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. You’ll 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 you’ll 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 you’ll 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 you’re 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

You’ll 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 park’s spring wildflowers.
•Insects for Lunch. Children five and over can enjoy this one- to two-hour stroll through the forest to see what sounds like the stuff of movies: insect-eating plants!
•Night Prowl. Hoo-hoo...bring along the flashlight and try your luck and locating and identifying the night creatures of the Big Thicket. This program is available for kids eight and over and last two to three hours.
•Through the Looking Glass. What’s down there? Some of the tiniest creatures of the forest are revealed with magnifying lenses in this event available for kids five to 12 years.

For more information on naturalist programs, contact the Information Station, Tel. 409/246-2337, or drop by while you’re 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.

Cost: free