Today my Frugal Family Travelers needed a place to hike to enjoy a rare cool Spring day in the south. Not wanting to travel far, we embarked on a journey to the Bogue Chitto Trail off of Interstate 59 between Slidell, LA and Picayune, MS. However, upon arrival we discovered that the boardwalk at the refuge had sustained damage and therefore was closed to visitors. We let out a sigh and with a quick internet search developed a new plan to salvage the day to make use of the beautiful weather! Fortunately, we discovered another hiking area approximately 6 miles away! Holmes Bayou Trail became our new destination and it did not disappoint. The scenic drive took us on a gravel road under a railroad bridge and then through sections of wetlands littered with cypress trees. Also along the way, on the left hand side of the road, we discovered an artesian spring fed well flowing out of a pipe right into the bayou. If you visit the trail look out for this!
We parked at the modest trailhead and began our hike to discover cypress bayous, birds and even a river at the trails end. We wished we had hiked in with a chair in order take a short respite to linger at the river a bit longer. While the hike was only 1.5 miles in to total, the adventure it provided did not disappoint. So, if you are looking for a quick adventure, consider making a visit.
Pack: Bug spray and water! (Although we had no issues with mosquitos at this time of the year, this may NOT alway be the case.)
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.
The Mississippi Petrified Forest is a natural wonder which contains ancient trees, including Sequoia! Many of these petrified trees are estimated to be at least a thousand years old at the time a massive flood deposited the log jam in the current location. Years of subsequent flooding and silt deposits covered what would become the petrified logs visitors see today! The process of erosion first exposed these logs in the 1800's. However, it was not until 1962 that real conservation efforts began when R. J. "Bob" and Shirl Schabilion purchased the forest. They realized that this Mississippi treasure needed to be preserved for future generation and their conservation efforts created what is seen today in the park. .
Our Frugal Family Travelers had heard of the Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona but were quite surprised to learn of the existence of this petrified forest in Mississippi, just outside of Jackson. Upon discovery, we started planning our trip, which took place over Spring Break. We wanted to tent camp and were pleasantly surprised to learn that the forest had a small campground suitable for RVs and tent campers alike. Upon arrival we found the welcome center, where we were able to pay for our campsite and purchase tour tickets. One of the neatest parts of our camping adventure was the boxcar adjacent to our camp. We felt like we were truly in a scene right out of the "Boxcar Children" book series. Those who have visited Chimney Rock and Ruby Falls will likely be at home in this setting, as it has a very similar feel. If gem mining is something you and your Frugal Family Travelers enjoy, there is a station set up for this! There is also a neat museum with a collection of fossils. There is a lot to discover, especially if you like science! The pictures below will tell more of the story.......enjoy!
$7 Adults; $6 Seniors and kids under 12 years of age Camping:
$22 for full service hook up
$12 for primitive camp sites
Note: Pack bug spray and sunscreen!
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.
If you are looking for a "Splash of Fun" this summer, you and your Frugal Family Travelers may want to consider packing the beach bag and heading to Mississippi to beat the southern heat. Located in Flint Creek State Park, Splash of Fun Water Park has been around for quite a while but was previously known to locals as "Water Town". However, those who plan a visit here will not find the same park they remember from the past, as it has been transformed by the new owners. "Splash of Fun" retains all of the classic slides of the orignal (updated and refurbished) including the white water tubing experience using water from the lake. However, a fully chlorinated water area, miniature golf course and other slides have been added for additional fun! Again, one of the unique features of the orignal park retained by the new owners is the use of the adjacent lake to supply water for the tubing slide! It was our favorite slide at the park and reminded us of Disney's River Country! The park is especially good for younger travelers as parents can see all slides and walkways from the bottom pool. The park was staffed with many lifeguards and felt extremely well supervised. Park staff also mentioned that weekdays have fewer visitors. Our Frugal Family Travelers never had to stand in a line when we visited on a Monday afternoon! We had a great day and know once the park is fully "transformed" it will provide even more excitement for your Frugal Family Travelers.
Cost: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday $13.50 over 42"
Friday -Saturday $18.50 over 42"
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday. $9.50 under 42"
Friday -Saturday $13.50 under 42" Kids 3 and under Free
Spectator Pass $4.50.
Tips: No outside food or drink may be brought into the facility. The park has a snack bar with a variety of things to eat as well as ice cream. Consider packing a lunch and enjoying a picnic in one of the numerous picknic areas available in Flint Creek State Park. You can go in and out of the water park at no charge. The picnic areas are within a 5 minute drive.
Directions (Click address below to open Google Maps):
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.
Have you thought about taking your family on a vacation somewhere but do not want to make a long drive or just can't afford an expensive trip this year? If so, consider visiting a state park! Future posts will share more regarding the state park systems available in Louisiana and other states, but today Frugal Family Travelers will highlight the Bogue Chitto State Park located in Franklinton, LA, just north of Covington. Bogue Chitto is one of the newest Louisiana state parks. With great hiking trails leading nature enthusiasts through dense forests, along the banks of a river, by beautiful lakes and through a gorge, it leaves you, at times, feeling as though you are in the mountains! The park also has furnished cabins (each with a screened in back porch, which overlooks the gorge), primitive/RV camping areas, an amazing splash area (complete with a water slide), a beach area, snowball stand, biking trails, equestrian trails and a playground! Tubing/canoeing is available through various local outfitters. However, we suggest caution if attempting this with younger travelers due to the swift current of the river and that it is used by other outdoor enthusiasts with motorized boats.
Recently, our Frugal Family Travelers were feeling a bit cooped up from a bout of rain in our area! In spite of the rain, we decided to brave the elements for a trip to Bogue Chitto. Our hiking adventure began during a light sprinkle but as the afternoon progressed, the sun came out! The rain actually made the trails come alive with wildlife and unique water features not seen during other visits to the park! Our travelers especially enjoyed catching tiny frogs that were littering the trails! The day concluded with a visit to the splash area for sliding and water play before heading back home! Admission to the park is only $2 per person and includes access to all day use areas. Children under 3 and seniors over the age of 62 are FREE! We chose to finally buy an annual pass to the Louisiana State Park and Historic Site system. We can now be admitted to over 25 Louisiana state parks and historic sites for the next year. This is a huge savings if you plan to visit several state parks over the next year.
Tips:
*Pack sunscreen, water, picnic lunch
*Bring a bug box for little travelers
*Wear shoes for hiking
*Pack flip flops or water shoes and bathing suit for splash area
*The gorge trail area is more strenuous with the trails by the river more accessible for all ages
*Consider buying an annual pass to the state park. It is $80 and allows all traveling in your car/van entrance into all Louisiana state parks and historic sites!
*The water slide/splash area is closed on Mondays for maintenance. You may also want to check availability if traveling between October-April.
Note:
*The state park system, in my opinion is one of the best kept secrets! Future posts will share more about the Louisiana state parks and historic sites our Frugal Family Travelers have visited as well as ones in other states!
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(Be sure to click on all highlighted text within the blog for additional information regarding activities, including websites, special instructions and travel directions!)
The rain can't stop us!
Look at the tiny frogs we found!
Here we go into the gorge!
Examining a geocache we found!
Splasing around!
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.
Our Frugal Family Travelers LOVE to be outside! For this reason we are frequent visitors to the Camp Salmen Nature Park located just off HWY 190 in Slidell, LA. Nestled along the beautiful Bayou Liberty, this park has picturesque views! Wooded hiking trails, scenic bayou overlooks, a 200 year old French Creole cottage, draping oaks, and a beautiful playground are just some of the things your Frugal Family Travelers will discover here! There are lots of opportunities for discovery and this park requires no admission! Our kids loved climbing on the old oak trees and telling tales of ghosts living in the old cottage!
Tips:
*Be sure to pack a picnic lunch to enjoy in one of the many picnic areas located throughout this extensive property.
*Small travelers may enjoy having a bug box! *This park is being developed in phases so some of the trails are not well marked! Don't worry trail maps are available or talk with a park ranger on duty! *Bring a camera......this is a great place for family photos!!
*There are geocaches nearby so if that is something you enjoy, be sure to check it out!!
*If you want to plan an even more exciting day of adventure for your Frugal Family Travelers, consider packing a bathing suit and hopping over to Heritage Park! It is a short driving distance away and offers a splash pad!
(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.
