News Release

Big Thicket National Preserve to Reopen the Visitor Center

NPS Photo / Scott Sharaga

News Release Date: September 28, 2020

Contact: Megan Urban, 409-951-6700

KOUNTZE, Texas – Following guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state and local public health authorities, Big Thicket National Preserve is increasing access and will be re-opening the visitor center. The National Park Service (NPS) is working servicewide with federal, state, and local public health authorities to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and using a phased approach to increase access on a park-by-park basis.

Beginning October 1, Big Thicket National Preserve will reopen access to:  

• The visitor center 7 days a week from 9 am to 5 pm. Visitors who wish to get more information about the preserve can do so in-person. Visitors will also be able to get a backcountry camping permit and hunting permits at the visitor center, during normal business hours. Only 10 visitors will be permitted in the visitor center at a time, and guests will be asked to limit their time in the building.

• All the vault toilets at trailheads and day-use-areas throughout the preserve will reopen and be available to visitors.

In addition, the following spaces continue to be available:   

• All 40+ miles of official hiking trails, including the popular Kirby Nature Trail, Sundew Trail, and Pitcher Plant Trail, are available for daytime use.

• Access to water-based recreation, such as fishing, canoeing, kayaking and motor-boating remains abundant along the Neches River, Village Creek, Turkey Creek and numerous other small tributaries throughout the preserve.

• All boat launches are open, including the Confluence Boat Launch in Orange County and McQueens Landing Boat Launch in Jasper County.

• All picnic areas are accessible, including Edgewater Day Use Area in Jefferson County, the picnic shelter at the Sundew Trail in Tyler County, and many other informal picnic spots at trailheads throughout the park.

• The issuance of special use permits and filming permits has also resumed.
   

With public health in mind, all ranger-led programs and public events continue to be cancelled until further notice.

“We are looking forward to our visitor center reopening to the public,” stated Big Thicket National Preserve Superintendent Wayne Prokopetz. “We hope that visitors will enjoy exploring the exhibits while practicing good social distance.”

The health and safety of our visitors, employees, volunteers, and partners continues to be paramount. At Big Thicket National Preserve, our operational approach continues to be centered on examining each facility function and service to ensure those operations comply with current public health guidance and are regularly monitored. We continue to work closely with the NPS Office of Public Health using CDC guidance to ensure public areas and workspaces are safe and clean.

A safe and enjoyable park experience begins at home. The NPS encourages visitors to plan their visit by checking the park’s website and social media for current conditions and travel tips. The CDC has offered guidance to help people recreating in parks and open spaces prevent the spread of infectious diseases. We ask the public to be our partner in recreating responsibly, by following CDC and state and local guidance, social distancing, and wearing a face covering when social distance cannot be maintained.

Details and updates on park operations will continue to be posted on our website and on Facebook and Instagram @BigThicketNPS. Updates about NPS operations will be posted on www.nps.gov/coronavirus.

- NPS -