Current Conditions

Alerts

 

Water Levels

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

 
photo of a large tree trunk that has fallen across a small wooden bridge, smashing its railing.
Fallen tree across a bridge on the Woodlands Trail in July 2024

Austin Laynor

Closures

Closures are in effect for the following areas of Big Thicket National Preserve:

Trail Closures (Storm Damage)

Following Hurricane Beryl, the following trails are CLOSED until further notice:

  • Big Sandy Trail
  • Birdwatchers Trail
  • Woodlands Trail

Park staff have determined that these trails are unsafe due to fallen trees, damaged bridges, and washouts. Maintenance crews will work to repair the damage; however, we do not have a timeline for when they will reopen.

Lakeview Day-Use Area

Vehicle access is restricted at Lakeview Day-Use Area, AKA Lakeview Sandbar, due to community safety concerns. Vehicles are no longer allowed to drive on the sandbar. Foot traffic is still allowed.

 
an unpaved road with a deep washout on one side, several feet deep, and a tree trunk laying across the gap.
Washout on Timber Slough Road in June 2024.

NPS Photo

Road and Trail Conditions

Following severe spring storms, many roads and trails in the Big Thicket region have suffered damage, including flooding, washouts, and fallen trees.

Updates as of July 16, 2024:

  • Timber Slough Road in the Jack Gore Baygall Unit has a large washout (see photo). We do not currently have a timeline for when it will be repaired.
  • A bridge on Sunflower Road in the Big Sandy Creek Unit is damaged and awaiting repairs from Polk County.
  • Hikers may encounter fallen trees and washouts on trails.
These conditions are not exhaustive; other areas of the preserve may have damage that has not been reported. Contact us for more updates.
 

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Last updated: July 16, 2024

Explore the Big Thicket

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

6044 FM 420
Kountze, TX 77625

Phone:

409-951-6700

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