Cane River National Heritage Area in northwestern Louisiana is a largely rural, agricultural landscape known for its historic plantations, its distinctive Creole architecture, and its multi-cultural legacy. Historically this region lay at the intersection of French and Spanish realms in the New World. Today it is home to a unique blend of cultures, including American Indian, French, Spanish, African, and Creole. The central corridor of the heritage area begins just south of Natchitoches, the oldest permanent settlement in the Louisiana Purchase, and extends along both sides of Cane River Lake for approximately 35 miles. The heritage area includes Cane River Creole National Historical Park, seven National Historic Landmarks, three State Historic Sites, and many other historic plantations, homes, and churches. What is a National Heritage Area? A National Heritage Area is a place recognized by the United States Congress for its unique contribution to the American experience. In a national heritage area, natural, cultural, historical, and recreational resources combine to form a cohesive, nationally distinctive landscape arising from patterns of human activity shaped by geography. These patterns make national heritage areas representative of the national experience through the physical features that remain and the traditions that have evolved in the areas. Continued use of the national heritage areas by people whose traditions helped to shape the landscapes enhances their significance. The Cane River National Heritage Area is one of forty-nine National Heritage Areas recognized by Congress for their significant contributions to the American experience. In partnership with the National Park Service, CRNHA, Inc. celebrates the nationally significant history of the Cane River region, preserving it for the benefit of current and future generations.See more..
The Tammany Trace is an incredible repurposing of unused railroad tracks. The smooth paths that travel throughout various areas of the Northshore provide safe movement and smooth travel through the areas of Mandeville, Covington, Abita Springs & more. Apologies for any areas omitted, but these are the areas I have been so far. Walkers, bicyclists, runners, parents pushing strollers or pulling wagons, wheelchair riders (not sure motorized scooters are allowed) all have a great time traveling between trailheads where Farmers' markets, refreshment stands,restaurants, microbreweries,bicycle rentals and more can be found. Ample parking at each trailhead, along with other weekend events. Such a fun way to get exercise, sunshine & great fun.See more..
4.5Creole Nature Trail Adventure Point(56 reviews) - Great visitors center for the whole family and go crabbin down the trail! Wednesday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas • Hiking Trails
This is a newer visitor's welcome center. I took my husband in to purchase a souvenier mug and was delighted to see a miniature museum about the food, music, wildlife, and culture of the area. Even my adult husband had a good time looking around and tinkering with the exhibits. GREAT for kids!!!! Its just a short 10-15 minute drive South down the highway to begin getting into the nature, marshy wildlife area. I suggest having some fun and doing what the locals do. Stop at Brown's grocery in Hackberry and pick up some raw chicken legs and some string. Ask the locals how to go CRABBING. Next, drive down to where you and the family find a bridge to drive your car over into a parking lot beside a wooden deck. Learn from the locals and visitors how to use your bait to catch a crab. Ya gotta bring some insect repellent, a few chairs, and your patience but I used to do this as a kid and have tons of fun.See more..
4.5Northlake Nature Center(29 reviews) - Great place to go for a walk and get out of the city Hiking Trails
This place is so peaceful, beautiful, and intriguing. It is free to walk around and enjoy nature. It was a welcomed break from the hustle and bustle of the French Quarter. The paper map was not great. We took a picture of the map on the sign and that was helpful. Using a combination of the picture, paper map, and GPS, we were able to know where we were. There is signage on the trails as well. We saw some cool spiders, two snakes, and some beautiful butterflies. It was pretty dry in some areas and we did not see any alligators or turtles.See more..
This is a flat, paved bicycle path that offers shade, (at least during March!), scenery, and offers nearby side excursions as a State Park.See more..
4.5Camp Salmen Nature Park(20 reviews) - Family park Nature & Wildlife Areas • Parks • Hiking Trails
Beautiful surroundings great place for families gatherings.Or just some quiet alone time. Very peaceful clean and relaxing.See more..
4.5Kisatchie National Forest(13 reviews) - What a great place to relax! Wednesday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM Hiking Trails • Forests
I hiked the Wild Azalea Trail on February 7. It's totally relaxing & the trees are beautiful, but there's not much to see this time of year. I saw three white-tailed deer, but that's about it. I'm sure it's beautiful when the azaleas are in bloom. I posted a video to YouTube. You can find it by searching for Nash Potatoes Outdoor Show. Enjoy!See more..
A nature get away offering the woods fields trails for bird& game watchingor just hiking.Explores the back roads of louisiana near there take the Picneyville rd. off hiway 66 to Pond store & Clark creek with it multiple water falls.See more..
5.0Kincaid Recreation Area(4 reviews) - So much prettier than I expected! Spent 2-3 hours State Parks • Biking Trails • Hiking Trails
I grew up in Alexandria, fishing and boating at Kincaid Lake. Not until recently did I become interested in camping in this area. My husband and I went to check out the campgrounds at Kincaid and Valentine lakes for future camping. Talk about a surprise! This campground was very well maintained. The sites were not quite as close to each other as many other campgrounds we’ve seen. Each site had water and electricity (we tent camp, so this is a bonus for us). The sites weren’t right on the water, but close and there was at least one, probably more, trails leading down to the water. It was thanksgiving week and the fall colors were beautiful. This will certainly be a future destination for us. Oh, and we met the camp host, Sonny Dyer. He was funny and friendly and obviously loves what he does. See more..
Nice stop if you are driving across the Kisatchie National Forest on the Longleaf Scenic Byway. Clean restrooms and nice picnic and barbeque areas. Walk to the vista point is on a paved sidewalk about a long city block from the parking lot. I went on the nature trail and walked just under 2 miles. I think it is supposed to only be 1 and 1/2 miles but I choose to climb up on some of the buttes along the way. Lots of steps up and down and some wet areas on the trail because of rain the day before. The variety of trees along the trail is amazing with lots of signage to tell what they are. Nice little waterfall. We hoped to see some wildlife but didn't. Both days we were there only one other car of people came. Very quiet.See more..
3.5Grand Cote National Wildlife Refuge(3 reviews) - Nice trail leading to an observation area for Bird watching Spent 1-2 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas • Parks • Hiking Trails
We went just to the Nature Trail but if you view their website you can see there are lots of other things to do. When you get to the trail you have two options, natural trail and a paved one, we chose the paved as the other was flooded. This goes on for about half a mile and leads you on to a wooden stair way that takes you to an observation post. It was quiet when we went but will definitely go back again when the weather gets a bit warmer as i'm sure there will be lots of birds to see.See more..
3.0Wetland Watchers Park(2 reviews) - A different way to experience Lake Pontchartrain Spent 1-2 hours Bodies of Water • Parks • Hiking Trails Everyone knows where this park is, even if they're not familiar with it: located at the end of a long, dirt road, this park brings you out under the I-10 causeway. This park is mainly filled with people fishing, but it also has a short network of trails and boardwalks through the swamp. This park is perfect for people who want to experience a unique part of the Pontchartrain coast andSee more..
3.5Arthur R Teague Multi-Use Trail(2 reviews) - Very nice trail with picnic tables, benches and restrooms Spent 1-2 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas • Parks • Hiking Trails
My husband and I spent some time on the Arthur R Teague Multi-Use Trail. The entire trail is about 6.6 miles one way. There are three parking areas. The largest parking area has two boat ramps and a long sidewalk at the river’s edge. Several guys are fishing there and we had a picnic. The trail follows along the Red River but occasionally the trail get out of sight of the river. There are picnic tables, benches and restrooms on the trail. The trail is wide and the area is well mowed. The Red River National Wildlife Refuge is on the south end of the trail. The trail and parking is free. It is a nice park.See more..
La passeggiata nel bosco di betulle e di pini loricati offre panorami meravigliosi tra crateri, lava solidificata e tanta cenere vulcanica.. non è particolarmente impegnativa e quindi con le scarpe da trekking può essere affrontata da tutti. Molto interessante anche la grotta della neve a poca distanza dal percorso principale dove veniva custodita la neve per la produzione di gelatiSee more..
4.0Saline Bayou Hiking Trail(1 review) - Wilderness hiking Spent 2-3 hours Hiking Trails The Saline Bayou starts out at the Cloud Crossing campground, and follows along Saline Bayou (which is a National Wild and Scenic River). After following the bayou for about a mile, the trail veers away from the water and heads into the forest. The trail is well-maintained and well-marked, meaning that it's perfect for exploring without any fear of getting lost of having trouble. The stretch along Saline Bayou is pure wilderness, but at the same time it's on the road network and so easily reached. This is a gem in Louisiana.See more..
5.0The Beast Trail(1 review) - A Hidden Gem in West Feliciana Spent 2-3 hours Biking Trails • Hiking Trails The Beast is a mountain bike and hiking trail that winds and slinks its way like a ribbon dropped into a small box for about 5 miles around an area of land about a mile in distance. It is in the Tunica hills, but in the very southern part of these hills, so the climbs and descents are much milder. It is beautiful and leafy green in all seasons, with swamps, small hills, be-ferned ravines and views of a sandy bottom creek. In spring, I am surprised only if I don't see any fawns in amongst the dappled light. In summer, no trip is complete without at least one close to close encounter with something slithery. (I tell myself the snake is more scared of me than I of him, but I have been known to lie to myself on occasion.) The trail is behind the baseball fields at the sports complex in Saint Francisville and is not overly used, but has enough use to guarantee that it is well-kept. It's strenuous, but not to the point that even a slow, old heavy runner (like myself) can't trail run at least parts of it. As it twists and winds itself along, you are convinced you are in the deepest woods - and you are - but eventually, you will spot the ball fields and realize you are also only steps away from civilization and despite the distance you have traveled, you are just a short walk to your car. Sign in on the log when you enter and sign in when you leave. It's all free and well-maintained.See more..
