Current Conditions

Alerts

 

Water Levels

Use the links below to check water levels on Big Thicket's major waterways:

 

Closures

Closures are in effect for the following areas of Big Thicket National Preserve:

 
trail map showing closures in Turkey Creek Unit. Text reads: Fall 2024: 0.8 miles of the Turkey Creek Trail are closed between Kirby Nature Trail and Sandhill Loop Trail for iron bridge repairs. Sandhill Loop and parts of Kirby are open only on weekends.
Fall 2024 Turkey Creek Unit closure map. Click/tap for larger version.

NPS

Turkey Creek Unit Bridge Repairs

September 9, 2024–February 22, 2025

Two iron bridges on the Turkey Creek Trail are undergoing stabilization work. To ensure visitor and worker safety, both bridges and the 0.8-mile section of trail between them are closed. The closure is located between the Kirby Nature Trail and Sandhill Loop Trail.

During the project, the Kirby Nature Trail Outer Loop, east half of the Inner Loop, and Sandhill Loop will be open only on weekends. The Cypress Loop and west half of the Kirby Inner Loop remain open with no restrictions.

 

Trail Closures (Storm Damage)

Update (October 29, 2024): Woodlands Trail has reopened. Hikers should still use caution, as repairs are ongoing on some of the small wooden bridges on the trail.

Following Hurricane Beryl, the following trails are CLOSED until further notice:

  • Big Sandy Trail
  • Birdwatchers Trail

Park staff have determined that these trails are unsafe due to fallen trees, damaged bridges, and washouts. Maintenance crews will work to repair the damage; however, we do not have a timeline for when they will reopen.

Lakeview Day-Use Area

Vehicle access is restricted at Lakeview Day-Use Area, AKA Lakeview Sandbar, due to community safety concerns. Vehicles are no longer allowed to drive on the sandbar. Foot traffic is still allowed.

 
an unpaved road with a deep washout on one side, several feet deep, and a tree trunk laying across the gap.
Washout on Timber Slough Road in August 2024

NPS Photo / Andrew Bennett

Road and Trail Conditions

Following severe spring storms, many roads and trails in the Big Thicket region have suffered damage, including flooding, washouts, and fallen trees.

Updates as of October 29, 2024:

  • Timber Slough Road in the Jack Gore Baygall Unit has a large washout (see photo). We do not currently have a timeline for when it will be repaired.
  • The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is upgrading and replacing a bridge on Sunflower Road in the Big Sandy Creek Unit that was damaged by spring and summer storms. Work is expected to be completed by mid-2025. Detours may be in effect while crews are working. Please contact us for updates.
  • Hikers may encounter fallen trees and washouts on trails.
These conditions are not exhaustive; other areas of the preserve may have damage that has not been reported. Contact us for more updates.
 

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Last updated: October 29, 2024

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

6044 FM 420
Kountze, TX 77625

Phone:

409-951-6700

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