Hike the Sundew Trail

Sundews sparkle in the morning sunlight.

NPS Photo / Scott Sharaga

Sundews are tiny, red carnivorous plants that attract insects with dew-like droplets at the ends of their leaves. Their small size can make them hard to spot from a distance. Are you up to the challenge? The Sundew Trail leads hikers through a wetland pine savannah to two patches of sundews. Along the way, enjoy walking through a longleaf pine forest.

Distance

0.3-mile inner loop; 1-mile outer loop

Getting Here

GPS Coordinates:
30.548274, -94.409666

The trailhead is located about 4 miles south of Warren and 14 miles north of Kountze. From US 69/287, head west on FM 2827, then turn left (south) onto County Road 1910. Follow the signs to the Sundew Trail parking area.

The Hike

From the trailhead, follow the paved path clockwise to reach a small bog of tall, funnel-shaped pitcher plants. Look closely at the ground between them to find the dime-sized reddish rosettes of sundew plants. Continue along the boardwalk to an open pipeline right-of-way, where the tiny red sundews grow profusely during the winter and spring. At the right-of-way, go right to continue on the inner loop or cross the pipelane and go left to follow the outer loop through a longleaf pine forest.

Trail Map

► Sundew and Pitcher Plant Trails

More Information

Read more about carnivorous plants and the Hickory Creek Savannah Unit of Big Thicket National Preserve.

Details

Duration

1-2 Hours

Activity

Hiking

Pets Allowed

Yes

Pets must be on-leash (no longer than 6 feet). Please pick up your pet's poop!

Activity Fee

No

Big Thicket National Preserve does not charge entrance fees.

Location

Warren, TX

Located about 4 miles south of Warren and 14 miles north of Kountze in the Hickory Creek Savannah Unit. From US 69/287, head west on FM 2827, then turn left (south) onto County Road 1910. Follow the signs to the Sundew Trail parking area.

Reservations

No

Season

Year Round

Sundews produce their small pink blooms from April into early summer. Sundews are most abundant in winter and spring, becoming much harder to find through the summer and fall.

Time of Day

Day

Go in the morning to see sundews sparkle in the morning sunlight.

Accessibility Information

The wheelchair-accessible inner loop has a mix of pavement and wooden boardwalks. The outer loop is a dirt path and can get muddy after heavy rain.