Big Thicket National Preserve

Alligator Grass Lake in the Big Thicket preserve.

A colony of carnivorous pitcher plants in Big Thicket National Preserve.

Big Thicket is a biological crossroads for North American plants and animals.

Big Thicket National Preserve is known as a "biological crossroads in North America" for the remarkable co-existence of diverse wildlife found within its borders.

Pine, baldcypress and hardwood forests, meadows and swamps coexist on the almost 90,000-acre preserve. Four of five carnivorous plant species in the United States grow in the wetland savannas of the preserve.

The park has nine land units and six water corridors, and nine hiking trails ranging from one-quarter mile to 18 miles in length. Bicycling and horseback riding are allowed on the Big Sandy Horse Trail only.

Birdwatching is popular during migration seasons. One of the more frequented areas is at High Island, 45 miles south of Beaumont.

Although there are no developed campgrounds, backcountry camping is allowed by permit. Camping is also allowed on sandbars skirting the Neches River.

Big Thicket offers a range of nature walks, canoe treks and other programs for children and adults; most are available by advance reservation only. Most organized excursions require a minimum of four participants. Call for reservations.