Frugal Family Travelers: March 2017

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.