"Moss-covered canopy, Big Thicket National Preserve, 2015." by U.S. National Park Service , public domain
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covered parks
Beech
Creek
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0.25
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Miles
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Beech Woo ds Trail
(1.5 miles)
Old Dirt Roads
(Vehicles not permitted)
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Preserve Land
..rv---- Creeks
CR4~75
Big Thicket
Hiking the Woodlands Trail
National Park Service
U.S. Department of the Interior
Big Thicket National Preserve
Beech Creek Unit
The Beech Creek
Unit
The Beech Creek Unit consists of 4,925 acres. It has rolling terrain with numerous
spring-fed streams and a beech-magnolia-loblolly forest community. Hunting is
allowed in parts of this unit with a permit during the fall season; check with park staff
about the exact dates of the hunting season each year. However, the hunting area is
north of the Beech Woods Trail, so the trail is open year round.
Hiking the Trail
The Beech Woods Trail makes a 1.0-mile loop through a hardwood forest. It leaves
the dirt road 0.3 miles north of the parking area. Hikers may also follow the dirt road,
which extends for 6 miles through the Beech Creek Unit.
Vegetation
American beeches, southern magnolias, loblolly pines, and American holly are the
most common trees in the Beech Creek Unit. In the spring, flowering dogwood,
redbud, azalea, and Elliott’s blueberry color the mid-story. In the summer, look for
the crane-fly orchid, whorled pogonia, and the beechdrops, three species which grow
only under the shade of beech trees. White oaks, sugar maple, and strawberry bush
provide a vivid contrast to the evergreen pines and magnolias in the fall. The winter
landscape is marked by evergreen Christmas fern, yellow blooming witch hazel, and
the lichen-mottled trunks of beech trees.
Hunting Season
While the Beech Woods Trail is not within the hunting area boundary, hunting is
allowed in most of the Beech Creek Unit during part of the year. All visitors are
advised to wear at least 400 square inches of Hunter Orange or International Orange
when exploring this unit beyond the designated hiking trail during hunting season.
Backpacking is not allowed in this unit during hunting season.
Contact the Big Thicket National Preserve visitor center at 409-951-6700 for more
information on hunting season.
Know Before You Go
All plants, animals, and other natural and cultural resources are protected in the
preserve. It is illegal to collect, harm, or kill anything, including snakes.
Wheeled vehicles are not allowed on this trail.
Backpacking is allowed in the Beech Creek Unit during non-hunting season. A
camping permit is required; these are available free of charge at the visitor center. Call
the visitor center at 409-951-6700 for more information.