Big Thicket National Preserve

Big Thicket Swamp

Cypress swamp in the Lance Rosier Unit

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.

Rangers in front of visitor center

The visitor center is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm.

Palmettos

Dwarf palmettos grow in the Big Thicket's palmetto hardwood flats.

Kirby Nature Trail Bridge

Small wooden bridges guide hikers across waterways on the Kirby Nature Trail.

Cypress Tree Trunks

Wide-buttressed trunks of bald cypresses

Longleaf Pines

Young longleaf pines grow in a newly-replanted forest near the preserve's visitor center and headquarters.

Green Anole

Green anoles are commonly seen in the Big Thicket

Cypress Knees

Knobby knees, extensions of the root system, are a distinctive feature of the bald cypress trees.

Pitcher Plants

Look for carnivorous pitcher plants in bogs along the Sundew Trail and Pitcher Plant Trail.

Kayakers in Cooks Lake

Kayaking is a popular way to explore the many waterways in the Big Thicket. Here, kayakers paddle along the Cooks Lake Paddling Trail near Beaumont.

Pitcher Plants and Pines

Early April is the best time to see wildflowers blooming in the Big Thicket..

Hiker on bridge over Village Creek

The view from the bridge over Village Creek is a highlight for hikers on the Kirby Nature Trail.

RecAreaDirections

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 8 miles north of Kountze and 30 miles north of Beaumont.

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Facilities

Big Thicket Visitor Center Facility

Start your trip here! Get free maps and information, meet a park ranger, and learn about the Big Thicket's plants, animals, and history. Staying awhile? Watch a short film in the theater, browse the bookstore, and enjoy a picnic in the covered picnic area.

Recreation Areas and Campground Database