Hiking

Kirby Nature Trail

NPS Photo / Scott Sharaga

Take a Walk in the Woods

Big Thicket National Preserve has over 30 miles of hiking trails. From short loops to long backcountry trails, hiking is one of the best ways to explore the preserve.

Find a Trail

• Use the map to see every Big Thicket trailhead.
• Below the map, all trails are sorted by the park unit in which they are located.
• You can also browse trails sorted by distance, type, and scenery.

 

Hiking Tips

• Download the National Park Service App. It's free and has maps and directions for all trails. Be sure to download the park for offline use!
• Bring water. Most trailheads do not have drinking water. Fill up your bottle(s) at the visitor center.
• Wear insect repellent. When it's warm out, the mosquitoes are usually out, too. Trails near standing water will have more mosquitoes, like Kirby and Beaver Slide.
• Keep your pet on a leash. Pets are welcome on all trails. Please pick up and throw away your pet's poop.
• Avoid hiking in extreme heat. When it's hot and humid out, hike early in the morning!
• Some trails flood after heavy rain. If we've had a lot of rain in a short period of time, trails like Kirby and Turkey Creek may be impassable due to high water.
• Watch out for snakes. Big Thicket is home to 4 kinds of venomous snakes. If you encounter a snake, give it a wide berth and let it move away on its own (snakes are afraid of people!). Never attempt to move a snake.
• Take breaks and enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells of the woods!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Browse Trails

• 

  Loop or Out-and-back?

  Trails Sorted by Type

  Browse trails sorted by type, including loop, out-and-back, and more.

• 

  What Do You Want to See?

  Trails Sorted by Scenery

  Browse trails sorted by different kinds of scenery, including carnivorous plants, cypress sloughs, and more.

• 

  Short, Medium, and Long Hikes

  Trails Sorted by Distance

  Browse trails sorted by short, medium, and long distances.