Home › Texas › Kountze › Kirby Nature Trail
Kirby Nature Trail
4.7 ★★★★★ 193 Google reviews · Running trail in Kountze, Texas · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- 17 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Kirby Nature Trail's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Well-maintained trails meander through a subtropical forest with bridges and creeks.
What runners say about Kirby Nature Trail
“Trail is flat, wide, well-maintained with lots of sturdy, well-built bridges.”
“Great views of the Village Creek and many unique trees along the trail.”
“The trail is well marked, and the map station had maps in it always a plus.”
“Birds, reptiles, creeks, swamps, insects, serene woodlands, flora and fauna to the extreme.”
“Family friendly, pet friendly, some benches along the way.”
Very nice 2.5 mile hike (if you take the outer loop). Trail is flat, wide, well-maintained with lots of sturdy, well-built bridges. Great views of the Village Creek and many unique trees along the trail. It is well marked with descriptive signage and trail markers.
We love going out to the Kirby Nature Trails to de-stress and disconnect from everyday life. On our last trip we added the Sandhill Loop to our normal outter loop hike for the additional 3 miles. This is a great place for the whole family.
The Kirby Nature Trail at Big Thicket National Preserve was the first trail I explored shortly after moving to Southeast Texas, and it immediately felt like an invitation into the quiet beauty of this region. You’re greeted at the trailhead by a large, beautiful live oak tree.
A deep forest trail.This trail is connected with a set of trails and good for hiking.I would recommend to start exploring this trail in the sunny morning to finish and should be accompanied by several hikers for safety.
Trail conditions & character
“On our last trip we added the Sandhill Loop to our normal outter loop hike for the additional 3 miles.”
“Great views of the Village Creek and many unique trees along the trail.”
“The trails have great trail markers but would still recommend stopping at the visitor center to get a map of the trails.”
“Birds, reptiles, creeks, swamps, insects, serene woodlands, flora and fauna to the extreme.”
“There’s convenient parking available, along with restrooms, which makes it an easy stop whether you’re planning a short visit or connecting to a longer hike.”
“Family friendly, pet friendly, some benches along the way.”
“Trail is moderate due to thousands of roots along the trail so watch your step to not trip.”
“Heads up, that bridge connects to the 17-mile Turkey Creek Trail, so unless you’re ready for a longer adventure, stay of the Kirby Loop.”
Plan your run at Kirby Nature Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- Loop distance17 mi back to where you parked. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadrestrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitenps.gov
- Phone+1 409-951-6700
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
Running trails near Kountze
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Roy E. Larsen Sandyland Sanctuary
4.9 ★★★★★ 94 reviews
Nature preserve with hiking trails through varied terrain, from bogs to pinelands.
Lumberton City Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 454 reviews
City park with a playground, tennis courts, disc golf course, dog park, and a splash pad.
Village Creek State Park
4.4 ★★★★☆ 710 reviews
A forest, cypress swamps & a creek offering opportunity for birding, camping, fishing & canoeing.
Klein Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 335 reviews
City park with picnic tables, a public restroom, tennis court, and disc golf.
