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.

 

Hiking Louisiana State Arboretum at Chicot State Park

Kaia and Finn on the boardwalk. Photo by Vinson Mouser

I went out to the Louisiana State Arboretum at Chicot State Park today with some of the family for a hike. The Arboretum is 600 acres and has around 6 miles of trails. The weather today was cloudy and a little on the chilly side but as we walked we began shedding our warmer clothing.

We chose the Wetlands Trail which is .7 miles round trip. The trail takes you into a swampy area which you cross on a boardwalk. In the middle of the boardwalk there is an observation deck with benches so you can take in all that nature has to provide.

On this trip we saw plenty of birds, some holly trees with berries, hardwood trees,  a few pine trees, mushrooms and more. The best part of the trip was the solitude. I really enjoyed the breeze blowing through the trees and the lack of man made noise.     
           

Mushrooms on the side of a downed tree. Photo by Vinson Mouser

There are currently two entrances to the Louisiana State Arboretum. The old entrance which is off of Hwy. 1173 is free of charge. The new entrance which is through Chicot State Park is free but you have to pay to enter Chicot State Park. There is a visitors center at the new entrance or you can
reach the visitors center by hiking from the old entrance.

I find if you like the solitude, winter time can be really enjoyable for a hike at the arboretum. Be sure to bring water as there is no potable water along the trails. At both entrances there are water fountains.

The longest trail at the Louisiana State Arboretum is 1.25 miles but you can combine trails for a longer hike. Along the trails you will find plenty of benches to take a break or just relax and enjoy the sounds and sights of the outdoors.

Finn hugging the trees. Photo by Lucrecia Mouser

At the old entrance there is a short paved path that is easy for a wheel chair. Along this trail there are nature signs you can read to learn about all the trees and different types of vegetation.

This is a good family trip for anyone who likes hiking. The trails are not particularly difficult but there are some ups and downs, lots of leaves, and a few roots that like to reach out and try to trip you.

I highly recommend the Louisiana State Arboretum at Chicot State Park for a relaxing and enjoyable hike. Take the family or head out alone. Just be sure you let someone know where you are going and when you will be back. I have hiked these trails many times and often see no one else.