The staff of Big Thicket National Preserve invites everyone to explore the thicket by taking advantage the many ranger-led programs being offered in the months of September, October, November and December, 2016.

From canoe trips to park clean-up events and night hikes through the thicket, park rangers are offering a variety of free programs this fall. Some programs require participants to pre-register. Be sure to consult the Fall/Winter 2016 Ranger-led Program Schedule below. 

Friday, September 16, 7:30 pm: Full Moon Night Hike

Experience the nighttime world of the Big Thicket under a full moon! Engage your senses and learn about nocturnal animals on this 1-mile walk on the Sundew Trail. Space is limited, so call our visitor center at 409-951-6700 to register.

Paddling Big Thicket

Sunday, September 18, 10 am: Paddling Trip

Join park rangers for a guided canoe trip on the waters of the preserve. This program targets the casual and novice paddler. Canoes, PFDs and paddles will be provided. Trip locations vary and space is limited, so call our visitor center at 409-951-6700 to find each trip location and to register.

Thursday, September 22, 6 pm: National Parks of Texas Documentary

The Jefferson Theatre (345 Fannin, Beaumont, TX 77701) is hosting a film premier for the National Park Service! Come out to see the new PBS documentary The National Parks of Texas: In Contact with Beauty - for FREE! The lobby of the Jefferson will have displays from the national parks of Texas, and special guests will be present for a Q&A following the film.

Saturday, September 24, 10 am: National Public Lands Day: Village Creek Clean-up

Join us in a paddling trip to remove trash from Village Creek. Canoes, PFDs, paddles, trash bags, gloves, and shuttle service will be provided. Meet at the Hwy 327 boat ramp. The take-out will be at Baby Galvez, 2 miles downstream. Trip locations vary and space is limited, so call our visitor center at 409-951-6700 to register.

Pitcher Plant in the Big Thicket

Saturday, October 1, 2016: Big Thicket Day

In partnership with the Big Thicket Association, we will celebrate the establishment of Big Thicket National Preserve on Saturday, October 1, 2016. Hosted at the preserve visitor center, just north of Kountze, Texas, the day's events will include kids’ activities, special speakers, ranger-led hikes and much more. We hope to see you there!

Saturday, October 8, 10 am: Paddling Trip

Join park rangers for a guided canoe trip on the waters of the preserve. This program targets the casual and novice paddler. Canoes, PFDs and paddles will be provided. Trip locations vary and space is limited, so call our visitor center at 409-951-6700 to find each trip location and to register.

Friday, October 21, 6:45 pm: Night Hike

Engage your senses and learn about nocturnal animals on this 1-mile walk. Hike locations vary and space is limited, so call our visitor center at 409-951-6700 to find each trip location and to register.

Big Thicket National Preserve Ranger Hike

Saturday, October 22, 9:30 am: “A Walk in the Woods”

Join a ranger to explore the diverse ecosystems along the Kirby Nature Trail and Sandhill Loop Trail, including forests, cypress sloughs, riparian floodplains, and longleaf pine uplands. Meet at the Kirby Trailhead on FM 420 with water, snacks, insect repellent, and good walking shoes. 4.5 miles, about 3.5 hours.

Sunday, November 6, 1:30 pm: Explore Your Thicket Hike: Pitcher Plant Trail

Explore the Turkey Creek Trail from the Pitcher Plant Trail to CR 4825 and back. The full round-trip distance is 6 miles; hikers can choose to hike a shorter or longer distance. Meet at the Pitcher Plant Trailhead on CR 4850, two miles south of FM 1943 east of Warren, with water and snacks. Please call the visitor center at 409-951-6700 to register.

Saturday November 19, 5:30 pm: Night Hike

Engage your senses and learn about nocturnal animals on this 1-mile walk. Hike locations vary and space is limited, so call our visitor center at 409-951-6700 to find each trip location and to register.

Sunday, December 4, 1:30 pm: Explore Your Thicket Hike: Turkey Creek and Sandhill Loop

Explore the Turkey Creek Trail from the Gore Store Road Trailhead (south) to the Sand Hill Loop and back. The full round-trip distance is 6 miles; hikers can choose to hike a shorter or longer distance. Please call the visitor center at 409-951-6700 to register. 

Big Thicket National Preserve is located in southeast Texas, near the city Beaumont and 75 miles northeast of Houston. The preserve consists of nine land units and six water corridors encompassing more than 112,000 acres. The Big Thicket, often referred to as a “biological crossroads,” is a transition zone between four distinct vegetation types – the moist eastern hardwood forest, the southwestern desert, the southeastern swamp, and the central prairies. Species from all of these different vegetation types come together in the thicket, exhibiting a variety of vegetation and wildlife that has received national interest.

For more detailed information on these programs and the Big Thicket National Preserve click here.