Big Slough Wilderness is a wilderness area located within the Davy Crockett National Forest in Texas. This area is characterized by its diverse landscape, featuring extensive bottomland hardwood forests, the Neches River forming its eastern boundary, and a complex network of sloughs, wetlands, and creeks. The southern portion includes upland sandhills, contributing to varied terrain suitable for outdoor exploration. Designated under the Texas Wilderness Act of 1984, Big Slough Wilderness offers opportunities for several sports like hiking.
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Average rating
9
People visited

6
hikers
5.34km
01:23
30m
30m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

32.2km
08:23
210m
210m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

27.7km
07:10
160m
160m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.0
(1)
3
hikers
6.90km
01:49
50m
50m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Big Slough Wilderness primarily offers hiking opportunities on its well-marked trails. During wet periods, canoeing is possible along a 4-mile (6.4 km) loop from the Neches River to Big Slough. Fishing is also available in the slough and the Neches River.
The wilderness features well-marked hiking trails that traverse varied ecosystems. A 2-mile (3.2 km) section of the 20-mile (32 km) Four C National Recreation Trail runs through the southern part of the wilderness. These trails offer diverse experiences through bottomland hardwood forests and upland sandhills.
Yes, komoot offers a guide specifically for hiking in the area. This guide provides detailed information to help plan hiking trips within the wilderness. Explore the Hiking in Big Slough Wilderness guide for more details.
Big Slough Wilderness is characterized by extensive bottomland hardwood forests, the Neches River forming its eastern boundary, and the Big Slough itself. It also includes a complex network of tributaries like Hickory and Walnut Creeks, wetlands, and ponds. The southern portion features upland sandhills.
The wilderness is home to deer and various smaller mammals. It also provides habitat for numerous bird species. The aquatic environments support fish like channel catfish, bass, crappie, and sunfish, along with beaver and alligators in marshy areas.
Yes, primitive camping is available within Big Slough Wilderness. Designated sites such as Scurlocks Camp, Pond Camp, Walnut Creek Camp, and Camp Four exist. Dispersed camping is also permitted throughout the area.
Information regarding specific permits required for general hiking in Big Slough Wilderness is not explicitly provided. Visitors should contact the managing agency for the most current regulations. The area is managed as a Congressionally designated wilderness.
Big Slough Wilderness is the smallest wilderness area in Texas. It covers approximately 3,521 to 3,639 acres (about 1,425 to 1,473 hectares). This size allows for a diverse range of ecosystems within a relatively compact area.
Big Slough Wilderness has been visited by more than 10 komoot users. The routes within the area have an average rating of 4.0 out of 5 stars. This indicates a positive reception from the outdoor community.
For the most current information on trail conditions, regulations, and alerts, visitors should consult the managing agency. Information is typically found on the websites of the National Forests and Grasslands in Texas. The general contact phone number is +1-936-655-2299.
Information regarding specific dog policies for Big Slough Wilderness is not provided in the available resources. Visitors planning to bring dogs should contact the Davy Crockett National Forest directly for current regulations.
The wilderness features diverse tree species. Bottomland forests contain various oaks, hickory, sweetgum, willow, American sycamore, American elm, bald cypress, and black gum. Upland regions include shortleaf and loblolly pine, black oak, white oak, and post oak.

