Big Thicket
National Preserve

Visit Our Electronic Visitor Center

Big Thicket National Preserve consists of nine separate land units and four water corridors, and encompasses 86,000 acres. It was established in 1974 to protect the area of rich biological diversity where the eastern hardwood forests, the southern coastal wetlands, the western prairies and the arid southwest converge. In 1981, the Preserve was designated as an International Biosphere Reserve by the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Man and the Biosphere program.

VISITATION:

Highest in April and October; lowest in January.

LOCATION:

Beaumont, Texas

ADDRESS:

Administrative Offices:
Big Thicket National Preserve
3785 Milam
Beaumont, Texas 77701

TELEPHONE:

Information Station (information requests): (409) 246- 2337
Administrative Offices: (409) 839-2689

OPERATING HOURS, SEASONS:

Headquarters: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday; closed on all government holidays.
Information Station: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., daily; closed December 25.

CLIMATE, RECOMMENDED CLOTHING:

Rain, heat, and humidity are typical. An average rainfall of 55 inches is well distributed throughout the year. Summers are hot and humid with daytime temperatures between 85 and 95 degrees fahrenheit. Moderate temperatures in the mid 50s are normal for winter. Spring and fall are the most pleasant seasons for outdoor activity. Wear comfortable sportswear, walking shoes, and carry rain gear.

DIRECTIONS:

Major north/south access via US 69/287. Major east/west access via U.S. 190, U.S. 90, or I-10.
Information Station: seven miles north of Kountze, Texas on FM 420.

TRANSPORTATION:

There is airline (4), bus, and train (AMTRAK) service into Beaumont, Texas. There are rental car outlets at the Jefferson County airport and in Beaumont. Houston, a major transportation hub, is located approximately 90 miles west of Beaumont on Interstate 10. There is no public transportation within the Preserve.

FEES, COSTS, RATES:

No entrance fee. All programs are free.

FACILITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES:
Visitor Center/Exhibits:

Information Station: Brochures and handouts, interpretive publications sales area, video programs, and exhibits.

Trails, Roads:

Nine trails range in length from one-quarter to eighteen miles. There are trail guide booklets at the Kirby and Sundew Nature Trails, and trail maps at other trailheads. Pets and vehicles are not permitted on trails. All-terrain bicycles and horses permitted only on the Big Sandy Trail.

Programs/Activities:

There are no regularly scheduled tours. All guided walks, special tours, off site talks, and environmental education programs are by reservation. Call (409) 246-2337.

Lodging and Camping Facilities:

There are no overnight accommodations or developed campgrounds in the Preserve. Backcountry camping is allowed by permit in designated units. Permits can be obtained at the Information Station.

Food/supplies:

Restaurants, grocery and convenience stores are found in nearby communities.

Other Concessions/NPS-Managed Visitor Facilities and

Opportunities:
Southwest Parks and Monuments Association publications sales outlet at the Information Station.

Accessibility:

Information Station, Sundew and Pitcher Plant nature trails, picnic tables, and rest rooms are wheelchair accessible.

Special Needs:

Space for large vehicle turnaround at Information Station. Parallel parking for tour buses at Information Station.

RECOMMENDED ACTIVITIES/PARK USE:

Hiking: September through May. Wildflower identification: March to October. Bird watching: mid-April to mid-May. Boating, fishing, canoeing: April to October. Hunting, by permit only, October to mid-January.

RESERVATIONS/PERMITS:

Advance reservations required for all interpretive activities and educational programs. Free permits are required for backcountry camping, hunting, and trapping.

BASIC VISIT RECOMMENDATIONS:

One and one-half to two hours to visit the Information Station and hike the inside loop of the Kirby Nature Trail is the recommended first time visit. Allow one mile per hour hiking time on other trails.

VISITOR IMPACTS:

Heavy rain often results in flooded trails. Heavy releases of water from Steinhagen Reservoir can inundate sandbars that are popular campsites along the Neches River.

ADJACENT VISITOR ATTRACTIONS:

Several quality museums in Beaumont relate the history of the timber and petroleum industries. The town of Silsbee offers additional recreation opportunities. Heritage Village in Woodville recreates the early settlement of the Big Thicket. The Roy E. Larsen Sandyland Sanctuary is located north of Beaumont in Hardin County and is administered by the Nature Conservancy of Texas. Two Texas State Parks are also located in the area: Village Creek State Park and Martin Dies Jr. State Park.

EDUCATION, SCIENCE AND RESEARCH

Nearby Colleges and Universities

Lamar University, Beaumont
Stephen F. Austin State University, Nacogdoches
Texas A&M Research and Extension Center, Beaumont

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Write to the Superintendent; Big Thicket National Preserve; 3785 Milam; Beaumont, Texas 77701.

Last Updated:Wednesday, 24-Sep-97 06:52:37
http://www.nps.gov/bith/