Big Thicket National Preserve Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Big Thicket National Preserve with this comprehensive tour guide. Learn about the top attractions, best hiking routes, where to stay, and more.


Introduction to Big Thicket National Preserve

Located in Piney Woods, Deep East Texas, the Big Thicket National Preserve is a vast wilderness area filled with magnificent forests, swamps, bayous, and rivers. Covering around 112,000 acres of land, the park has been a favorite destination for nature lovers, hikers, and backpackers for years. The Big Thicket National Preserve is home to an array of wildlife and plant species, including some endangered ones, giving visitors the chance for unforgettable nature watching experiences. Whether you are a seasoned hiker or simply looking for some peace and quiet in nature, Big Thicket has something to offer to everyone.

List of Places to Visit in Big Thicket National Preserve

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • The Kirby-Hill House - A National Historic Site, this house was built in 1902 and is renowned for its stained-glass windows and period furnishings.
  • The Beaumont Heritage Society - A collection of historic homes and buildings dating back to the 19th century, showcasing Beaumont’s cultural and architectural roots.
  • The Texas Energy Museum - An interactive museum that emphasizes Texas’s energy industry’s history and the science behind it.

Natural Attractions of Big Thicket National Preserve: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • The Lance Rosier Unit - One of the park’s most popular hiking destinations, visitors can explore this land unit’s peaks and valleys and see unspoiled and regenerating forest and wildlife.
  • The Big Sandy Creek Unit - Known for its fantastic fishing opportunities and wildflower displays, this unit is a great place to set up a picnic and enjoy nature.
  • The Sundew Trail - A 0.5-mile-long trail famous for its abundant carnivorous Pitcher Plants. Other flora species that visitors can spot on the trail include Venus Flytraps, Butterworts, and Sundews.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Big Thicket National Preserve

Big Thicket National Preserve provides a plethora of beautiful hiking trails for its visitors, perfect for sightseeing and bird watching. Here are some of the best trails:

  • The Beaumont Trail - This trail is a one-mile loop, perfect for tourists who are seeking a shorter hike to explore the forest and its remarkable plants.
  • The Turkey Creek Trail - A 17-mile-long trail, visitors can spend up to two days hiking this route, traversing famous scenic areas and showcasing Big Thicket’s beauty.
  • The Hickory Creek Trail - This trail winds through the park’s dense hardwood forests and offers some of the best bird-watching opportunities.

Best Things to Do in Big Thicket National Preserve: Activities and Tours

  • More Than Just a Walk in the Woods Tour - A guided nature tour starts with taking visitors on a journey into the creeks and bayous that are home to Big Thicket’s significant populations of birds and reptiles.
  • Kayaking and Canoeing - A great way to get out on the water at Big Thicket, giving visitors the chance to see stunning wildlife, including alligators and otters.
  • Nighttime Scavenger Hunt Hike - A nighttime hike offers a chance to see nocturnal wildlife like raccoons and opossums, while also learning about Big Thicket’s unique ecosystem.

Week-Long Itinerary for Big Thicket National Preserve

Day 1: Arrive at Big Thicket and set up a basecamp or check into a local hotel

Day 2: Hike the Beaumont Trail and see the diverse plants and flowers

Day 3: Paddle Big Thicket’s waterways by kayak or canoe

Day 4: Drive to Kirby Hill for history and antiques hunting

Day 5: Visit the Sundew Trail and witness Pitcher Plants in bloom

Day 6: Hike the Lance Rosier Unit

Day 7: Visit the Big Sandy Creek Unit for fishing and wildlife viewing.

Food and Drink Scene of Big Thicket National Preserve

Must-Try Dishes

  • Texas Barbecue - The state boasts America’s best barbecue with slow-smoked meats and sweet ‘n’ tangy sauce, perfect for hangouts after a long hike.
  • Southern fried chicken - Southern hospitality is incomplete without fried chicken, pit-cooked and selling for cheap.
  • Tex-Mex - A fusion of Mexican and Texan foods, this cuisine gives a sweet and spicy twist to traditional Mexican dishes.

Local Beverages

  • Lone Star Beer - Rich and frosty, this Texas-only beer is popular with locals
  • Sweet Tea - A staple of Southern comfort food, sipping this cold drink will keep you feeling refreshed after a long day’s hike
  • Freshly squeezed juices - A good way to avoid sugary soda drinks is by ordering freshly squeezed juices from local diners.

Where to Stay in Big Thicket National Preserve: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses.

While camping is the favorite lodging option in Big Thicket National Preserve, several hotels offer comfortable stays for tourists looking for more luxury, including:

  • Holiday Inn Express & Suites - This hotel is located in the heart of the forest, providing guests with a great base to explore the beauty of Big Thicket.
  • La Quinta Inn & Suites - A hotel just an hour’s drive from the preserve, providing comfort and convenient amenities at an affordable cost.

What to Buy in Big Thicket National Preserve: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Handmade Soaps - Texas has an impressive selection of organic material soaps that visitors will love to keep as souvenirs.
  • Pecans and Pecan Candies - Pecan growing is a staple of Southern living, and gardeners at Big Thicket National Preserve sell pecan products at their self-established stores.
  • Sports Apparel - The vast majority of sports apparel manufacturers has their factories in Texas, making it a great place to update your athleisure wardrobe on a budget.

Local Culture and Customs of Big Thicket National Preserve

Big Thicket National Preserve locals are friendly and love sharing their local customs with visitors. It is best to follow these etiquette tips:

  • Respect nature - Do not collect any wildlife, flora, or fauna from the park.
  • Be courteous - Most people in the Southern United States are courteous, and it is customary to use “Yes Ma’am” and “No Sir.”
  • Leave no trace - Always make sure that your trash is properly disposed of, and all damages are reported.

Best Time to Visit Big Thicket National Preserve

The best time to visit Big Thicket National Preserve is between March and May (spring) and between September and November (fall). During this time, the weather is mild, and the insects are less active, making it the perfect time to explore the reserve.

Do’s and Don’ts of Big Thicket National Preserve

Do:

  • Carry plenty of water on hikes
  • Plan your itinerary in advance
  • Respect wildlife
  • Keep to the trails

Don’t:

  • Litter
  • Depart from the designated paths
  • Remove wildlife or plants

Safety and Health

Safety in Big Thicket National Preserve

  • Never hike or camp alone.
  • Follow all the safety precautions outlined by park staff.
  • Don’t Forget about park closures

Health in Big Thicket National Preserve

  • Hydrate often to avoid dehydration.
  • Carry adequate medications for chronic illnesses.

Getting to Big Thicket National Preserve: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Big Thicket National Preserve

  • George Bush Intercontinental Airport
  • William P Hobby Airport
  • Jack Brooks Regional Airport

Bus Stations Near Big Thicket National Preserve

  • Beaumont Greyhound Bus Terminal
  • Livingston Bus Stop
  • Silsbee TraveLounge

Other Options

  • Private car rentals and taxis are readily available.

How to Get Around in Big Thicket National Preserve

Getting around the park via cars is the most convenient means of transport, and they are available on rent. Bicycles can be rented on a seasonal basis for visitors more inclined to explore the park that way.

Where to Go Next from Big Thicket National Preserve: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Ocean Star Offshore Energy Centre and Museum - A museum detailing oil and gas industry history
  • Houston Zoological Gardens - The largest zoo in Texas, Houston Zoo houses a wide range of animals from around the world.

Conclusion

The Big Thicket National Reserve is a beautiful destination that promises unforgettable experiences. With this comprehensive guide, you are fully equipped to prepare a journey that fits your preferences, itinerary, and budget. Remember not to forget your sunscreen, bug spray, cowboy boots, digital camera, and walking stick. Happy exploring!

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