Showing posts with label Swamps. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Swamps. Show all posts

Monday, July 13, 2015

A Great Place for Summer Fun on the Northshore!


Tickfaw State Park is located right outside Hammond, LA in Springfield.  Wooded and lush, it is the perfect place to spend a day hiking, canoeing or cooling off at the splash pad. For those looking for a vacation or weekend getaway, the cabins and camping sites will provide the atmosphere for which you are looking.   For those who enjoy hiking, the river trail is beautiful, as it actually parallels the river for the greater part of the hike, which provides an opportunity to observe all sorts of wildlife. There is also an amazing bridge at the end of the trail which joins the boardwalk trail, creating a loop back to the parking area.   "Loop" simply means that the trail will take the hiker back to the original departure point. Those traveling with kids will appreciate loop trails because they take the guesswork out of the hike and eliminate backtracking.  If you enjoy fishing, take a break at the bridge, and cast your fishing line to get your "catch of the day".   However, make sure to purchase a fishing licence from the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries  before casting that line into the water as a licence is required to do so.     Note: Access to the river trail is gained from the parking area down the road from the day use area which contains the splash pad.  Enjoy and picnic at the Bottomland/Hardwood Pavillion after your hike or at any of the designated picnic areas in the park.  See the map below for the locations of all of the offernings in the park!   Place a call to the park office before you depart if you plan to canoe.  In times when water levels are too high or low canoeing is not allowed.

If you are a frequent follower of our blog you know how Frugal Family Travelers feel about the State Park System and capitalizing on an annual membership!  At only $80, it provides each person traveling in the same vehicle with a pass holder, admission and access to all Louisiana state parks and historic sites.  If you frequent the parks, it is a great savings.   Explore the Louisiana State Parks website for a full list of parks and historic sites offered and begin planning your travel with a stop at Tickfaw.   Explore our blog to discover reviews of other state parks and take advantage of our page listing Frugal Family Adventures listed by state!


Cost:

$2 per person;  Seniors (62 and older) and children (3 and under) are free!

Directions (click below to access Google Map):

27225 Patterson Road Springfield, LA 70462-8906

Tips:

Bring sunscreen, towels for the splash pad, water, backpacks for hiking,  BUG SPRAY and don't forget your fishing licence!  















Cooling off at the splash pad after the hike!! 






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.

Sunday, March 8, 2015

Water trails and Boardwalks: Joyce Wildlife Management Area


This is an amazing time of year to experience the great outdoors in south Louisiana!    Spring is definitely in the air and can be seen in the beautiful blooms of the red bud trees and the bright white flowers of the wild mayhaws, which can be found soaking up the water in wetland areas.   Frugal Family Travelers recently visited a hidden treasure well "off the beaten path" in Ponchatoula, Louisiana in the Joyce Wildlife Management Area.  In our attempt to located this scenic boardwalk, we stumbled upon something in the refuge that piqued our interest and will definitely require another visit for exploration!  This sight is called "Kliebert's Ditch" and is a water trail "hand-dug decades ago", according to the literature provided by the refuge.  Accessible by canoe or pirogue, this trail is miles long and provides a unique way to experience the wildlife in the refuge!  If you own a canoe or kayak, this would be a neat opportunity for your Frugal Family Travelers to get up close and personal with nature!

Our next stop brought us to the "swamp walk" which was the inspiration for the  visit to the refuge and we were not disappointed.   While not a long walk, the boardwalk trail through the swamp offered all sorts of surprises.   With frogs, nutria, cypress trees, and water plants, the swamp was alive and filled with opportunities for exploration.  The pictures below are definitely worth a thousand words!  Consider an outing here with your family!  You won't be disappointed! 

Cost:  Free

Tips: 
Bring sunscreen, water and bug repellent.  
Plan a visit to nearby Pontchatoula for awesome strawberries and a noteworthy antique district.
Be sure to check the area for letterboxes!!  To discover more about letterboxing Click Here to read the information previously posted on our blog.
  
Note:   There is no admission into the refuge. However, you must sign a card at one of the stations provides to check-in and out of areas you visit.   If you plan to canoe Kleibert's Ditch, check with the refuge headquarters regarding water levels to make sure it is accessible. (Click here for their web-site and contact numbers.)  Canoes are not provided on site.  You must therefore supply your own. 

Directions:
I-55 exit #22 at Highway 51
Pontchatoula, LA


Entrance to Kleibert's Ditch


On our way to the Swamp Walk!






Great example of camouflage! Can you find the frog?  


Reflections on the water!!








(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.

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