Water trails and Boardwalks: Joyce Wildlife Management Area

This is an amazing time of year to experience the great outdoors in south Louisiana!    Spring is definitely in the air and can be seen in the beautiful blooms of the red bud trees and the bright white flowers of the wild mayhaws, which can be found soaking up the water in wetland areas.   Frugal Family Travelers recently visited a hidden treasure well "off the beaten path" in Ponchatoula, Louisiana in the Joyce Wildlife Management Area.  In our attempt to located this scenic boardwalk, we stumbled upon something in the refuge that piqued our interest and will definitely require another visit for exploration!  This sight is called "Kliebert's Ditch" and is a water trail "hand-dug decades ago", according to the literature provided by the refuge.  Accessible by canoe or pirogue, this trail is miles long and provides a unique way to experience the wildlife in the refuge!  If you own a canoe or kayak, this would be a neat opportunity for your Frugal Family Travelers to get up close and personal with nature!

Our next stop brought us to the "swamp walk" which was the inspiration for the  visit to the refuge and we were not disappointed.   While not a long walk, the boardwalk trail through the swamp offered all sorts of surprises.   With frogs, nutria, cypress trees, and water plants, the swamp was alive and filled with opportunities for exploration.  The pictures below are definitely worth a thousand words!  Consider an outing here with your family!  You won't be disappointed! 

Cost:  Free

Tips: 
Bring sunscreen, water and bug repellent.  

Plan a visit to nearby Pontchatoula for awesome strawberries and a noteworthy antique district.
Be sure to check the area for letterboxes!!  To discover more about letterboxing Click Here to read the information previously posted on our blog.
  

Note:   There is no admission into the refuge. However, you must sign a card at one of the stations provides to check-in and out of areas you visit.   If you plan to canoe Kleibert's Ditch, check with the refuge headquarters regarding water levels to make sure it is accessible. (Click here for their web-site and contact numbers.)  Canoes are not provided on site.  You must therefore supply your own. 

Directions:

I-55 exit #22 at Highway 51

Pontchatoula, LA

Entrance to Kleibert's Ditch

On our way to the Swamp Walk!

Great example of camouflage! Can you find the frog?  

Reflections on the water!!

(Be sure to click on all highlighted text within the blog for additional information regarding activities, including websites, special instructions and travel directions!)

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