Until the mid-19th century, the Big Thicket National Preserve was a dense and mysterious forest where Civil War draft dodgers hid out. Now it’s one of Texas’ most interesting ecosystems: coastal plains meet desert sand dunes, and cypress swamps stand next to pine and hardwood forests.
One of the coolest trails in Texas, the Pitcher Plant Trail is a fully accessible half-mile boardwalk providing a good look at several of the bizarre carnivorous plants in North America. The preserve is also a prime spot for bird-watching, with more than 300 species of bird.
