Big Thicket National Preserve

Life of all types abounds in the Big Thicket. This national preserve protects the incredible diversity of life found where multiple habitats meet in southeast Texas. Hiking trails and waterways meander through nine different ecosystems, from longleaf pine forests to cypress-lined bayous. It is a place of discovery, a place to wander and explore, a place to marvel at the richness of nature.

Cypress Swamp

When you think of Texas, do you picture jungle-like swamps?

Bright green swamp with shallow water and many kinds of trees and jungle-like plants.

Staley Cabin

Historic Staley Cabin sits at the start of the Kirby Nature Trail.

A log cabin in a forest beneath a canopy of sprawling live oak trees.

Canoe on Lake Bayou

A canoe or kayak trip is the best way to see Big Thicket's waterways.

A park ranger paddling a green canoe on a slow-moving waterway below cypress trees.

Beaver Slide Trail Bridge

Wander through the woods on the Beaver Slide Trail.

A small wooden bridge on a trail through dense woods.

Pitcher Plant

Visit in spring to see carnivorous pitcher plants.

Close-up of a carnivorous pitcher plant with the shadow of an insect inside.

Red-Headed Woodpecker

Look for woodpeckers in Big Thicket's pine forests.

A woodpecker with bright red head clinging to a dead tree.

Village Creek Bridge

The bridge over Village Creek connects the Kirby Nature Trail to the Turkey Creek Trail.

An iron bridge above a murky creek surrounded by dense woods.

Cypress Knees

Cypress knees, extensions of bald cypresses' roots, are abundant in Big Thicket waters.

Shadowy-looking cypress knees and their reflections in still water.

Cooks Lake Paddlers

Paddle beneath a canopy of cypress and tupelo on the Cooks Lake to Scatterman Paddling Trail.

2 people in a canoe and 1 person in a kayak paddle through a forested slough.

Sundew Trail

The Sundew Trail leads hikers through a wetland pine savannah.

A wooden boardwalk curving through dense ferns and pines.

Fall Swamp

Visit in November to see bald cypress leaves turn a rich orange hue.

Tall trees in a swamp, displaying bright orange foliage.

Anole on Palmetto

The beauty of the Big Thicket lies in its small details.

A green anole lizard resting on an outstretched palmetto leaf.

Kirby Oak

Large live oaks welcome hikers to the Kirby Nature Trail.

Sunlight poking through the canopy of a sprawling oak tree.

Wintry Cypress Slough

Winter brings a different mood to Big Thicket's sloughs.

Leafless bald cypress trees and knees stand in a swamp filled with leaves and branches in winter.