Frugal Family Travelers: 2017

Saturday, December 30, 2017

Hidden Gem on the Northshore

If your Frugal Family Travelers enjoy hiking, then you may want to consider stretching your legs on the Boy Scout Trail at Big Branch Marsh in Lacombe, LA, where picturesque views abound in this diverse setting!

The trailhead begins at a gravel parking area with a map and information to guide hikers. Grab a map or take a picture of it with your phone and begin a unique journey on the raised boardwalk which traverses over the marshy terrain. Look for the signs, which are strategically placed along the trail, to discover facts about the landscape and wildlife to be found. The boardwalk will end at a gravel road! Here the journey can continue by taking a right turn. This trail will eventually take you to a raise platform where views of the wetlands can be seen which extend all the way to the lake. On a clear day you will see the city of New Orleans in the distance!

Don’t forget: Pack plenty of water! Pack bug spray, especially during the summer months.

Cost: Free

Note: The trail is not a loop and is approximate 3.5 miles to and from the raised viewing platform mentioned above.

Directions: Click for Google Map

Disclaimer:

All content provided on Frugal Family Travelers blog is for informational purposes only. The owners of this blog make no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site. The owners of Frugal Family Travelers blog do not share personal information with third-parties and are not responsible for the republishing of the content found on this blog on other Web sites or media without permission. As with all travel, operating days, times, costs, etc., should be verified prior to departure.

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Sunday, May 28, 2017

Lookout Mountain Parkway Series Post 3: Cloudland Canyon State Park

If you have been following our blog posts on the Lookout Mountain Parkway then you have already discovered some amazing places to add to your bucket list. This next and final place, however, was our personal favorite and is well worth working into your summer plans, if you are headed to Georgia!

Cloudland Canyon State Park encompasses over 3,400 acres and is located in Rising Fawn, GA on the western end of the Lookout Mountain. Like many other state parks, accommodations include cottages, sites for tent camping and RVs, cabins of various sizes, as well as Yurts (which meld the tent camping and cabin experience into one)! A wealth of activities are to be had in the park including: guided and unguided hikes, mountain biking, birding, cave tours, and pond fishing. Perhaps the most breathtaking of views is that of the canyon itself which can easily be accomplished by taking a short walk from a parking area! From there, your Frugal Family Travelers will discover an expansive overlook for viewing the canyon! For those wanting to get up close and personal with the canyon a lengthy strenuous trail, laced with approx 600 stairs, can be taken into the canyon itself. We highly recommend doing so if you are physically able. The views on the canyon trail are spectacular! A white water stream is present for most of the trail hike with a rewarding and spectacular view of the beautiful Hemlock Falls on the canyon floor.

Cost:

$5 for day use

Directions:

122 Cloudland Canyon Park Rd, Rising Fawn, GA 30738

Tips:

Prior to departure, read the State Park web site for activities and tours offered during you time of visit. Pack plenty of water, especially if you plan to hike to the base of the canyon. Plan ample time for your hike if you are traveling with younger children. Water levels vary depending on the season and amount of rainfall. As with all outdoor activities pack bug spray! Download digital copies of the trail map on your phone (or take pictures) and carry paper copies provided b the park! It makes a great back-up! Pack a lunch /snacks and a portable hammock!

Disclaimer:

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Sunday, April 9, 2017

Lookout Mountain Parkway Series Post 2: Little River Canyon National Preserve

Frugal Family Travelers have been taking readers on a journey through the Lookout Mountain Parkway and along the way have been highlighting areas off the beaten path! At the heart of the Lookout Mountain Parkway is the Little River Canyon National Preserve. Within the preserve you will have access to numerous trails, swimming areas, the Little River Canyon, Little River Canyon Center and the spectacular Little River Falls. Beauty abounds in the preserve. You will want to plan adequate time to soak up all that it offers.

Little River Canyon, Little River Canyon Center and Little River Falls

Cost: Free or honor box when applicable.

Directions to the Little River Canyon Center:

4322 Little River Parkway, Fort Payne, AL 35967 (Note: The canyon may be viewed from various places within the preserve directly off the main road; Little River Falls is a short hike from the Canyon Center or a short 2 minute drive.)

Little River Canyon Center Hours: M-S: 10-4; Sun.: 1-4

The center features an HD movie about the canyon, exhibits, hiking trails, information about the preserve and a gift shop. Adjacent to the center, by hike or short drive, is the spectacular Little River Falls! One can observe the falls from a decked area with seating or take a short trail to get your feet wet and have a closer look. Be sure to check the center's website for special programs offered throughout the year.

Disclaimer:

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Thursday, March 23, 2017

Desoto National Forest: Tuxachanie Trail

With temperatures near 70 and a cool breeze in the air, the weekend weather certainly warranted a hiking trip. Therefore, the Frugal Family Travelers packed the van and set out on an adventure to the Tuxachanie Trail, located in Desoto National Forest. Spanning the length of Gulfport to Hattiesburg, MS, Desoto comprises approximately 500,000 acres with the Tuxachanie Trail being one of the gems to be found in this lush forest. The 12 mile trail has three access points with opportunities for viewing an array of habitats including wetlands, dry grasslands, creeks, pitcher plants, pine forests and a beautiful magnolia forest. The trailhead, off highway 49 in Saucier MS, initially follows an old logging rail, where trees were once harvested for a multitude of purposes, including making turpentine and rosin.

Tips: Pack water, bug spray and sunscreen; print a map from the forest website or take a picture of the posted copy on your phone before you embark. It is important to note that during hunting season one should wear orange colored clothing to increase visibility for hunters. Check the forest service website for hunting seasons.

Note: On the eastern end of the 12 mile trail is an old WWII POW camp, which overlooks a small pond and also a serves as a recreational area for visitors. Your Frugal Family Travelers can certainly hike the full 12 miles to this but be aware that it can also be accessed by vehicle.

Directions to POW Trailhead and Pictures:

POW Camp Recreation Area

Directions to Trailhead and Pictures:

Highway 49, Saucier, MS (click text to populate a google map to parking area)

Disclaimer:

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Sunday, March 12, 2017

Lookout Mountain Parkway Series Post 1: Noccalula Falls

Frugal Family Travelers recently embarked on an adventure to explore the Lookout Mountain Parkway! Spanning for approximately 93 miles from Gadsden, AL to Chattanooga, TN, the parkway offers mountain views, hiking, birding, waterfalls and small towns with a rich history!

When thinking of the Lookout Mountain Parkway, many may recall visits to Ruby Falls, Rock City and possibly even an exciting trip up the incline railway! However, on this trip, our focus was to find experiences off the beaten path! This post and future posts in the series will highlight our discoveries in a effort to inspire other Frugal Family Travelers to explore some of these great places!

Series Post 1: Noccalula Falls

Directions:

1500 NOCCALULA ROAD, GADSDEN, AL, 35904

Cost:

Free (if just viewing falls from parking area); For full access to park: Adults $6.00;Seniors (55+) $4.00;Youth (4-12) $3.00;Children FREE

Note: cabins, RV/tent sites available

Noccalulla Falls Park features the best view of the 90 ft falls and is therefore well worth the admission price. Park offerings include access to the authentic pioneer village, the 5 mile gorge trail to the base of the falls, a petting zoo and train which circles the park. We were lucky that our visit was during the Christmas season, when the park was transformed with an amazing display of lights. During our visit the area had experienced an extreme drought and therefore Noccalula Falls was not nearly as impressive as it is would be during a typical visit.