Last updated: March 23, 2025
Thing to Do
Hike the Turkey Creek Trail
NPS Photo / Scott Sharaga
The Turkey Creek Trail leads into the backcountry of the Turkey Creek Unit, connecting with several trails along the way.
- Distance: 14 miles one-way
- Type: Out-and-back
- Location: Turkey Creek Unit
- Trailhead: Several options—see below
Overview
You can begin the Turkey Creek Trail at several trailheads, listed here from north to south:
Farm to Market Road 1943
- 3 miles one-way between FM 1943 and Pitcher Plant Trail
- Trailhead: Parking lot on FM 1943
- Lat/Long: 30.613495, -94.344206
Farm to Market Road (FM) 1943 is the northern terminus of the Turkey Creek Trail. For a 7-mile roundtrip hike, begin here and hike 3 miles south to the Pitcher Plant Trail. Look for carnivorous pitcher plants in spring and summer on the 1-mile loop, then return to FM 1943.
Pitcher Plant Trail
- 3.4 miles one-way between Pitcher Plant Trail and County Road 4825
- Trailhead: Parking lot on County Road 4850
- Lat/Long: 30.582233, -94.336456
The Turkey Creek Trail runs concurrent with the Pitcher Plant Trail loop for a short distance. South of Pitcher Plant Trail, the Turkey Creek Trail closely follows Turkey Creek for 3.4 miles until meeting County Road 4825. Parts of this section may be flooded following heavy rains.
County Road 4825
- 2.7 miles one-way between County Road 4825 and Gore Store Road
- Trailhead: Pullout along County Road 4825
- Lat/Long: 30.551140, -94.332550
The Turkey Creek Trail crosses Turkey Creek at County Road (CR) 4825, then heads south along the west bank of the creek for 2.7 miles to Gore Store Road. The trail crossing at CR 4825 has no facilities and parking is limited.
Gore Store Road
- 5.8 miles one-way between Gore Store Road and FM 420
- Trailhead: 2 parking lots on Gore Store Road
- Lat/Long:
- Northbound: 30.522098, -94.346870
- Southbound: 30.520944, -94.343806
Gore Store Road has 2 trailheads; the northbound trailhead is on the west side of Turkey Creek while the southbound trailhead is on the east side. From here, hikers can head south for about 4 miles to reach the Sandhill Loop Trail, and eventually the Kirby Nature Trail at 5 miles. From Kirby, hike 0.8 mile to reach the trailhead on FM 420.
Kirby Nature Trail
- Trailhead: Parking lot on FM 420
- Lat/Long: 30.462122, -94.350825
The Kirby Nature Trail connects to the southern terminus of the Turkey Creek Trail at the Village Creek Bridge. The Kirby inner loop is the most direct route between the Turkey Creek Trail and the trailhead on FM 420.
More Information
- Download a trail map
- Explore the Turkey Creek Unit
Details
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 and Kountze, TX
Turkey Creek Trail runs between FM 1943 in Warren and FM 420 (Kirby Nature Trail) in Kountze. Other trailheads are on County Road 4850 (for Pitcher Plant Trail), County Road 4825, and Gore Store Road.
Reservations
No
Season
Year Round
Time of Day
Day
Accessibility Information
Trail surfaces include hard packed soil and leaves and wooden boardwalks. The trail is generally flat with some minor ups and downs. Hazards include exposed tree roots and muddy sections if it has rained recently.