Last updated: February 8, 2025
Thing to Do
Hike the Pitcher Plant Trail
NPS Photo / Scott Sharaga
Walk this easy loop to see a natural garden of carnivorous pitcher plants and tall pines above.
- Distance: 1 mile roundtrip
- Type: Loop
- Location: Turkey Creek Unit
- Trailhead: Parking lot on County Road 4850
- Lat/Long: 30.582233, -94.336456
Overview
Follow the paved path beginning next to the kiosk. The first ¼ mile passes through a forest of longleaf pines. As you walk, look for burn scars on the pines—this section is intentionally burned every few years to encourage new tree growth. Longleaf pines are able to survive low-intensity fires that burn the leaf litter on the forest floor.
The wooden boardwalk begins at the entrance to the pitcher plant bog, where you can see hundreds of carnivorous plants in spring and summer. Pitcher plants are easy to spot, while tiny sundews and butterworts are harder to find.
After the boardwalk ends, the trail heads into the woods where it joins the Turkey Creek Trail for a short distance before looping back to the trailhead. Keep making left turns to continue counter-clockwise on the Pitcher Plant Trail.
More Information
- Download a trail map
- Hike carnivorous plant trails
- Explore the Turkey Creek Unit
Details
Duration
1-2 Hours
Activity
Hiking
Pets Allowed
Yes
Pets must be on a 6-foot leash at all times. Please pick up your pet's poop!
Activity Fee
No
Free admission to Big Thicket National Preserve
Location
Turkey Creek Unit | Warren, TX
From US 69/287 in Warren, go east on FM 1943 for 4.3 miles until you reach unpaved County Road 4850. Turn right (south) onto County Road 4850 and go 2 miles to reach the trailhead.
Reservations
No
Season
Year Round
See pitcher plants' large yellow flowers in late March and April. The pitcher plants are usually small in the spring and reach their peak size in summer and early fall. The plants dry up in fall and winter.
Time of Day
Day
Accessibility Information
The Pitcher Plant Trail is generally flat. The first ¼ mile is a mixture of pavement and wooden boardwalk through the pitcher plant bog. Beyond the boardwalk, the trail is a dirt and leaf-covered path, which can get muddy following heavy rain. Watch for exposed tree roots.