Hidden Hiking Treasure

A recent survey conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Fishing and Boating Recreational Foundation indicates that “six in 10 Americans now have a new appreciation of nature as a result of the coronavirus pandemic”.  With that being said, enjoying the great outdoors is nothing new for our Frugal Family Travelers, but if there is anything good that has grown out of these trying times, it’s that people are rediscovering the beauty to be found outside within the world.  One can only hope that this will also cultivate an awareness of the growing need to keep trail systems, streams, and ponds free of litter, which is particularly important, in light of the survey’s finding.  

All of the above brings our Frugal Family Travelers to an outdoor gem discovered in Slidell, LA, not far from Camp Salmen Nature Park, on a trail system which encompasses part of the undeveloped Tammany Trace.   Our Frugal Family Travelers have hiked the trail numerous times now and have enjoyed the diverse terrain which includes hills, bayous, ponds, as well as ridges formed by an old rail line long since forgotten.  The unassuming trailhead is located at a small undeveloped parking area with signage that marks the trail entrance (see pictures and directions below for specific information).   At the start of the journey, hikers will embark on a blue “in and out” trail, with a loop section at the ending point, which leads back to the trailhead.    To discover an additional waypoint, hikers also have the option to take a green spur off the the blue trail.  Trails are clearly marked but be sure to pay careful attention to the directional arrows when hiking, especially on the more open stretches of the trail.   You may also want to bring a camera to take pictures and, if you are a good steward of the earth, bring a trash bag to pick-up any litter you see.   As stated earlier, our Frugal Family Travelers have enjoyed this hidden gem, but more importantly have taken on the task of picking up litter during each hike.   Nothing makes us feel better than cleaning up the community and also cleaning up a beautiful part of nature that will hopefully bring other Frugal Family Travelers some outdoor joy! 

Directions: Use your GPS to map to the corner of Donya Street and Browns Village Road in Slidell Louisiana.  There you will find a small gravel parking area (on Browns Village). To the right, a blue arrow on a tree points the way to the the trailhead. Follow the primitive power line road for approx. 200 ft. to find another  blue arrow and hiking symbol posted on a tree to the left.   This marks the trail entry point (see pictures below and additional instructions).

(Follow blue arrow adjacent to parking area approx 200 ft down power line road, look left to find trail entrance markers pictured below.)

(Trail Entrance markers)

Maps: 

Cost:  Free

Don’t forget: water, bug spray, plastic bags for trash removal 

Enjoy the various sights our Frugal Family Travelers discovered on the trail: 

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