Big Thicket National Preserve

Big Thicket
This national preserve protects the incredible diversity of life that thrives where multiple habitats converge in southeast Texas. Hiking trails and waterways meander through nine ecosystems, from longleaf pine forests to cypress-lined bayous. Wander, explore, and discover this place rich with nature.

Discover Big Thicket National Preserve

Big Thicket photo

Venture into the heart of biodiversity at Big Thicket National Preserve, where dense forests, winding waterways, and rare ecosystems converge in a natural wonderland. Located in southeast Texas, this preserve protects an astonishing variety of plant and animal life, from towering longleaf pines to carnivorous pitcher plants. Paddle through cypress-lined bayous, hike beneath lush canopies, and listen for the calls of migratory birds. With nine distinct ecosystems to explore, Big Thicket is a paradise for nature lovers, offering a peaceful retreat into one of the most ecologically diverse places in the United States.

Experience Big Thicket National Preserve

Established by Congress in October of 1974, Big Thicket National Preserve protects more than 113,000 acres of land and water spread over seven counties in southeast Texas. Big Thicket is known as “the biological crossroads of North America”—a meeting place for southeastern swamps, eastern deciduous forests, central plains, pine savannas, and dry sandhills. This crossroads of beautiful landscapes is home to approximately 1,320 species of trees, shrubs, vines, and grasses, and at least 300 bird species. Hiking trails and waterways meander through nine different ecosystems. The dense wilderness was, at one time, a barrier to Europeans, and was first settled by the Alabama and Coushatta tribes in the 1780s. With their shared history, the two tribes merged, forming the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas. Today, visitors can trek approximately 40 miles of trails that wind through these ecosystems brimming with life on land and in water. Visit Big Thicket National Preserve and experience immeasurable tranquility, exhilarating outdoor adventures, and one of the most biologically diverse landscapes in the world.

Park ranger explaining plants to a family in a wooded area.
Log cabin with green roof, surrounded by trees, under clear blue sky.
NPS

Visit the WNP park store

The Big Thicket National Preserve Visitor Center is packed with amazing experiences: interactive exhibits, the park video, friendly conversations with park rangers, and, of course, the WNP park store. Before you leave, be sure you pick up a park t-shirt, water bottle, mug, or book (to name just a few). Find a gift for someone back home or find something special for yourself. Either way, feel good knowing your purchase supports the park.

Upcoming events

Canoe Trip

May 15 10:00 am – 2:00 pm

Join park rangers for a guided canoe trip on the waters of the preserve. The program targets the casual and novice paddler. Canoes, life jackets, and paddles are provided. Visitors are asked to bring water, snacks, and water shoes. Canoe trips start...

Trash Clean-Up: FM 418 Boat Launch (Kountze)

May 17 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

Take some time to volunteer with us and give back to Big Thicket National Preserve! Meet a ranger at a local boat launch on Village Creek to help clean up trash. All supplies are provided. All ages are welcome. Sign up on volunteer.gov

Big Thicket by Lamplight

May 24 8:30 pm – 9:30 pm

Have you ever experienced the Big Thicket at night? Bring your flashlight to join a ranger on a hike through the Big Thicket in the dark. This hike will explore some of the stories that make the Big Thicket special and mysterious. If you enjoy...

Canoe Trip (FULL)

May 24 10:00 am – 2:00 pm

*This canoe trip is fully reserved. Additional reservations will be added to the wait list. Join park rangers for a guided canoe trip on the waters of the preserve. The program targets the casual and novice paddler. Canoes, life jackets, and paddles...

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Over $162 million

Since our founding in 1938, WNP has provided more than $162 million in aid to our partner parks to fund educational programs, initiatives, and scientific research.

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