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!

Hidden Gem on the Northshore

If  your Frugal Family Travelers enjoy hiking, then you may want to consider stretching your legs on the Boy Scout Trail at Big Branch Marsh in Lacombe, LA, where picturesque views abound in this diverse setting!

The trailhead begins at a gravel parking area with a map and information to guide hikers.  Grab a map or take a picture of it with your phone and begin a unique journey on the raised boardwalk which traverses over the marshy terrain.   Look for the signs, which  are strategically placed along the trail, to discover facts about the landscape and wildlife to be found.  The  boardwalk will end at a gravel road!  Here the journey  can continue  by taking a right turn.  This trail will eventually take you to a raise platform where views of the wetlands can be seen which extend all the way to the lake.   On a clear day you will see the city of New Orleans in the distance!   

Don’t forget:    Pack plenty of water!  Pack bug spray, especially during  the summer months.  

Cost:   Free

Note:  The trail is not a loop and is approximate 3.5 miles to and from the raised viewing platform mentioned above.  

Directions:  Click for Google Map

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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4 Outdoor Jewels in Alabama

Our Frugal Family Travelers love exploring locations on and off the beaten path!  Many times when planning a trip, we look for smaller outdoor gems that may typically be overlooked when traveling to an area/city with a bigger attraction.   Those reading this post who travel with kids know that staying active is the key to a successful trip!  We typically like to combine a big attraction with a small one to provide a variety of adventures when  traveling.  Outdoor gems, like the ones reviewed in this post, can certainly be combined with other family plans to satisfy this need and will also provide lasting memories.

So, whether you are planning an entire trip to Alabama, or just passing through, the 4 locations showcased in the post are worthy of your attention for both the unforgettable scenery and the history!

Note: The following locations are only a short driving distance of one another! 

Moss Rock Preserve 

Directions:  Boulder Field Trailhead, 617 Preserve Parkway, Hoover, AL 35226

Cost: Free

With its beautiful waterfalls, rock formations and nearly 12 miles of hiking trails to explore, Moss Rock Preserve is a place that tips the travel scale and is certainly one our Frugal Family Travelers plan to visit again! There are 3 trail heads in the preserve, at different locations, so be sure to familiarize yourself with the trail map before departing.  It is important to note that the area is managed and owned by the city of Hoover, so familiarize yourself with the rules before entering.   We arrived at the preserve late in the day and therefore choose to explore the Boulder Field Trail Head for its popularity with the locals.  It did not disappoint!  With a short hike, we experienced beautiful rock formations and with an additional short hike we were able to explore beautiful streams and waterfalls.  The pictures below are certainly worth a thousand words!  

Boulder Canyon Nature Area

Directions: 1221 Montgomery Hwy, Vestivia Hills, AL 35216, Trail entrance is behind the Vestivia Hills Library.  Park in the library parking lot.  You can enter the library and take the trail out of the back of the young adult section of the library or walk around to the back of the library on the outdoor path.

Cost:  Free

Our Frugal Family Travelers stumbled onto this little wonder in Vestivia Hills, AL.    It is an awesome example of how community spirit, local government and the public school system can join forces to create a natural oasis for learning and respite from the fast paced world in which we live.  The nature area encompasses approximately 20 acres owned in part by the elementary school and local government.  The land and trails by the stream were originally cut by the Cub Scouts in the 80's with subsequent scouting groups adding to the trail which now extends behind the AMAZING Vestivia Hills Public Library. Our Frugal Family Travelers highly recommend exploring the trail and then the library!  You may want to bring your own book and read at one of the outdoor benches or by one of the massive boulders you will encounter by the Patton Creek watershed. 

Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park

Directions: 12632 Confederate Pkwy, McCalla, AL 35111

Cost:  Adults $2; Children $1; Seniors $1

Hiking, history, cabins, camping and a train all come to mind when recalling our Frugal Family adventure at Tannehill!   Although, we did not stay in the park, it is certainly an option and one on our bucket list when visiting the area again!   Our day here consisted of a picnic by the stream, hiking and exploring the rich history to be found here.  Be sure to visit the Tannehill website for current museum times, train schedules and admission prices!  

Oak Mountain State Park

Directions: 200 Terrace Dr, Pelham, AL 35124

Cost:  Adults $5; Children $2; Seniors $2

Oak Montain State Park is truly a one stop shopping place when traveling.  One could certainly stay here for numerous days!  With clear lakes, boating/fishing opportunities, beautiful mountain biking trails, hiking trails, horseback riding, golf course,  a waterfall and a bird hospital/sanctuary, there is not a reason in the world anyone would ever be bored while visiting Oak Mountain State Park.  Furthermore, the cabins and camping opportunities are amazing!  

This happens to be the second time our Frugal Family Travelers have visited Oak Mountain!  We spent our time during this visit hiking to Pevine Falls as well as touring the bird sanctuary.    Check out our pictures below to capture a glimpse of this jewel! 

Tips:

Hike times vary for those of varying age and skill - factor in extra time.   Never enter a long trail at dusk! Pack a first aid kit, water, bug spray and snacks! Sometimes cell service is limited or unavailable on hiking trails so let someone know when you enter and depart a trail. 

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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

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.

View FrugalFamilyTraveler's photos on Trover