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Big Thicket National Preserve

The Preserve consists of nine land units and six water corridors encompassing 86,428 federal and 10,766 non-federal acres (97,191 total acres). The Preserve was established October 11, 1974 to protect an area of rich biological diversity.

A convergence of ecosystems occurred here during the last Ice Age. It brought together, in one geographical location, the eastern hardwood forests, the Gulf coastal plains, and the midwest prairies.

In 1981, the Preserve was designated an International Biosphere Reserve by the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Man and the Biosphere Program.


Contact Information

Headquarters
3785 Milam Street
Beaumont, TX 77701-4724
409-246-2337 - Visitor Information
409-839-2689 - Headquarters


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Getting There

By Plane
The Southeast Texas Regional Airport, near Beaumont, Texas, has commerical airline service. Houston, Texas, about 100 miles from the Preserve, has two major airports served by a number of major airlines.

By Car
Enter Beaumont, Texas, via Interstate 10 and then take U.S. Highway 69-287 north from Beaumont. Seven miles north of Kountze, Texas, take FM 420 east for 2.5 miles to the Information Station for your personal orientation.

By Plane
AmTrak and Commerical Bus transportation are available in Beaumont, Texas.

Getting Around
Because the Preserve is composed of several units (land and water), one has to drive to each unit they wish to visit. The Official Map and Guide will assist greatly.

Weather

An average rainfall of 55 inches is well distributed throughout the year. Summers are warm and humid with daytime temperatures between 85 and 95 degrees fahrenheit with peaks to 100 or more. Moderate temperatures in the mid 50s to 60s are normal for winter. Spring and fall are very enjoyable and are the most pleasant seasons for outdoor activities. Wear comfortable outdoorwear, wear a broad brimmed hat, wear walking shoes, and carry rain gear.


Activities

Here are some of the activities that are offered at Mount Rainier National Park.
thebackpacker.com If you want more information about backpacking and hiking, give thebackpacker.com a try. From backpacking gear reviews, hiking trail reviews and much more, it covers all aspects of wilderness travel.
  • Auto Touring
  • Biking
  • Boating
  • Camping
  • Educational Programs
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Horseback Riding
  • Hunting
  • Swimming
  • Wildlife Viewing
  • Backpacking
  • Bird Watching
  • Nature Walks
  • Stargazing
  • Kayaking

Recommended Activities
Hiking is available year-round though it is warm and humid during the summer months. Wildflower viewing is best from March to October. The Preserve is on two migratory flyways: the Central and Mississippi. Bird watching is excellent from mid-April to mid-May and less active during the fall. Boating, canoeing, fishing can be enjoyed from April to October. Hunting in specific areas is authorized by a Preserve issued permit, accompanied by a valid State of Texas Hunting License, from October to mid-January.


 

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Find Hiking and Biking Trails
If you like to go hiking or biking, then don't forget to get a map and guidebook. Trails.com offers a great service that allows unlimited downloads of trail guides for a small monthly fee. They even have a 14 day free trial. Whether you are looking for day hikes, backpacking trails, mountain bike routes or just short nature stroll, they cover it all. So let Trails.com help plan your next outing.
RV Information
Are you planning on traveling with your RV? If you are, you should check out the Good Sam Club. The Good Sam Club offers discounts on camping, a free magazine subscription and great tips on traveling with your RV. You can also get a free no-obligation RV Insurance quote . Give them a look and enjoy your trip.
Gear Up For Your Trip
Once you have finished deciding where to go, it will be time to gear up. A great place for adventure travel gear is The National Geographic Store. They have all types of maps and guides to help finalize your vacation plans.