About
Length2 mi
ShapeLoop
DifficultyEasy
Elevation gain31 ft up
Typical time30 min
TrailheadKirby Nature Trail
ParkingThe Kirby Nature Trail is located about 7miles north of Kountze. From US 69/287, goeast on FM 420 for 2miles to reach the trailhead.
DogsLeashed / limited stretches
AccessibilityThe 1.5-mile inner loop is accessible and wide enough for a wheelchair. It's mostly flat with a gentle downhill grade at the start. Surfaces include wooden boardwalks and dirt; both can be slippery following heavy rain.
What you'll see 🌊 River or creek🏛️ Historic site

This is a great loop hike to seedense thicket, a bald cypress slough, and Village Creek. Connect with the Turkey Creek and Sandhill Loop trails for a longer hike. Distance: 1to 2miles roundtrip Type: Loop Location: Turkey Creek Unit Trailhead: Parking lot on FM 420 Lat/Long: 30.462122, -94.350825 Overview The Kirby Nature Trail has 3 loops: 1-mile inner loop, 0.3-mile cypress loop, and 0.9-mile outer loop. Combine them all into one big loop for a 2-mile loop hike. The trail begins on Farm to Market Road (FM) 420 next to historic Staley Cabin . Go past the kiosk and down the wooden ramptoreach the first junction at the start of the inner loop. Turn left to go clockwise and descend a gentle slope with a canopy of beech, magnolia, and loblolly pine overhead. After crossing a few wooden bridges, head left on the cypress loop to see a slough of large bald cypress trees and knees. If the water is high, take the high water bypass to skip the cypress loop. Continuing clockwise from the cypress loop, the inner loop follows Village Creek. At the next junction, the right fork takes the inner loop back south toward the trailhead. The left fork begins the outer loop and immediately enters a picnic area next to an iron bridge over Village Creek*. Continue past the bridge on the outer loop as it meanders clockwise and eventually meets up with the inner loop and trailhead. *Extend Your Hike! Add an extra 3 miles roundtrip: Combine the Turkey Creek and Sandhill Loop trails with Kirby to make a 4-or 5-mile loop andout-and-back combination. The Sandhill Loop features a forest of tall longleaf pines, scattered cacti, and solitude. Cross the iron bridge over Village Creek to begin the Turkey Creek Trail. After 0.8 miles, cross a second iron bridge, over Turkey Creek. The Sandhill Loop Trail begins on the opposite (east) side of the bridge. Go right or left to begin the 1.4-mile Sandhill Loop. On the north end of the loop, there is another junction with the northbound Turkey Creek Trail, marked with a bench-go past it to continue on the Sandhill Loop. When you return to the iron bridge over Turkey Creek, cross it and follow the Turkey Creek Trail south to return to the Kirby Nature Trail and the trailhead. More Information Download a trail map Get a Kirby Nature Trail Guide at the visitor center for a small fee. Explore the Turkey Creek Unit

Tips
Pets must be on a 6-foot leash at all times. Please pick up your pet's poop!
Location

Kirby Nature Trail

Other Hikers
No one has logged this trail yet.
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