j._scott_schrader Posted January 14, 2003 Share Posted January 14, 2003 I'm going to be out in the Big Thicket in East Texas primarily to do some B&W landscape work. I have never been to that area before. I'm particularly interested in photographing the Cypress Swamps. Has anyone been there? If so, any 1st hand info you might have on particular locations where I can access the Cypress Swamps would be much appreciated. Any other 1st hand info you might have on other photographic opportunities within the Big Thicket would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance for your advise/recommendations. I will only have two days there this trip but might be frequenting the area over the next year. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
virgw_owens Posted January 14, 2003 Share Posted January 14, 2003 Martin Dies Jr. State Park, of the swamps in that area those are the most accessible. You might consider renting a canoe. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ryan_taylor1 Posted January 14, 2003 Share Posted January 14, 2003 Although I live near Big Thicket I have unfortunately not been there. I can recommend some areas within two to three hours, however, two days probably won't give you much time to travel. If you are interested for future trips, feel free to contact me. Also, when are you going? The Cypress are devoid of any leaves right now (may actually be better for B&W). They normally start sprouting out again sometime around April. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stemked Posted January 14, 2003 Share Posted January 14, 2003 The Reserve is made up many small sections. Years ago I hiked a few of them. I did contact a ranger (via the Internet after I found their web site) there about two years ago about where to photograph herpes. I was unable to make the trip but he seemed to be a very helpful and knowledgable person. You might try that route. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michael_black2 Posted January 15, 2003 Share Posted January 15, 2003 I grew up just 25 minutes from the Big Thicket and spent much of my teenage years in the cypress swamps learning how to handle a camera. As far as I am concerned, there is no better place for nature photography. Once I enetered the professional photo arena I moved of to Colorado and have spent 6 years there. Now my wife, son, and I are moving back to Texas because nothing else is like the Thicket. I was in the swamps yesterday and had more fun taking pictures than I have in years. I recommend going to the large new visitors center. They have plenty of maps, literature, and knowledgeable forest rangers who can help you. That center is located 8 or 9 miles north of Kountze on highway 69. For a brief introduction to the Thicket - I recommend going to the Kirby nature trail loop which is just a couple of miles down from the visitors center on a side road. There are a couple of forking loops on this trail - be sure and take the cypress loop. Otherwise for acess to the swamps I recommend renting a canoe to explore the Village Creek unit near Lumberton, Texas. There is no "off season" in the Thicket. Of course there is much more color and density of growth in the spring - but plenty of fallen leaves right now for macro work and I'm sure B&W landscapes will not be thwarted. The Thicket is an engrossing and mysterious place. Do not read any ghost stories before you enter! Enjoy! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
j._scott_schrader Posted January 16, 2003 Author Share Posted January 16, 2003 Thanks for the info. I'll be heading out there this weekend. I look forward to seeing the place...I've spoken to many people who had nothing but good things to say about it. Thanks again for your input. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
heather_krumnow Posted December 22, 2003 Share Posted December 22, 2003 I see there are several canoe trips available at Village Creek. I've been looking at Eastex Canoe Trips. Which ones offer the best photo ops? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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