3 adventures listed below or complete 2 silver adventures:

  • Hike more than 6 miles. Photo: Selfie with water bottle at trailhead.
  • Bike all of Big Sandy Trail (18 miles roundtrip). Photo: Selfie with helmet and trailhead.
  • Backcountry camp at least 2 nights. Photo: Selfie with campsite and permit.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Plan Your Visit

Once you've picked an adventure, use the links below to plan your visit. Questions? Contact us!

 
 

Share Your Photos

We would love to feature YOUR photos on Big Thicket's social media feed! If you want to share your Choose Your Adventure Challenge photos, tag us or send us a direct message. We're @BigThicketNPS on Facebook, Instagram, and X (Twitter).

 

Last updated: November 13, 2024

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

6044 FM 420
Kountze, TX 77625

Phone:

409-951-6700

Contact Us