Big Thicket

Big Thicket is a large protected forest in southeast Texas containing nine distinct ecological zones. These range from pine woodlands to swampy bayou areas and are spread across separate parcels of land and water throughout the region.

The preserve was officially established in 1974 following conservation efforts that started decades earlier to stop intensive logging in the area. This designation became a turning point in protecting the region from further resource extraction and environmental damage.

Native peoples including the Alabama-Coushatta maintained settlements throughout this region for generations, shaping how the land and its resources were understood and used. Their heritage remains part of the local identity and the relationship people have with the forest today.

The area has about 40 miles of hiking trails and over 300 miles of waterways open for exploration and paddling. Visitors can camp at designated areas, fish in certain zones, and use the extensive path networks to reach different ecosystems throughout their stay.

The forest is home to four species of carnivorous plants including pitcher plants and sundews that grow in specific wet areas. These unusual plants often surprise visitors and show how living things adapt to survive in challenging conditions here.