Big Thicket National Preserve
Recreation in the Big Thicket
Hiking -- There are eight trails in the Preserve totaling more than 45 miles. The longest is 18 miles while the shortest is less than one quarter mile. A few of our trails are fully accessible. Please use caution during the summer months when temperatures and humidity readings are higher than normal. Hike only during the early morning or late afternoon hours.
Fishing -- Fishing is available along the Neches River, Village Creek, and Pine Island Bayou. Preserve rangers require that you comply with all State of Texas fishing regulations and have a valid State of Texas fishing license. Prohibited in all Preserve waters are Trot, Limb, Throw, and Jug Lines.
Hunting -- A hunting program is managed on about one half of Preserve land units. The last three Saturdays in July of each year Preserve staff issue a limited number of free hunting permits for those open-to-hunting areas. Federal and State of Texas laws regulate all hunting. A valid State of Texas hunting license is required. For additional hunting information, click here.
Birding -- Dense tree canopies make birding for migratory song birds challenging though very doable in much of the Preserve. One of the best locations in the region for viewing migrants is at High Island, 45 miles southwest of Beaumont, Texas. The average best day for birding at High Island is April 14. The Preserve is part of The Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail and is listed in the Big Thicket Loop of the Upper Gulf Coast map and guide. Bird migrations peak between late March and Early May. In the fall, the migration is between October and November. The more sought after birds are the Red cockaded Woodpecker, the Brown-leaded Nuthatch, and the Bachman's Sparrow.
Photography -- Any unit in the Preserve offers a wonderful photographic opportunity. Time of year and day are important as all serious photographers know. Early morning or late evening in the spring and fall offer great weather. While spring offers the varied color of abundant wildflowers, fall offers the color of fallen leaves and cool, clear skies.
Backcountry camping -- This is your only opportunity for a camping experience as there are no developed campgrounds within the boundaries of the Preserve. A free Backcountry Use Permit is required and must be obtained prior to camping. Contact a park ranger at the Information Station, Woodville Ranger Office, or Headquarters Office. Be prepared for a backpacking trip by having all needed equipment, supplies and proper frame of mind -- safety, food, and foul weather needs.
Horseback riding -- Only one trail is available for horse back riding -- The *Big Sandy Creek Horse Trial in the Big Sandy Creek Unit. This trail is about 18 miles long. You have to bring your own stock as there are no rentals currently available.
Off-road bicycling -- If you are looking for an off-road experience, take your mountain bike to the *Big Sandy Creek Unit. The Big Sandy Horse and Bike Trail is open to off-road bicycling and offer you a chance to exercise yourself and your bike.
Canoeing, Kayaking, and Boating -- Two canoe trails are available for your use. Boating activities abound in the Preserve. The Neches River offers a sometimes wild river experience. Pine Island Bayou is a wonderful near primal experience as you paddle through Baldcypress and tupelo. Certainly, you are not limited to these two marked trails. There are many other canoeing, kayaking, and boating opportunities throughout the Preserve. For more details, contact us or visit the Information Station after you arrive.
*The Big Sandy Creek Trail is closed during hunting season each year--from opening day of the State of Texas fall hunting season through the second Sunday in January. Call 409-951-6725 for exact dates.