Explore the Big Thicket National Preserve by taking advantage of the many ranger-led programs being offered in the months of May, June, July and August. From canoe trips to a black bear presentation and night hikes through the thicket, park rangers will offer a variety of free programs this summer. Some programs require participants to pre-register (noted below).
View the summer schedule below or print it here.
Summer 2016 Ranger-led Program Schedule:
Saturday, May 14: International Migratory Bird Day
Choose between two birding walks through the Big Thicket, both starting at 8:00 am. Explore birds along the Sundew Trail or the Pitcher Plant Trail. Meet at your chosen trailhead at 8 am, or at the Big Thicket Visitor Center at 7:30 am and caravan to the trailhead. Bring water, binoculars, and insect repellent. At 10:00 am, head to the Big Thicket Visitor Center for kids' birding activities. Come learn about birds through fun games and activities. Be prepared for some outdoor activities, including a short birdwatching walk. Approximately 1.5 hours.
Sunday, May 15, 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.
Saturday, May 21: National Kids to Parks Day
Calling all kids and those young at heart! Join us at 10 am, 11 am, 1 pm & 2 pm, during National Kids in Parks Day for hands-on activities for children. A special junior ranger activities book, commemorative badge and other fun things will be available.
Friday, May 27, 8:15 pm: Night Hike
Engage your senses and learn about nocturnal animals on this 1.7-mile walk. Bring water, good walking shoes, and a flashlight or headlamp with a red lens. No pets or light-up shoes. Meet at 8:15 pm at the Kirby Trailhead, located 2.5 miles east of the Big Thicket National Preserve Visitor Center. You can also meet the rangers in the Visitor Center parking lot at 8 pm and caravan to the trailhead.
Sunday, June 5, 10 am: Big Sandy Trail Hike
Earn mileage towards your Centennial Club award on this exploration of the Big Sandy Trail. The full round-trip distance is 5-6 miles; hikers can choose to hike a shorter or longer distance. Meet at the preserve visitor center at 9 am to convoy to the location or meet at the Big Sandy Trailhead at 10 am, located off Sunflower Road, west of Dallardsville in Polk County. Be prepared with water, sunscreen, bug spray and snacks. Please call the visitor center at (409) 951-6700 to register.
Saturday, June 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.
Friday, June 24, 8:30 pm: Night Hike
Engage your senses and learn about nocturnal animals on this night hike. 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, July 3, 10 am: Turkey Creek Trail Hike (middle section)
Earn mileage towards your Centennial Club award on this exploration of the Turkey Creek Trail from Gore Store Road 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 preserve visitor center at 9 :30 am to convoy to the location or meet at the Gore Store Road Trailhead access on the NORTH side of the road at 10 am, located three miles east of HWY 69/287 north of Village Mills. Be prepared with water, sunscreen, bug spray and snacks. Please call the visitor center at (409) 951-6700 to register.
Saturday, July 9, 8:30 pm: Night Hike
Engage your senses and learn about nocturnal animals on this night hike. Hike locations vary and space is limited, so call our visitor center at 409-951-6700 to find each trip location and to register.
Saturday, July 16, 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, July 22, 8:15 pm: Night Hike
Engage your senses and learn about nocturnal animals on this night hike. 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, August 7, 10 am: Beaver Slide & Birdwatchers Trails
Earn mileage towards your Centennial Club award as you explore two short trails, the Beaver Slide and Birdwatchers Trails. The full round-trip distance is 2.5miles. Meet at the preserve visitor center at 9 am to convoy to the location or meet at the Beaver Slide Trailhead at 10 am, located on FM 943, one mile west of the intersection with FM1276 and three miles east of Segno, Texas. Be prepared with water, sunscreen, bug spray and snacks. Please call the visitor center at (409) 951-6700 to register.
Saturday, August 13, 8:00 pm: Night Hike
Engage your senses and learn about nocturnal animals on this night hike. Hike locations vary and space is limited, so call our visitor center at (409) 951-6700 to find each trip location and to register.
Saturday, August 20, 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, August 26, 7:45 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.
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!
