When the weather starts to get crisp and cool (and the creepy crawlies that I would prefer to admire from afar start going into hibernation) I love to take my family for a weekend hike. While Louisiana doesn’t have mountainous trails, you might be surprised at how many adventures you can find so close to home. Below are my favorite spots for a fall family hike (or grab a coffee and make it a date day with your sweetheart!).
Abita Creek Flatwoods Preserve
Just shy of five miles outside of the center of Abita Springs lies a hidden gem and one of my favorite places to go for a weekend morning hike: The Abita Creek Flatwoods Preserve.
Established by the Nature Conservancy, the flatwoods preserve features a combination of boardwalk and trails through one of the highest quality long-leaf pine savannas in the area, endangered plants, and most excitingly - carnivorous plants! Right from the boardwalk you can see tons of carnivorous pitcher plants!
The site is somewhat rugged and has no facilities. In fact, in sometimes looks like it might be closed. Don’t worry! It isn’t, and there are lots of places very close by in downtown Abita to stop for a snack and a potty break!
The preserve is open 7 days a week, sunrise to sunset. No dogs are permitted. Admission is free.
Northlake Nature Center
I grew up going to the Northlake Nature Center with my family, and with its easy location near Pelican Park, the St. Tammany Trace, and Old Mandeville it is a great option to get into nature without driving too far out of town.
The Nature Center features a boardwalk through three different ecosystems and an archeological site. In addition to self-guided hikes, the center offers tons of activities like Bird Fest, yoga, story walks for kids and adults, and much more.
Visiting is free, and activities are low cost or free to members, should you wish to join and help the nonprofit Nature Center with its mission.
Camp Salmen
Camp Salmen is owned and operated by St. Tammany Parish Government, with assistance from the Friends of Camp Salmen, an active and dedicated group of volunteers committed to preserving the beauty and history of the site.
The park features a fantastic and inclusive playground, a new kayak launch proudly installed by St. Tammany Parish Public Works, hiking trails, access to the trace, and absolutely gorgeous grounds steeped in history and culture.
Camp Salmen is located at 35122 Parish Parkway in Slidell, off of Gause Blvd but feeling miles away from the hustle and bustle. It is open from 7a to 6p. Entrance is free.
http://www.campsalmennaturepark.org/
Big Branch National Wildlife Refuge
Big Branch National Wildlife Refuge is a beautiful 1,800-acre refuge run by the US Fish and Wildlife Services right in our backyard. The site is home to dozens of species and features trails, boat launches, a butterfly garden, and a museum-like visitors center that offers ranger-led trail walks and a Junior Ranger Discovery Pack that can be checked out during your visit.
Trails are open to the public Monday – Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m., and Saturdays, 8:30a – 4p. The visitors center is open Thursday through Saturday from 9a to 4p. There are numerous accesses to the refuge, including the Bayou Lacombe Visitors Center (on Hwy 434 close to the 434/190 traffic circle), Lake Road, Boy Scout Road, and Fritchie Marsh.
Access to the trails and visitors center is free.
https://www.fws.gov/refuge/big-branch-marsh
Fountaibleau State Park
Fountainbleau State Park, just a few miles outside of Mandeville, offers a beach, trails, camping, archeological sites, a boardwalk over Lake Ponchartrain, and camping at tent or RV sites, cabins, or glamping tents.
Fontainebleau is a great option not only for a day trip but for an overnight staycation in St. Tammany Parish. In addition to hiking trails, there is a beach and boardwalk, restroom facilities, and a kids playground.
The gate is open daily from 7a - 9p (check for holiday hours which may differ) and entrance is $3 per person.
https://www.lastateparks.com/parks-preserves/fontainebleau-state-park
