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.

Beaver Slide Trail

A still pond reflects the bright shades of green of early spring.

Tupelo trees growing on the edge of a reflective pond in the woods in spring.

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.

Bald Cypress in Fall

Bald cypress displaying fall colors on the Beaver Slide Trail

a mossy bald cypress tree displaying fiery orange leaves amid a background of green forest.

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.

Sundew Trail

The Sundew Trail leads hikers through a wetland pine savannah.

A wooden boardwalk curving through dense ferns and pines.

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.

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.

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.

Kirby Oak

Large live oaks welcome hikers to the Kirby Nature Trail.

Sunlight poking through the canopy of a sprawling oak tree.