Big Thicket National Preserve

See

The Big Thicket offers many miles of hiking trails, with interpretive signage to inform the visitor about the diverse flora and fauna to be found in this area. Additionally, the Big Thicket Association, a non-profit organization instrumental in the creation of the Big Thicket National Preserve, operates an education boat for both public and private nature interpretive tours on the Neches River, called Neches River Adventures.

Do

Hiking

The park has several trails that pass through forests and swamplands. Elevated wooden pathways get across wetland areas, but after rainy periods, many parts of the trails will have standing water so good hiking boots are recommended. Trails can be accessed via trailheads on several roads that pass through the park. Trailheads have ample parking lots and restrooms.

Trails include:

• Turkey Creek Trail: The park's longest trail at 17.8 miles and will take a steady hiker about 6 hours, the trail can also be accessed at Gore Road, which cuts the hiking distance down to about 6 miles.
• Big Sandy Trail: The main trail in the northern part of the park at 14.7 miles. This is the only trail in the park that allows mountain bikes and horses.
• Woodlands Trail: 5.3 mile trail, accessed via a trailhead at FM1276.
• Kirby Loop Nature Trail: 2.5 mile trail accessed via a trailhead on FM420, at the Staley Cabin.
• Sundew Trail: 4.6 mile trail accessed via a trailhead at FM918.
• Edgewater Trail: Short 0.9 mile trail along a riverfront; easy trail that is good for families with kids.

Paddle

Many miles of rivers, streams, and bayous flow through the Big Thicket National Preserve and the state of Texas has 3 designated Paddle Trails through the park, with well-defined entry and exit points. Park rangers lead guided trips down some of the rivers and also conduct introductory classes to teach people how to paddle a canoe. Information about the park's paddling programs is on their website. If you have your own canoe or kayak, you can put in at almost any river crossing that looks suitable (river crossings in Texas are considered public right-of-ways).

There are private outfitters near the park that will rent canoes by the day (or longer). They often provide transportation to both the put-in and take-out spots so you don't have to worry about how to get yourself and your boat back to your car at the end of the day.

Sleep

Lodging

Camping

There is no formal campground inside the Big Thicket National Preserve, but there are campgrounds in Village Creek State Park.

Backcountry

Backcountry camping is allowed. The ground is fairly flat and it is easy to find private spots in the wooded areas. If you're paddling a canoe through the park, you can also pitch a tent on sandbars along the river.