Big Thicket National Preserve Trail System
Kountze, Silsbee, Livingston
Kirby Nature Hiking Trail
Located in the southern end of the Turkey Creek Unit near the Staley Cabin, this trail, part of a larger system, is a popular double loop trail. The inner loop is 1.7 miles and the outer loop 2.4 miles. The trail meanders through a mixture of hardwoods and pines as well as several types of environments including Baldcypress swamps. As it passes Village Creek, you will see small floodplains. A guide is available at the trailhead.
Turkey Creek Hiking Trail
This trail meanders north-south in the Turkey Creek unit. At 15 miles, the trail parallels Turkey Creek and is one of the longest in the Preserve. Access to the trail can be made at four different trailheads dispersed along the trail. Diverse views of sandhill pine uplands, mixed forests, floodplains, and baygalls can be found along this trail.
Pitcher Plant Hiking Trail
Found on the northeast side of the Turkey Creek Trail, this short trail (< .2 miles) leads you through a mixed pine forest to the edge of a wetland Savannah. Here you will find one of the four species of carnivorous plants--the pitcher plant.
Sundew Trail
Located in the Hickory Creek Savannah Unit, this trail is fully accessible with two loops. The outer loop is 1.6 miles and the inner loop is .8 miles. Both loops are accessible; the inner loop is mostly boardwalk. Known as a primary area for wildflowers from late spring through summer, you can see pitcher plants and sundew--both carnivorous.
Woodlands Hiking Trail
Located at the northwest corner of the Big Sandy Creek Unit, the trail provides length options for hikers. The outermost loop is 5.4 miles. Two other loops are available - 4.5 and 3.3 miles respectively. The trail crosses a great variety of habitats including the Big Sandy Creek floodplain. Dense stands of large hardwood with sparse ground cover can be seen. You can see the reclamation of old pasture land being re-absorbed by nature too.
Beech Woods Hiking Trail
(NOTE: This trail is closed during hunting season each year--from opening day of the State of Texas fall hunting season through the second Sunday in January. Call 409-951-6725 for exact dates.) Near the southwest corner of the Beech Creek Unit, this 1.0 mile loop trail is accessed by a short walk on an old dirt road. The hike will take you through an outstanding mature beech and magnolia tree forest.
Beaver Slide Hiking Trail
Found on the southeast corner of the Big Sandy Creek Unit, this short 1.5 mile loop trail meanders around a series of ponds formed by old beaver dams. The trail is a great access to the Big Sandy Creek Unit and several fishing spots.
Big Sandy Creek Horse/Bike Trail
(NOTE: This trail is closed during hunting season each year--from opening day of the State of Texas fall hunting season through the second Sunday in January. Call 409-951-6725 for exact dates.) Located in the southeast portion of the Big Sandy Creek Unit. the trail is reached from the area near Dallardsville, Texas. This loop trail is 18 miles long - the longest in the Preserve. Horses and mountain bikes are allowed. The trail crosses upland pine forests and beech-magnolia-loblolly pine slopes before entering a floodplain forest of basket oak, sweetgum, hornbeam and holly. You will have to bring your own horse or mountain bike. There are no rentals in that area.
The Canoe Trails of Big Thicket
Cook's Lake Canoe Trail
An easy water trail located in the Beaumont Unit of the Preserve bounded on the south by Pine Island Bayou and the east by the Neches River. You will need a copy of Canoe Cook's Lake and it is suggested you use a detailed map of this area during your trip. There is a subtle blending of two similar plant communities--the Swamp Forest and Floodplain Communities. The prominent trees are Baldcypress and water tupelo.
Franklin Lake Canoe Trail
Located in the Jack Gore Baygall Unit, the canoe trail is bounded by the Neches River and Black Creek on the east and Preserve boundary on the west. You will need a copy of Canoe Franklin Lake and it is suggested you use a detailed map of this area during your trip. The paddle will take you through a Baldcypress slough twisting along an ancient bluff-line of the Neches River.
Four C Hiking Trail, Davy Crockett National Forest
Kennard
The 20-mile-long Four C National Recreation Trail begins at Ratcliff Lake and winds through a diverse forest of towering pines, bottomland hardwoods, boggy sloughs, and upland forests. Midway down the trail is the Walnut Creek campsite with five tent pads, a shelter, and pit toilet. Another campsite, further north on the trail, has two tent pads. Neches Bluff Overlook, located at the north end of the trail, offers a panoramic view of pine-hardwood forests in the Neches River bottomlands with picnic and primitive camping facilities. No horses, bikes, or off-road vehicles are permitted on the Four C National Recreation Trail. A portion of the trail traverses the Big Slough Wilderness Area. Click here for more information.
Lone Star Hiking Trail, Sam Houston National Forest
Conroe, Sheperd, Coldspring
Consists of three major sections. The 40-mile Lake Conroe section, lying west of Lake Conroe, begins near the intersection of FS 219 and FM 149 and has four connecting loops.
The Central Area of the trail runs eastward from Stubblefield Recreation Area, through the Four Notch area to Evergreen and then south down FM 945 to the trailhead parking lot. The Four Notch Loop, a 9.2 mile section, is in the middle of this 60-mile area of trail. The Winters Bayou/Tarkington Creek Area of the trail runs from FM 945 east to Double Lake Recreation Area, then south through Big Creek Scenic Area and then southwest through Winters Bayou. This 27-mile section of the trail has National Recreation status.
The Lone Star Hiking Trail may be hiked year round, but winter and spring are the most popular seasons due to the mild southeast Texas climate. During deer hunting season in November and December, hikers should wear highly visible clothing. Usually the trail is not crowded, and hikers may observe a multiple-use managed forest with many ages and kinds of trees, plants and wildlife. Trail visitors may also view rivers, creeks, lakes and streams that meander through and around the Sam Houston National Forest. Off-road vehicles are prohibited. Click here for more information.
Piney Creek Horse Trail, Davy Crockett National Forest
Kennard
The Piney Creek Horse Trail offers forest visitors more than 45 miles of developed horse trails located several miles southwest of Kennard. There are two trailheads with limited facilities. Click here for more information.
Sawmill Hiking Trail, Angelina National Forest
Zavalla
*Trail Closed due to Hurricane Rita Damage. For latest information on the status please call Angelina National Forest Ranger Office at 936-897-1068.
The 5 1/2-mile Sawmill Hiking Trail winds between Bouton Lake and Boykin Springs recreation areas, with a 3/4-mile spur near the middle portion of the trail leading to the abandoned Aldridge Sawmill site. Part of the trail follows an old tramway, used until 1920 to haul logs to the sawmills. Portions of old bridges and sawmill ruins can be seen at various points along the trail. A trail map is available at the District Ranger's office and at the trail head at Boykin Springs. Click here for more information.
Stephen F. Austin Exerimental Forest Trail System
Nacogdoches
The Interpretive Trail System
Completed in the summer of 1997, the Forest's innovative interpretive trail system represents the commitment of the USDA Forest Service to meet the changing needs and perspectives of society. Unique in its concept and design, it features the first major trail in this region designed and constructed for universal accessibility. Two separate loops, spanning a distance of 2.8 miles, take visitors into some of the most dynamic and scenic areas of the Forest.
Jack Creek Loop
Jack Creek is a cool, clear, spring-fed perennial stream which serves as the centerpiece for this loop. Traversing gentle slopes along the banks of the creek, this barrier-free, 0.8-mile-long surfaced trail provides universal access to a mature mixed forest where 100-year-old pines and hardwoods still stand stalwart against the rush of modern time. The rich, moist soils along the creek support diverse vegetation dominated by hardwoods. The large, old trees in this area offer the visitor a soothing environment for exercise as well as opportunities for quiet reflection and relaxation. Since these trees also provide cover and food, which support many species of birds and mammals, wildlife viewing (especially birding) is an inherent part of the unobtrusive visitor's experience.
Management Loop
As environmental issues become increasingly a part of public awareness and concern, the Forest Service is taking the initiative to provide and promote conservation education. Experiential learning opportunities offered in a living outdoor classroom are geared toward fostering respect for our forest resources and appreciation of sound management principles. Once federal injunctions are lifted from the National Forests and Grasslands in Texas and treatments can be imposed, the Management Loop will be dedicated to the demonstration of the best management practices for both timber and wildlife. Winding 2.0 miles through five different units of the Forest, this loop will provide visitors a chance to view an array of forest management practices at various stages of process. Not just a path through the Forest, the trail is like a corridor through time. Integrated into the management objectives for each different area, it will permit visitors to witness firsthand the forest's response to various treatments across the years. Visitors may also observe wildlife while learning about a variety of forest habitats.
Click here for more information on the Stephen F. Austin Experimental Forest Trail System
Trail Between the Lakes, Sabine National Forest
Hemphill & Pineland
The 28-mile Trail Between the Lakes hiking trail extends from Lakeview Recreation Area on Toledo Bend Reservoir to Highway 96 near Sam Rayburn Reservoir. In addition, many miles of roads that go through the woods are open to bicycles and horseback riders. Hiking is at its best in the early spring and fall when the forest is filled with blossoms and colorful leaves. Click here for more information.