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:

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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St. Tammany Parish Fishing Pier

As most South Louisianians know, hurricane Katrina caused heavy damage to the I-10 twin span, over Lake Pontchartrain, which connects Slidell, to New Orleans.   Rather than completely remove the old bridge, the St. Tammany Parish Government decided to transform a portion of it for recreational purposes, particularly, fishing.    Frugal Family Travelers recently paid a visit to the St. Tammany Parish Fishing Pier to view the beauty of Lake Pontchartrain.  The pier is located specifically at the I-10, Oak Harbor exit and can be accessed by the road adjacent to Gulf Coast Bank.   The facility has a welcome center with bathrooms and an automated kiosk to purchase entrance tickets.  We were a bit disappointed to discover that the twin span portion of the fishing pier is not yet open.  If you visit, you will notice a locked gate which prohibits access to that portion of the pier. That said, folks are allowed to fish on the boardwalk which will eventually provide access the bridge.  Adjacent to the boardwalk are two covered gazebos, which provide much needed shade and areas for cleaning fish at the stations provided.   Once full access to the bridge is granted, this will be an amazing place to access Lake Pontchartrain and spend a day fishing with your family!  However, its worth a visit but do not be disappointed, as we were, that the old twin span portion is not yet accessible.

Tips: 
Bring sunscreen and water, must have proper fishing licence
   

Note:

Prices: 12 years of age and older, if fishing from pier, $3; 12 years of age and over not fishing, $1; Under 12 years of age, free
Vending machines for drinks and snacks are available.

Directions:

54001 E. Howze Beach Road in Slidell (click link to access location on Google Maps)

(Oak Harbor exit off I-10)

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

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.