Big Thicket National Preserve
Designation: National Preserve
Location: Texas
📘 Park Overview
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.
🌤 Weather Information
SPRING: Expect comfortable weather in Mar/Apr, with heat & humidity increasing in May. SUMMER: High heat, high humidity, and thunderstorms are common. Hurricane & tropical storm activity peaks in late summer. FALL: Early fall can be hot, while Oct/Nov bring pleasant temperatures. WINTER: Mild, chilly weather with occasional cold spells. Snow is rare. Some Dec/Jan/Feb nights may dip below freezing.
🚗 Directions
The main corridor through the Big Thicket is US Hwy 69/287 between Beaumont and Woodville. Many smaller roads and highways branch off of the main corridor to reach trailheads and scenic areas. The visitor center is located at the intersection of US 69/287 and FM 420, about 7 miles north of Kountze and 30 miles north of Beaumont.
Images
A still pond reflects the bright shades of green of early spring.
Credit: NPS Photo / Scott Sharaga
The bridge over Village Creek connects the Kirby Nature Trail to the Turkey Creek Trail.
Credit: NPS Photo / Scott Sharaga
Bald cypress displaying fall colors on the Beaver Slide Trail
Credit: NPS Photo / Scott Sharaga
Historic Staley Cabin sits at the start of the Kirby Nature Trail.
Credit: NPS Photo / Scott Sharaga
The Sundew Trail leads hikers through a wetland pine savannah.
Credit: NPS Photo / Scott Sharaga
Visit in spring to see carnivorous pitcher plants.
Credit: NPS Photo / Scott Sharaga
Look for woodpeckers in Big Thicket's pine forests.
Credit: NPS Photo / Nathan Pattee
Winter brings a different mood to Big Thicket's sloughs.
Credit: NPS Photo / Steve Heineke
Cypress knees, extensions of bald cypresses' roots, are abundant in Big Thicket waters.
Credit: NPS Photo / Scott Sharaga
Large live oaks welcome hikers to the Kirby Nature Trail.
Credit: NPS Photo / Scott Sharaga
Activities
Topics
Operating Hours
Entrance Fees
No entrance fees listed.
Entrance Passes
No entrance passes listed.
3-Day Weather Forecast
Saturday, Feb 14
Patchy rain nearby
High: 70.9°F | Low: 59.9°F
Humidity: 95%
Wind: 11.2 mph
Rain Chance: 82%
UV Index: 0.8
Sunrise: 06:59 AM
Sunset: 06:05 PM
Moon: Waning Crescent (12%)
Visibility: 4 mi
Dew Point: 63.2°F
Cloud Cover: 82%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Sunday, Feb 15
Moderate rain
High: 63.6°F | Low: 55.4°F
Humidity: 82%
Wind: 8.3 mph
Rain Chance: 89%
UV Index: 0.6
Sunrise: 06:58 AM
Sunset: 06:06 PM
Moon: Waning Crescent (7%)
Visibility: 4 mi
Dew Point: 57.8°F
Cloud Cover: 89%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Monday, Feb 16
Overcast
High: 60.8°F | Low: 54.1°F
Humidity: 80%
Wind: 3.4 mph
Rain Chance: 0%
UV Index: 1.3
Sunrise: 06:57 AM
Sunset: 06:07 PM
Moon: Waning Crescent (2%)
Visibility: 5 mi
Dew Point: 53.4°F
Cloud Cover: 0%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Park Alerts
Park Events
Plant Native Plants with Us!
*This event has been moved from December 6 to Saturday, December 13, due to dry soil conditions.
You can make a difference! By helping us plant native plants, you can help Big Thicket's native longleaf pine forest flourish.
All ages are welcome! All planting supplies will be provided. Wear sturdy shoes and long pants.
Location: Big Sandy Creek Unit. Get directions to the planting site when you register on Volunteer.gov.
Questions? Call us at 409-951-6700.
Location: Big Sandy Creek Unit near Dallardsville, TX. We'll send directions to the site after you register.
Date: Dec 13, 2025 12:00am to Dec 13, 2025 12:00am
Paid Event
Canoe Trip
Join park rangers for a guided canoe trip on the waters of the preserve. The program targets the casual and novice paddler. Canoes, life jackets, and paddles are provided. Visitors are asked to bring water, snacks, and water shoes. Canoe trips start in the morning (actual start time depends on the season) and take 3-4 hours.
The location of the canoe trip will be provided upon registration. Please call the visitor center at 409-951-6700 to reserve your spot. We have 16 seats available per trip. Please limit one family per reservation. Reservations open 2 weeks prior to trip.
Location: Location will be provided upon registration.
Date: Dec 14, 2025 12:00am to Dec 14, 2025 12:00am
Paid Event
Big Thicket by Lamplight
Location: Sundew Trail, Hickory Creek Savannah Unit | Warren, TX
Date: Dec 19, 2025 12:00am to Dec 19, 2025 12:00am
Paid Event
CANCELLED - Big Thicket by Lamplight - CANCELLED
Location: Sundew Trail, Hickory Creek Savannah Unit | Warren, TX
Date: Jan 9, 2026 12:00am to Jan 9, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Stargazing Stroll: Opposition of Jupiter
Learn all about the largest planet in the Solar System at a special Jupiter-themed program in the visitor center theater. After the program, we'll walk the Longleaf Pine Trail to a telescope viewing area where we will look at Jupiter, Saturn, and other objects in the night sky.
What is the opposition of Jupiter? This happens when the Sun, Earth, and Jupiter are in alignment. During opposition, Jupiter is opposite the Sun—as the Sun sets in the west, Jupiter rises in the east. This is the best time to see the largest planet, as it appears biggest and brightest in the sky.
Meet at the visitor center. Please bring a flashlight for hiking in the darkness!
In the event of cloudy conditions, we will still host the program in the theater and lead a night hike, but telescope viewing will not be available.
Location: Big Thicket Visitor Center, 6102 FM 420, Kountze, TX 77625
Date: Jan 10, 2026 12:00am to Jan 10, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Canoe Trip (FULL)
*This trip is fully reserved. Additional sign-ups will be added to the wait list.
Join park rangers for a guided canoe trip on the waters of the preserve. The program targets the casual and novice paddler. Canoes, life jackets, and paddles are provided. Visitors are asked to bring water, snacks, and water shoes. Canoe trips start in the morning (actual start time depends on the season) and take 3-4 hours.
The location of the canoe trip will be provided upon registration. Please call the visitor center at 409-951-6700 to reserve your spot. We have 16 seats available per trip. Please limit one family per reservation. Reservations open 2 weeks prior to trip.
Location: Canoe trip leader will provide specific location 1-2 days before the trip. Trips are usually on Village Creek in Kountze, Silsbee, or Lumberton, or Neches River in Beaumont.
Date: Jan 17, 2026 12:00am to Jan 17, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Volunteer Brush Clearing
Big Thicket National Preserve needs your help to clear brush out of pine savannah so that longleaf pines can grow!
Volunteers will be clearing small trees and brush. Hand saws, pruning loppers, hand-held power tools, gloves, and other personal protective equipment will be provided. Rangers will supervise and provide training if needed.
Work to be performed includes:
- Clearing brush and small thicketed areas
- Use of handheld power tools
- Use of manual saws and loppers
- Pickup and Removal of trash
- Hiking to work area
Meet at the Big Thicket Visitor Center. Contact us for questions: 409-951-6700.
Register here: Volunteer.gov
Location: Big Thicket Visitor Center, 6102 FM 420, Kountze, TX 77625
Date: Jan 19, 2026 12:00am to Jan 19, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
CANCELED Nature Walk: Learn About Longleaf!
*This nature walk is canceled due to severe winter weather.
Join Ranger Nathan for a family-friendly stroll on the Longleaf Pine Trail!
Explore one of Big Thicket's most exciting ecosystems, the longleaf pine uplands, and check out the plants and animals that call it home. Along the way, learn how the preserve uses many tools to restore this area—including fire!
The walk is 1 mile roundtrip. Participants will have a chance to explore on their own after the program ends.
Meet at the visitor center flagpole. All ages welcome; no reservations required.
Location: Big Thicket Visitor Center, 6102 FM 420, Kountze, TX 77625
Date: Jan 25, 2026 12:00am to Jan 25, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Trash Clean-up Canoe Trip
Volunteer with us as you paddle along a scenic waterway inside Big Thicket National Preserve. Learn canoe skills, enjoy the beauty, and help keep our waterways clean by picking up trash along the way.
We provide canoes, paddles, life jackets, trash pick-up supplies, and rangers to guide you. Please bring water, snacks, water-ready shoes, and any other gear you might need for a day outside. Trips typically take 3-4 hours.
Reservations:- Call 409-951-6700 to reserve.
- Participants will be signed up as volunteers—please provide an email address for volunteer paperwork when you reserve.
- We have 16 seats available per trip. Please limit one family per reservation.
Location: Canoe trip leader will provide specific location 1-2 days before the trip. Trips are usually on Village Creek in Kountze, Silsbee, or Lumberton, or Neches River in Beaumont.
Date: Jan 29, 2026 12:00am to Jan 29, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Observe the Moon Night
Join rangers for a special Moon-themed program in the visitor center theater. After the presentation, take a night hike on the Longleaf Pine Trail to a telescope viewing area where we will look at the Moon, Jupiter, Saturn, and other objects in the night sky.
Meet at the visitor center. Please bring a flashlight for hiking in the darkness!
In the event of cloudy conditions, we will still host the program in the theater and lead a night hike, but telescope viewing will not be available.
Location: Big Thicket Visitor Center, 6102 FM 420, Kountze, TX 77625
Date: Jan 31, 2026 12:00am to Jan 31, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Visitor Center & Contacts
📍 Physical Address:
6102 FM 420
Kountze, TX 77625
🏤 Mailing Address:
6044 FM 420
Kountze, TX 77625
📞 Voice Phone: 409-951-6700
✉️ Email: bith_information@nps.gov