My adventure tank was running dangerously low and I had a whole day off where I didn't have to work either job. I had a hankering for a short road trip so I searched for hiking trails within about an hour of where I live. With very few choices, my friend Madison and I selected our destination and our journey began. A simple 30 minute drive from I-10, Lake Fausse Point seems to have all the amenities. A beautiful lake to boat on, a reasonably sized campground, and even hiking trails with backpacking camping spots. Being about an hour southeast of where I live I should have known that the scenery wouldn't be much different than home. In fact if you aren't in the mood for a road trip but would love to go hiking you can experience the same sights and sounds right here in Lafayette at the Acadiana Nature Station, minus the lake. I would love to go back and kayak that beautiful lake but until then you'll just have to settle for hearing about 2 out of the 3 hiking trails that they offer. That's right, this trip was so spur of the moment that we didn't even have time to do all of the hiking trails. Bummer. But it's not too far away so I'm sure I'll have plenty of opportunities to return and continue my exploration. After exiting I-10 you have about 30 minutes of curvy roads and driving next to a levee before you reach the park. Along the way there were tons of these strange boxes stacked along side the tree line, our best guest was beekeeping boxes. If you're a box expert and have traveled this way and seen the oddities please let us know what they are, it's still puzzling us... Once you reach the park you have to stop at the booth where you'll pay $2 per person for day use. Continue straight and follow the road until you see the trail head on the right and a parking lot on the left. The time estimates were pretty accurate and I loved that they included them on their trail maps so we knew what we would have time for. Unfortunately the longest and probably most interesting one didn't fit into our schedule. So we traversed trails A and B for a total of almost 2 and a half miles and about 45 minutes. Trail A, what can I say about Trail A? Not much honestly. If you have little adventurers this is the perfect trail for them. Just the right length and flat terrain. However if you're a native of Louisiana without little adventurers and are looking for an interesting hike, this is not the trail you're looking for. For me it was too short and too simple. Not much to see either. If it's your first time in southern Louisiana you get to see the plants native to the area so it might still be of interest to you. Trail B was an improvement, although ever so slightly. Almost twice the distance this trail provided more opportunity for excitement. We experienced boardwalks and a very very small change in elevation which could very well have been our favorite part. Besides that it was very similar to Trail A. Highlighting our hiking trip was probably the cluster of caterpillars on a tree. It was very intriguing and I later learned that they cluster like this to appear as a bigger organism in hopes to deter predators. Neat! Although we had passed the "Scenic Overlook" on the way into Trail B, we decided to leave it as the finale of our hike. So as we completed the loop of Trail B we detoured onto the "scenic overlook" marked on the trail map. I don't know about you but when I see the words scenic overlook on a map I think something like a spot on the top of a big hill with breathtaking scenery. But this deceiving term scenic overlook has fooled me before on another hike so I don't know why I let it happen again. Their idea of a scenic overlook is a dock that just barely extends into the water and provides a view of the lake. Heck, there was a better view from the bridge you cross to get to the hiking trails. The view was pretty, don't get me wrong, I just hate being deceived. It wasn't the grand view that "scenic overlook" preps you for. While I may have seemed like a Debbie Downer throughout this review there were things that I loved about these trails. They are clearly marked, even though its not really necessary because the trails themselves are well kept and distinguished. Every trail made a convenient sized loop so there was no getting to the end of the trail and having to turn around and walk back. There is a trail for every schedule. One for a quick walk, one for a longer stroll, and one for the hiking enthusiast looking to spend more time on the trails. As for traveling an hour just to hike these trails I'm not so sure it's worth the drive, maybe if we had more time to do Trail C. So make it a day of boating and hiking if you're planning a day trip and give yourself plenty of time. Even better make it a weekend with camping too! The main points: If you're looking for a nice stroll in the Louisiana swampy wilderness this could be the hike for you. If you're looking for a challenging trail with new and exciting sights this may not be the hike for you. THERE WERE SWARMS OF MOSQUITOES! Bring your bugspray if you don't want to get eaten alive. There's a $2 per person entry fee. I give Lake Fausse Point Hiking Trails A and B Happy Hiking!
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Crooked Creek Recreation Area 1300 Sandy Beach Dr Ville Platte, LA 70586 (337) 599-2661 Crooked Creek is exactly what it sounds like. When I first heard the name visions of hillbillies danced in my head and I might look into the psychic business because my visions came true. We encountered a special kind of racist that we disliked. Don't get me wrong, people of all kinds of strange can be found at almost any campground, especially the more secluded ones, that doesn't mean the camp is ruined. But there were a few other things about this site that made it a little less than pleasant. This campground was designed more for campers and RVs. The few tent spaces were called 'sheds', a picnic table with a tin covering surrounded by some land and sprinkled with trees. These sheds cost $22. If you have more than one tent you have to pay the $22 per tent even though our 'shed' could have easily fit 5 or more. The shed that we ended up with was conveniently close to the "beach" they had and also convenient for other campers to walk through. Let's just say it didn't provide much privacy. The "beach" was an area on the shore that they covered in sand and put buoys around to mark a swimming area. (buoy is a funny looking word). The lake water was maybe two degrees cooler than the outside temperature and if you ventured too far to the right you ended up in nasty, slimy muck. I know, I know, it's a part of the great outdoors. Apparently this wasn't enough to keep people away though. They had visitors who would just come to swim for the day on top of the individuals that were actually camping there all enjoying the lukewarm lake on the tiny beach. The icing on the cake was when I stepped out of the water and looked like a bear because this dark brown dirt was stuck to every hair on my body. Fun. I've swam in lakes before but none like this... On the pamphlet they have in the front office they advertise a nature trail. So naturally when I was the first one to wake up I got up to explore. We had come across a large sign that said nature trail the day before when hunting for fire wood so I returned to the trail head. I was very quickly disappointed. I didn't go very far into the trail because I felt like it would have been a waste of time. The "trail" was wide enough for a car to fit through. My assumption was that they had to make a passageway for a vehicle at some point in the history of the campground and they just named it a nature trail. Both sides are lined with tall trees and absolutely nothing to see. There was however an unmarked trail in another location worth exploring. If you're facing the beach and you look to the left towards the treeline you'll see some small trail heads, one of which you can see a bridge. Take the time to investigate these trails. I enjoyed it. I give Crooked Creek campground 2 Sunshines! Have you been to Crooked Creek? What did you like about it? Tell me in the comments!
Rockland Trail North Av Conservation Land North Ave Rockland, MA 02370 This trail in Rockland Town Forest in Rockland, Massachusetts is quite magical to say the least. After being away from the New England terrain for a decade it welcomed me back with open arms and made me one happy hiker. Who knew rocks could make someone so happy?! Let me count the ways I loved this trail. Number one: The trail was so well maintained and clear that colored blazers weren't even necessary. There was one tiny little section maybe three feet long that had over grown plants in the trail. Don't worry, my sister and I made it out alive ;) Number two: The rock lined pathways and cute little bridges that crossed the small peaceful stream made this trail come alive. If you're a nature lover you won't want to leave these whimsical paths. Number Three: The three trails that make up this area are all connected in loops making it easy to walk all of them without having to go through any parts of the path more than once. The three trails together also make it the perfect length for a quick hike. I think it took us about 45 minutes to do all three, and that's counting stopping to take 60 photos and enjoying the scenery. I don't want to give too much away because the discovery was the best part of this hike. Its a super easy trail to enjoy on a relaxed day. Have fun and happy hiking! Have you been to this trail? Let me know about your experience!
I give this trail 5 sunshines! At about 80 pages and a 10 dollar price tag, this book is not worth the money. While it's full of wit and interesting tips it'll leave you disappointed where it lacks in new and useful everyday camping information. It would do great as a book to leave on the back of the toilet seat for a read while you take a dump, especially since it's geared more towards men and hunting camps. I wouldn't recommend the purchase unless it's on sale and you've run out of gift options for the men in your life. It would make the perfect gift for White Elephant at somewhere like Pack and Paddle's company Christmas party. Clark Creek 366 Fort Adams Road Woodville, MS 39669 Trail Map Important things to note: *Tunica Hills Wildlife Management Area (WMA) and Clark Creek are NOT the same thing, they are about 15 minutes from each other. There are a few trails throughout the WMA but they aren't the ones with all the waterfalls. Clark Creek is sometimes referred to as Tunica Falls, hence sometimes Tunica Hills are Tunica Falls are confused. *It can get crowded on the weekends. We went on a Tuesday, arriving late morning. When we pulled into the parking lot there was only one other car there. When we left late afternoon the small parking lot was almost full and we saw quite a few groups on the way out. I've read, and heard from friends, that on weekends the trail is packed, so for a more private experience try a weekday morning. We went hours without seeing a hiker on the primitive trail. *Your GPS might bring you to the wrong spot. You can use the address above, which is the one they provide on their website, but it brought us to an empty lot. Its the correct road, the GPS just says its a few more miles past where it actually is. The trail head isn't overly obvious with a big sign and flashing lights, but it is overly obvious in the sense that it's the only establishment around. It'll be on your left where the pavement stops and the dirt road begins. It's marked with a small parking lot and handicap bathroom. *Parking is $3. There's a little box with envelopes and "parking passes" before you enter the trails with a warning that no payment could mean the towing of your car. No one is there to monitor if you put money in or not, but if you appreciate clean, well-kept hiking trails and camping grounds it wouldn't hurt you to pay. We didn't know before hand so we scrounged around for change and ended up just short of $3. Hey, something is better than nothing right? * There are BAD potholes on the roads. On your way there just keep an eye on the holes. There are a few that cover almost the entire road. As you can guess, we had a little trouble finding it. We arrived at Tunica Hills Wildlife Management Area (WMA) thinking we were where we wanted to be. After a few minutes of driving down dirt roads we figured out that wasn't the case. Thankfully I got enough service out there to do a quick Google search and found out the place we really wanted was Clark Creek, which is just over the border into Mississippi. After we unknowingly passed the entrance to Clark Creek we ended up in a scary, run-down neighborhood that reminded me of something out of the movies. You know, the part where they're headed to the middle of nowhere to be killed and they show the last glimpse of what appears to be a human being. Yeah. On instinct we turned around and headed back to the handicap bathroom we had passed up the road, arriving at our destination! There are two types of trails at Clark Creek. The big, main trails they call "Improved" and the primitive "unimproved" trail. Their improved trails are gravel and wide enough to fit 3 or 4 people side by side. They are clear of plants and are distinguishable as the main trails. There is no major terrain that is difficult to hike through these trails. They even provide stairs next to the steep hills. The primitive trail is a whole different story. Do not, I repeat, DO NOT bring children or animals on the primitive trail. The terrain and length is much too difficult. The sign that appears at the beginning of the primitive trail even reads "recommended for experienced hikers in excellent physical condition". You can read about how I apparently fit neither of those descriptions here: 5 Foolish Mistakes I Made in a Single Hiking Trip. But we still made it through the whole trail in one piece, so that's a good sign that you can do it too! There are a few places where you have to cross the creek that can get a little confusing and even some places where you can follow the creek to make the trek a bit shorter and easier. I'll let you figure those out on your own though, the fun in hiking is all about the challenge and adventure! We didn't get to see all the waterfalls that the map claims there are (9) but we did see enough to make the strenuous hike worth it. The best one was not too far into the primitive trail. There are maps posted throughout the trails but I suggest you print the map (linked above) and bring it with you because the primitive trail maps are spaced pretty far apart. Another thing the map claims is that there are "scenic overlooks". Ha. More like sit on this covered bench and stare into overgrown bushes and trees. There's one marked on the primitive trail that we were using as our encouragement to keep going. "We'll just get to the scenic overlook and rest there. It'll be a nice view while we have lunch". We were disappointed to say the least. My only complaints would have to be the confusing parts of the primitive trail that come to a T or cross the creek with no immediate indication of which direction to go, misleading map markings, and the fact that I was expecting more out of the waterfalls. Overall it was a great trail to hike and a great challenge! If you have a day off go check it out! Frequently check for ticks, wear grippy shoes for the hills, be careful on the slippery ground by the waterfalls and your trip will be that much more enjoyable. Happy hiking! I give it: If you've been to Clark Creek let me know about your experience in the comments!
I'll admit it. I'm a newbie when it comes to hiking, so these mistakes may make those knowledgeable seasoned hikers want to face palm. They're superior to the couch potato, who rarely sees outside their front door, and could tell you with ease which direction the sun rises and sets, which berries would mean certain death, and what side of a tree moss grows. As for us aspiring outdoors-men, we have a lot to learn, but learning from others mistakes can make for a smoother trail. And hey, maybe these tips will make it less intimidating for those couch potatoes to explore the great outdoors.
5. Ixnay on the Bug Spray I hate inhaling bug spray. Who doesn't? So often I brave the pesky insects on my own. Plus there are a lot of chemicals in bug sprays that aren't so good for you. But you know what else aren't so good for you? Bug bites and those nasty critters called ticks. I don't think I got a single mosquito bite on this trip but I frequently swatted at horse flies. The trail I hiked had many areas where you had to stomp through tall grass or bushes, the perfect environment for ticks. My husband had a good collection of them clinging to his legs (I think they preferred his manly hair) while I dealt with a little less. We stopped and picked them off along the way and also found more during our thorough check at home. My advice on this... brave the chemicals instead of the bugs. OR Have any of you tried a natural bug repellent while hiking? Did it work? 4. Dressed for a Run Looking at my attire you would think I was getting ready for my morning run. I sported a thin, spaghetti-strap tank top with those running shorts that seem to be the staple of a fraternity girl's wardrobe. I topped it off with my Mizuno running shoes and socks that went maybe 1 inch past my ankles. My reasoning? The tank top was made of thin breathable fabric, the shorts were comfortable and would keep me cool, the shoes we made for long walks and the socks would of course protect me from the ugly ticks! How could I be so wrong?! The shirt actually wasn't too bad (for this trip) but everything else was completely off. Wear longer pants and socks to help with ticks and try to wear shoes with good grip, I had a few scary slides on hills. 3. Skimped Out on Breakfast My husband and I value our sleep, but we also knew the drive to our destination and the trail itself would take awhile, so we needed an early start. We naturally squeezed in as much sleep as possible and rolled right out of bed and into the car, grabbing one of those breakfast bars along the way. Yes, those not as good for you as you think sugar loaded 10 grams of protein bars. Those weren't nearly enough to energize our poor bodies through the 2 hour drive and 3.5 hour hike. Don't get me wrong, we thought of snacks, but a measly packet of Crunchamame (roasted edamame, it's delicious!) was not enough. We also brought sandwiches for lunch which my husband couldn't get through 3 bites of. Your body isn't exactly in the mood to eat during a strenuous hike. Treat your body right and eat a good breakfast before your hike! 2. Underestimating Hills This trail had it's share of killer hills. From steep to subtle, after an hour of hiking every change in elevation was noticeable. With our bodies running on empty and drenched in sweat, seeing a hill in the distance called for mental preparation. I'm a pretty active person, I play roller derby and run occasionally. The thought of hills didn't worry me at all. That is until not even a third of the way into the hike the possibility of not making it to the top of a hill was believable. There were quite a few times I had to sit down at the top of a hill to catch my breath and quell the nausea. Hills are no joke. Make sure your body is fueled and your shoes are grippy! 1. Failing to Acknowledge the Importance of Hydration Last but certainly not least, the most foolish mistake of all. Not having enough water. We brought, drum roll please......4 bottles of water! To top it off they weren't normal sized bottles. One was a tall, skinny, GLASS (glass=heavy) bottle, one was a shorter glass bottle, and the last two were conveniently light, flimsy, plastic pouch sort of things that you could roll up when empty (super neat but don't carry nearly enough water). Not long into the hike we realized how much of a mistake we had made. We started to ration our water, saving the bottle with the electrolyte mix to get us through the final stretch. I remember a particular big gulp was so refreshing and rejuvenating it took all I had not to finish off the bottle. I feel like if we were properly hydrated, tackling those hills might have been a little easier. Make sure you drink plenty of water before, during, and after your hike. Bring more than you think you will need. I hope you learned something and don't make the same mistakes we did! Share your mistakes in the comments and we'll all be expert hikers in no time! Happy hiking! |
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“Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see a shadow.” - Helen Keller AuthorMy name is Jessica. I live in Louisiana. I love exploring the outdoors and sharing my experiences. Archives
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