Hike to the Sandhill Loop Trail

Longleaf pines tower above as you wander on the Sandhill Loop Trail.

NPS Photo / Scott Sharaga

The Sandhill Loop Trail offers solitude in an unusual arid sandyland ecosystem that is home to longleaf pine and prickly pear cactus.

• Distance: 4½ to 9.4 miles roundtrip
• Type: Out-and-back and loop combination
• Location: Turkey Creek Unit
• Trailhead: 2 options—see below

Overview

The Sandhill Loop Trail is a 1.4-mile loop but to reach it you will need to hike 4½ to 9.4 miles roundtrip via one of two options:

Option A: From the South

• 4½ miles roundtrip via Kirby Nature Trail and Turkey Creek Trail
• Trailhead: Kirby Nature Trail on FM 420
• Lat/Long: 30.462122, -94.350825

This route begins on FM 420 and follows the Kirby Nature Trail and Turkey Creek Trail north to the Sandhill Loop Trail. Depending on which Kirby loop you choose, you can make this a 4½- or 5½-mile hike.

Begin the Kirby Nature Trail next to Staley Cabin. Go left on the loop to head north on the inner loop. On the north side of the loop, there is a picnic area next to an iron bridge that crosses Village Creek. Cross the bridge to begin the Turkey Creek Trail. After 0.8 miles on the Turkey Creek Trail, cross another iron bridge and begin the Sandhill Loop Trail.

Go right or left to begin the 1.4-mile Sandhill Loop. On the north end of the loop, there is another junction with the northbound Turkey Creek Trail, marked with a bench—go past it to continue on the Sandhill Loop. When you return to the iron bridge, cross it and follow the Turkey Creek Trail south to return to the Kirby Nature Trail and the trailhead.

Option B: From the North

• 9.4 miles roundtrip via Turkey Creek Trail
• Trailhead: Turkey Creek Trail (southbound) on Gore Store Road
• Lat/Long: 30.521094, -94.343759

This route begins on Gore Store Road and follows the Turkey Creek Trail southbound to the Sandhill Loop Trail.

After 4 miles on the Turkey Creek Trail, you reach the beginning of the Sandhill Loop Trail, marked with a couple of benches. Head left to go clockwise and explore a forest of longleaf pine with a few scattered patches of prickly pear cactus.

After completing the loop, return the way you came.

More Information

• Download a trail map
• Explore the Turkey Creek Unit

Details

Duration

2-8 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 | Kountze, TX

4½-mile option: Use Kirby Nature Trail on FM 420.
9.4-mile option: Use Turkey Creek Trail (southbound) on Gore Store Road.

Reservations

No

Season

Year Round

Time of Day

Day

Accessibility Information

The trail surface is hard-packed dirt, covered in leaves, with several wooden bridges. The trail is generally flat with some hilly sections. Hikers may encounter mud and/or flooding if it has rained significantly recently.