Woodlands Trail

The Woodlands Trail loops through different kinds of forest.

NPS Photo / Scott Sharaga

Quick Facts

Location:

Big Sandy Creek Unit | Dallardsville, TX

Amenities

8 listed

Information Kiosk/Bulletin Board, Parking - Auto, Pets Allowed, Restroom, Restroom - Accessible, Toilet - Vault/Composting, Trailhead, Trash/Litter Receptacles

The Woodlands Trail is a pleasant loop hike through different kinds of forest scenery in the northwest corner of the Big Thicket. Short hills add a few ups and downs to this shaded hike.

• Distance: 5 miles roundtrip
• Type: Out-and-back and loop combination
• Location: Big Sandy Creek Unit
• Trailhead: Parking lot on FM 1276
• Lat/Long: 30.679593, -94.699424

Overview

The Woodlands Trail has loop options of 3, 4¼, and 5 miles roundtrip.

Start at the trailhead on Farm to Market Road (FM) 1276 and follow the trail signs past the information kiosk. Near Collins Pond, cross a pipeline right-of-way and continue into the forest.

Go over a few short bridges through a floodplain until you arrive at a bench marking the beginning of the loop section. The left fork climbs through a hilly pine forest while the right fork follows Big Sandy Creek. There are 2 cutoff trails in the middle of the loop that shorten the loop to 3 and 4¼ miles.

Some of the junctions have a bench with a map that indicates your current position. When you return to the beginning of the loop, follow the out-and-back section to return to the trailhead.

Accessibility

Trail surfaces include hard-packed soil, leaves, and wooden bridges. This trail has some elevation gain and loss on the west side of the loop. There are several sections there where the trail is deeply rutted. Expect muddy conditions on the portion of trail along Big Sandy Creek if it has rained recently.

More Information

• Download a trail map
• Explore the Big Sandy Creek Unit

Woodlands Trail

12 Images

The Woodlands Trail is a 5-mile loop in the Big Sandy Creek Unit of Big Thicket National Preserve.