14.7 miles roundtrip | The Big Sandy Trail follows old logging roads through the woods. This is the only trail in the preserve open to bicycles and horses.
1½ to 2½ miles roundtrip | Experience the Big Thicket on a gentle loop hike through different kinds of forest. See majestic bald cypress trees and knees and Village Creek.
1-2 Hours
1 mile roundtrip | Stroll through a longleaf pine forest near the visitor center on Big Thicket's newest trail.
30-60 Minutes
14 miles one-way | The Turkey Creek Trail leads into the backcountry of the Turkey Creek Unit. Several trailheads at road crossings provide options for shorter hikes.
1 mile roundtrip | The Beaver Slide Trail is a hidden gem. This short hike leads hikers past several scenic ponds and sloughs. Keep an eye out for beaver dams along the way!
30-60 Minutes
¾ mile roundtrip | This short hike leads to views of Menard Creek and the Trinity River, an important migration route for birds.
30-60 Minutes
The Lance Rosier Unit is the largest, wildest area of the Big Thicket. Discover its secrets on this scenic, unpaved auto tour.
1-3 Hours
0.3 to 1 mile roundtrip | Search for tiny red carnivorous plants known as sundews on an easy loop hike through a lush wetland pine savannah.
1-2 Hours
5 miles roundtrip | The Woodlands Trail loops through different kinds of forest landscapes and some hilly terrain. Find a scenic pond near the beginning of the trail.
2-4 Hours
1½ miles roundtrip | See a forest of American beeches on this pleasant loop hike in the northeastern corner of the preserve.
1-2 Hours
1 mile roundtrip | Follow an easy loop that leads to a boardwalk through a pitcher plant bog where you can look for carnivorous plants in spring and summer.
1-2 Hours
4½ to 9.4 miles roundtrip | Look for longleaf pines, cacti, and solitude on this out-and-back and loop hike that leads to an arid sandyland ecosystem.
2-8 Hours
Take your mountain bike on an 18-mile roundtrip trail through the woods of the Big Sandy Creek Unit. See different kinds of forest habitats along the way.
4-8 Hours
Get a free activity booklet from the visitor center and earn a junior ranger badge. All ages are welcome!
20-60 Minutes
Have a picnic next to Pine Island Bayou at Edgewater Day-Use Area. A short trail starts here and follows the bank of the bayou.
You can camp for free in much of the Big Thicket backcountry! Pick up a permit at the visitor center.
Watch a 16-minute film about the story of Big Thicket National Preserve at the visitor center or online.
16 Minutes
Whether you want to go 2.1 miles or 21 miles, Village Creek is a great place for a paddle trip. Tall trees along the creek provide shade and white sand beaches invite paddlers to stop and relax for awhile.
2-6 Hours
Paddle from one river to another through a cypress slough! Explore quiet oxbow lakes and bayous along the way on this 4.8-mile paddling trail.
4-6 Hours
Grab your binoculars and birdwatch in a popular spot for our local and migratory birds.
1-2 Hours