VISITATION
Highest in April and October; lowest in January.

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

Web site: www.nps.gov/bith/index.htm
E-mail: BITH_Administration@nps.gov

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 companies), 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

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 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.

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

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.

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RELATED GORP LINKS
GORP Parks & Preserves
Texas Resources
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