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A wooden boardwalk leading through a partially burned area with a strip of grass on either side of the boardwalk.
Pitcher Plant Trail boardwalk after prescribed fire, March 19, 2026.

NPS Photo

Prescribed Fire Update

March 23, 2026: Big Thicket firefighters have completed a prescribed fire on 220 acres in the northern part of the Turkey Creek Unit. Ignitions began on Wednesday, March 18, and lasted through Thursday, March 19. Ignitions are complete; firefighters are monitoring the burn area for hazards including falling trees and burning stumps and logs.

The following trail remains closed:

  • Pitcher Plant Trail

The Turkey Creek Trail has reopened. Hikers should use caution when hiking past the burn area and be aware of smoldering logs and potential hot spots.

Prescribed fires reduce available fuels, reducing the threat of wildland fire to adjacent communities and NPS infrastructure. This part of the Turkey Creek Unit is home to longleaf pine savannah, an ecosystem that is adapted to periodic fire.

Smoke may be visible from neighboring communities such as Warren during ignition and for a few days after. However, prolonged smoke is not expected from this operation. Firefighters will be on scene for the duration of the operation and will be patrolling the burned area after ignitions conclude each day.

For updates, please call the visitor center at 409-951-6700.

 

Water Levels

Use the links below to check water levels on Big Thicket's major waterways:

 

Road and Trail Conditions

Updated January 25, 2026

Big Sandy Creek Unit Trails

The Big Sandy Trail and Woodlands Trail have reopened; however, trail users are advised to use caution as hazards may still exist. Repairs to washed out culverts and damaged bridges are ongoing.

Timber Slough Road

Jack Gore Baygall Unit: Timber Slough Road is unpaved and often impassable due to muddy conditions. This road is not maintained often; drivers may need to turn around at Ard Lake.

Bridge Closure on FM 2610 in Romayor

Menard Creek Corridor Unit: The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is replacing the bridge over Menard Creek on Farm to Market Road (FM) 2610. Birdwatchers Trail is open; access the trail from the south via FM 2610 in Romayor.

 

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Last updated: March 23, 2026

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Mailing Address:

6044 FM 420
Kountze, TX 77625

Phone:

409-951-6700

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