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. 

Journey Through the Bayou

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.    

Directions:  

39769 Honey Island Swamp Road - Pearl River, LA 70452

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.