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.

Backpacking the Backbone Trail

I just finished backpacking with my scout troop on the Backbone Trail in Kisatchie Wilderness Trails Area last week. The trail is in pretty good shape and the fall colors are just starting to show.  All in all the entire trip was good. There were hardly any mosquitos and the temperature was perfect. (Upper 70’s and Low 50’s)

 A few areas of concern:

1. One of the favorite areas to camp is up on the bluff about half way down the Backbone Trail. There was a fire through the area about 5 years ago and there are a lot of dead pine trees in the area. On the bluff site there are two dead pines in the middle of the camping area. We did not camp here due to those trees.

2. Just past the bluff the trail, although mostly flat, becomes a little difficult due to a lot of trees that have fallen across the trail. We were hiking with youth from ages 11 to 13 and a few of them had some trouble but nothing they could not handle.

This is one of my favorite trails to hike in Louisiana. There are a lot of elevation changes and along with the boulders, trees and wildlife, it makes the trail interesting.This trail can be done as a long day hike or an overnighter. Be sure to bring plenty of water and be prepared to purify extra water along the way. 

From the Kisatchie National Forest Website:

Directions: From the intersection of I-49 and Highway 6 (Natchitoches), drive west on Hwy 6 for 7 miles. Turn left (south) on Louisiana Hwy 117 and proceed 16 miles to Forest Highway 59, Longleaf Trail Scenic Byway. Turn left (east) on FH 59 and go to FR 339 or FR 329 for trailheads.

Hiking: Backbone Trail: The Backbone Trail is the main trail out of the 4 separate wilderness hikes. One trailhead is just off FH 59 (Longleaf Scenic Byway) on FR 329 at the Caroline Dormon/Backbone Trailheads. The other end is located on FR 339, also just off FH 59. The complete trail is 7 miles long and is intersected by all three of the other wilderness trails. High Ridge Trail: The High Ridge Trail is 1.5 miles in length and joins the Backbone Trail about 3 miles from the FR 339 trailhead. Scenery and landscape photo shoots are a favorite from this trail because, like its name, it stays up on a high ridge where the view is not obstructed. Turpentine Hill Trail: The Turpentine Ridge Trail has a trailhead located between the Caroline Dormon Trailhead and the entry road for the Longleaf Vista Recreation Area on FH 59. There is a small grass parking area at the trailhead with a drop box and entry forms for persons using the trail to let the Forest Service know your whereabouts just in case you run into trouble. Explorer Trail: The Explorer Trail is a very short 1/2 mile trail that connects to the Turpentine Hill Trail just south of where the Turpentine Hill Trail connects to the Backbone Trail. There is a very scenic view area and unique sandstone outcrops along this trail. A must see for all visitors and why not, it's just a 1/2 mile.