Your first stop at Big Thicket National Preserve should be the visitor center where the staff will assist with orientation to the many units of the Preserve and the surrounding region. In the visitor center is a Discovery Center, exhibits, and orientation film.

Approximately 40 miles of hiking trails wind through Big Thicket National Preserve, allowing hikers to observe many different ecosystems. The Preserve is on two migratory bird flyways: the Central and Mississippi. Birdwatching is excellent from mid-April to mid-May and less active during the fall. The Big Thicket National Preserve Visitor Center sells a checklist of the birds found in the preserve.

Boating and fishing are popular on the Neches River. Village Creek is an official Texas State Paddling Trail, and attracts canoists and kayakers year-round. Paddlers can access the creek at a number of locations for trips ranging from a few hours to overnight.

Hunting is allowed in specific areas of the Preserve during the fall hunting season. Hunters must have a Preserve-issued permit and a valid State of Texas Hunting License. Trapping in specific areas is authorized by a Preserve-issued permit, accompanied by a valid State of Texas Trapping License, during the months of December and January.