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) with a round blue hiking symbol and a trail sign affixed to a tree, which points the way to the trail entrance.

Map: 

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: 

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. 

Picnic at a Peaceful Place and Explore too!!

If you are looking for a place to picnic, hike and fish or perhaps just a place to contemplate life, while amongst beautiful surroundings, then read on to learn about this spot which recently reopened to the public after renovations.  Bogue Chitto National Wildlife Refuge is comprised of approximately 34,500 acres of land in the Pearl River Basin.    The southern most portion of the refuge can be easily accessed at the Pearl River turn around exit off if I-59 in Louisiana.   Here you will find the Jim Schmidt Boardwalk and Trail,which is an area adorned with piers, boardwalks, picnic areas and a lake!  This site offers lots of opportunities for Frugal Family Travelers seeking outdoor activity and adventure.

This was our first visit to the refuge and our afternoon time was well spent taking pictures and also exploring the bayous from the expansive boardwalks, which offer exceptional views of the ecosystem.   We rounded out our day with a picnic lunch at one of the covered picnic areas adjacent the lake while watching others enjoy fishing and bird watching.  Our only regret was not bringing our kayaks to explore the lake!  

If this appeals to you and your Frugal Family Travelers pack you’re picnic lunch, kayaks, bug sprays and sunscreen and head to this area of the Bogue Chitto Wildlife Refuge. 

Directions: Jim Schmidt Boardwalk and Trail

Don’t forget: sunscreen, bug spray, picnic lunch, and a kayak! 

Remember: You MUST have a fishing license to fish here.   

Click here to discover a location within miles to create even more adventure for your Frugal Family Travelers! 

Enjoy the pictures!

Paradise for Exploration and Relaxation

Fontainebleau State Park is situated on Lake Pontchartrain near the outskirts of Mandeville, LA. The diverse hiking trails, sandy beach, boardwalks, ruins of a sugar cane plantation, cabins on the lake and a splash pad for kids, make this a place every Frugal Family Traveler should add to the bucket list! 

We recently spent the afternoon hiking the Sugar Mill Trail and exploring the boardwalk out to the overlook on the lake.    On the way, we saw numerous folks birdwatching and looking for gators lounging in the marsh grass!    Luckily, we did not encounter the latter!    After our hike we noticed many people enjoying the expansive green space for games, picnicking and grilling.   We were admittedly jealous and wished we had prepared to picnic and grill!  

Once back In the car we took an auto tour to scout out good sites for tent camping and also to survey the cabins on the lake!  There are places for RV camping, spaces for primitive camping, as well as improved camp sites with water and electricity.  Whatever your taste may be regarding the great outdoors, you will certainly find something here to meet your needs.  We are already planning our next adventure here, to either tent camp or stay in one of the cabins on the lake! 

Day use entry fee:   $3 per person.  

*For more information click HERE!

*TIP: Pack a picnic lunch, water, bug spray, sunscreen!!  

*For other offerings nearby click HERE then scroll down the page to discover the offerings in nearby Lacombe and Slidell, Louisiana.  

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.