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Big Thicket National Preserve Big Thicket is one of Texas most unusual parks, a
place where time seems to have stood still. Location: The park has several
entrance points but most visitors stop by the Turkey Creek Unit for the
Visitors Information Station. This unit is located on FM 420 seven mile
north of the town of Kountze. Activities Hiking is the number one activity in Big Thicket. Youll
find nine trails from which to choose and they offer a excursion for everyone,
from that toddling young one to a bustling teen. [Related story: Feral Hogs & Mountain
Lions] Before you head off on the trails, make a stop at the Big
Thicket Information Center, located north of Kountze off Highway 69/287.
Watch for the signs then turn off on FM420 east for 2-1/2 miles to the
station, a small building on the left. Here youll find a helpful
ranger, displays on Big Thicket wildlife and plants, information on upcoming
programs, videotapes and books, and, always important before hitting the
trail, restrooms. Just outside the visitors center lies the Kirby Nature Trail, a good choice for families and those visiting the park for the first time. The trail makes three loops. The inside loop is 1.7 miles long and you can pick up a booklet for a self-guided tour of the cypress-shaded region. When to Go Anytime of year is a good time for Big Thicket, but realize
that during the summer months youll be battling high heat, high
humidity, and some mean mosquitoes. How Long to Stay Big Thicket is an enormous area and you could easily spend
two weeks here if youre really into camping and hiking. If you just
want to have a look at the visitors center and do the nearest trail, budget
a half day at the park. What to Bring Mosquito repellent is a must-have on your packing list.
Beyond that, be sure to bring good walking shoes, cool clothing during
the summer months, water containers for hikes, and sunscreen. Park Activities Youll find plenty of activities that center around
the ecology of this interesting region. Recently the park has operated
several programs for children including: Wildflower Walk. This two-hour hike teaches kids
eight and up about the parks spring wildflowers. For more information on naturalist programs, contact the Information Station, Tel. 409/246-2337, or drop by while youre touring. Practical Information Address: Big Thicket National Preserve, 3785 National Milam,
Beaumont, TX 77701 Telephone: 409/246-2337 Operating Season: year round; closed Dec. 25 Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily; headquarters 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
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