Great boardwalk trail over the marsh. It's a good way to see wildlife on the northshore on an easy…read morehike.

"I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of…read morelife, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived" ― Henry David Thoreau, Walden I have always felt like Thoreau knew what he was talking about when he wrote that. It's been some time since I've gone to live in the woods, but I do think one can accomplish a lot by taking a walk alone into the wilderness. The boardwalk in this section of the Big Branch Refuge is a great place to take such a walk. Located in between Slidell and Lacombe, this section of the national refuge is somewhat different than the other two areas. This spot in particular is a half mile boardwalk trail that runs from the pine forest to the swamp. The trail lets you see first hand how the forest has subsided over the years and become swamp. The remnants of dead pine trees that could no longer survive the excessive moisture dot the landscape. As the trail continues, you will end a large expanse of swamp and an incredible view. There is also more trails to hike, but on my most recent visit I was running out of daylight. This trail is popular, but I have found that more times than not, you will be the only hiker. On my most recent trip I encountered several groups on my hike back, but only one group was irritating enough that I wanted to push them into the swamp. When people are hiking and enjoying nature, hooping and hollering is not enjoyable to others. My hike though the wilderness was very enjoyable. For the first part of the hike all that could be heard was the wind and the birds. If you need to think, want to take photos, or just enjoy a walk through the woods, check this trail out.

This is a nice outdoor space. There are walking trails, a "beach" area and a great place to see…read moresome indigenous plants. I've been here before on a guided hike and got learn about the unwanted plants and trees that ended up growing there. I was grateful to see that during the COVID-19 pandemic, it was still open to public. Unfortunately, people did not physically distance like I would have wanted them to, but oh well. If you want to get in touch with nature a bit, come check this place out, especially before it gets too hot outside. When we arrived on Sunday, there were a lot of people, but parking was still plentiful. It's closer to Central and north Baton Rouge area. It's also across the street from the famed church Life Tabernacle Church. I can only see myself going back there during the fall and spring months... summertime there will not be happen.

This was a favorite spot for me and my best friend to hang out at. There are two lakes in the front…read morethat many people fish in. There are walking paths great for jogging and taking a stroll through the woods. My favorite part was the man made beach in the back at the comite river. The water only got as deep as my knee. It was nice to just play around in the water and play on the tire swing someone put up. We also liked to sun bathe on the sand bank. Some people made fires there at night. It was a nice and peaceful way to relax. It's a good spot to bring your dogs as well! Be careful though because we have stumbled upon snakes a few times on the trail path to the beach!

This hike did not disappoint! It was well worth it. So breathtaking. Trail isn't maintained, but…read moreyou can still see a path well enough to follow it.

Beautiful scenery about a hour and a half from Jackson, MS. Locating it using Waze and Google Maps…read morewas difficult. It could use publicizing and signage. It's not a well defined hiking path, but worth it.

Nice little Park off the highway and easy to miss., turn around at next exit (we did)…read more Entrance near an industrial area, lots of trucks in and out. Nice parking area along the water, with some picnic tables. An information board located near entrance. Some people were just parked (maybe enjoying the view), a Ranger did drive thru. So the area is monitored. A decent trail with a nice boardwalk takes you into the refuge with views of the marsh and water. We were here mid-day so it was quiet. Some birds, and lots of turtles. On way out, net Blair (local birder) and we talked about sightings in area. He told me about a Kingfisher that hangs out over waterway off main road. The Kingfisher was right where he said it would be - we did not stop (lots of trucks) passing by. Nice to talk to locals, especially fellow bird enthusiasts. Worth a stop !!!

Is the hustle and bustle of city life getting you down?…read more Do you find yourself becoming stressed from traffic? Do you need a break? If you answered yes to the above questions, I have just the thing to cure what ails you. What is this miraculous cure you ask? Dirt. That's right friends, good ole 100% American dirt. Get you some. I realize that the words posted above these may seem ridiculous, and for some it won't help, but for me, getting off the road and into nature helps me every time. The Bogue Chitto National Wildlife Refuge is one such place that I recommend you check out. This NWR is located off of the very last exit before Mississippi (Pearl River Turnaround). If you're heading from Louisiana, exit, turn left and drive down the first dirt road you encounter. There isn't really a very good sign, but you'll know it when you find it. As you first enter the NWR you will encounter a very cool railroad bridge. For many, this will be the coolest thing you see, but for me there is much more. The roads through the NWR are dirt and rock only. They are fairly well packed so four wheel drive is not necessary, but I would be reluctant to take a car back here if it is low slung. The roads run for many miles through the middle of the refuge and you are unlikely to encounter any other humans if you go during the week. If hiking is your thing, there are a few trails that I have yet to explore, but they do look promising for a brief nature hike. Each trail has its own parking area which is convenient since parking on the road wouldn't be ideal. The roads here seem to go on forever. I would guess that it took me nearly thirty minutes to drive the entirety of the main road. It ended up at a weird camp type residential area, finally dead ending at a very run down looking trailer. I haven't fully explored all of the roads yet, but it does seem to be a one way in, one way out situation. The hour or so I spent on my first trip invigorated me and I can't wait to go back.

Great place to go Hiking!!! Just be prepared with water and a back pack!!!' Food and fun! ! Highly…read morerecommend but just be prepared when you go!!! Hiking shoes water and be ready to go!!! Beautiful place!!! You need to check it out!!!

Tucked away a few hours away from New Orleans was a hidden gem. I so needed the fresh air that this…read morenatural area provided. My biggest question was where has all the water gone ‍ while the trees were beautiful to see along with the colorful birds I saw along the way. The streams and creeks seemed a bit low. If you love hiking the trails are great and well outlined.

Absolutely beautiful. Breathtaking views of nature…read more Mostly rivers, and swamps (watch out). Lots of bugs in the morning and the humidity makes it worse. I hope this place is preserved. Don't Litter!!!! no one is there to clean up and it disturbs the fishies.

The Atchafalaya National Wildlife Refuge is a splendid place to get an up-close view of the…read morewildlife of the Atchafalaya Basin. There are a couple of hiking and ATV trails in the complex, which can make for a good several hours of getting close to nature. Just don't get too close.... this area is filled with alligators, and while humans are not on their usual menu, they will attack if you harass them or get too close. Be on the safe side: stay away from the water's edge. Be prepared to go slow. All the roads in the refuge are gravel and a bit narrow, which is one reason this review only gets 4 stars. Restrooms and basic amenities are few and far between. The nearest places to eat or sleep are Krotz Springs on US 190 or Henderson on I-10. Camping is not allowed anywhere in refuge boundaries. All in all, the refuge makes for a great day trip and is a good way to explore more of Louisiana's natural wonders. To get there, take Exit 127 (Whiskey Bay) from Interstate 10 and head north. Or take Louisiana Highway 975 from US 190 on the eastern side of the Atchafalaya River, just opposite of Krotz Springs

Well if you can catch them when they're open. Been there once or twice on a whim and they were…read moreopen, nice variety of tackle and baits, live and artificial. Again it's just da fact if and when they're open.

The best free walking trail around. People are also boating fishing too…read more The trail is elevated, So you do not disturb the swamp. Plus it is an easy walk. Being in this natural environment just plain feels good. Bro g the kids and unplug!!

Arrived shortly after the Government shut-down during our 11K road-trip across America. We had…read morealready been disappointed at a couple stops that were completely closed due to shut-down. We were so happy to find the trails and boardwalk were open and our biggest surprise was to find that the Rangers/Staff was kind enough to set-out the Park Cancellation Stamp (very thoughtful during their stressful time). The bathrooms were also opened so greatly appreciated by myself and family. We walked the Boardwalk and was treated to the amazing beauty of a Moma Alligator with a pod of youngsters around her right off the boardwalk. What an amazing opportunity to see wildlife up close and in their natural environment. I was able to get some pictures (I have a 600M Lens) so at a distance. We did not bother them and they remained where they were at chillin. What a sight to see, one of the coolest yet of the wild side of National Parks.

We love visiting the park. We live nearby and my kids always like to go for a walk in the nature…read morepreserve. It's very well maintained and a ranger is always ready to answer your questions. Very nice especially if you want to take your time and take in the sounds of the nature around you.

The Mississippi River trail is what locals call "The Levee". Much of my family is from the River…read moreParishes so I grew up walking on, skating on and just hanging out up on the levee-- as it is directly across the street from my family members homes. Looking at the river and seeing wildlife. Depending on how high the river is cresting you may see more wildlife. The coolest thing about this trail is that over the years it's been improved with a paved roadway which makes it great for cycling long distances along the river. I live uptown and though I haven't braved the entirety of the trail, if I found the energy, I could ride my bike from uptown to Destrehan to go visit my grandma's house...about 20 miles one way. One of these days I'll get it together and take the ride. The Levee is the barrier between the River and the towns on the other side...it's flood protection and also a recreational space. We love a multifunctional system.

Safe off street route for long rides, but can get monotonous, and the headwinds/crosswinds can be…read morechallenging. Reasonably well-maintained, but a few pretty rough spots, especially where driveways cross the trail. Overall, not bad, and I wish we more off street options.