Arbor Day at the Louisiana State Arboretum

Entrance Sign - Photo by Vinson Mouser

Display in Visitor Center - Photo by Vinson Mouser

Last Saturday, for Arbor Day, we took a real quick trip out to the Louisiana State Arboretum. We entered through the Chicot State Park side and were pleasantly surprised that we did not have to pay an entrance fee. I suspect this was because it was Arbor Day.

Annually, on Arbor Day, the Louisiana State Arboretum gives out up to 5 infant trees per family. In the past we have gotten mostly Oaks and Red Maples. This year we chose A Southern Magnolia tree, two Fringe trees and two Sassafras trees.

After selecting our trees we briefly walked through the visitor center and looked at the displays. In the visitor center there are displays that feature various information on the local trees.

We then decided it was time for a short hike. Due to time constraints we chose the Baldcypress Trail. This trail starts at the visitor center and begins as a paved sidewalk which leads up to a deck overlook. At this point the trail becomes a little more rugged.

To continue down the trail you must descend a set of short stairs down onto a dirt path which meanders through Baldcyprees trees near the shore of Lake Chicot. The views are nice and the Baldcypress trees plentiful.

On this day, the Louisiana State Arboretum was running their Arbor Day program. The Baldcypress Trail was part of that program and staff had placed out numbered signs on the trail. At the visitor center they handed out questionnaires which coincided with each numbered stop. My daughter really enjoyed this program and continued to hurry along the trail to read and answer the next questions.

The trail is relatively easy and is only 3/10 of a mile. It loops right back to the visitor center. If you don’t have a lot of time this is a quick and enjoyable trail.

Directions: Coming from the north on I-49, exit on LA 106 south. Turn left off LA 106 onto LA 3042 south. From the south, exit I-49 on US 167 and drive toward Ville Platte. Take Hwy 3042 north. The Arboretum Visitor Center is located within Chicot State Park. GPS Coordinates: N 30 48.233; W 92 17.276.

For a video tour of the Baldcypress Trail be sure to click on the video below.