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!

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.

Road Trip to Poverty Point

Poverty Point has been on the bucket list for my Frugal Family Travelers for some time now.    However, life with teens and preteens can be quite chaotic so finding the time for excursions is a little more challenging these day.   With that being said, it is ALWAYS worth the effort when we do plan a weekend getaway or a day trip, as it satisfies the desire for wanderlust and provides the whole family with a much needed respite from an active life.  

For those who may not know, Poverty Point is a United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Site located in Pioneer, Louisiana.  The 402 acre property, which operates as the Poverty Point State Historic Site, contains earthworks built by indigenous people between 1700 and 1100 BC.   Here visitors can enjoy hiking a trail, which outlines all of the various mounds and structures once present, or discover the history, through prearranged tours by a site ranger.  For those with limited mobility, access to the larger mound can be accessed by car.   Our Frugal Family Travelers particularly enjoyed viewing artifacts at the museum which had been excavated from the site.  However, the biggest adventure by far was the hike to the top of the largest mound!    The view was breathtaking and awe inspiring while thinking about the monumental task it was for the indeginuous people to build such a structure during that time period.   

For all of the reasons stated above and may more, your Frugal Family Travelers should plan a trip here.  Not only will you learn a great deal about the past, but you will leave with a renewed spirit having spent time out in nature. 

Directions:   

6859 Hwy. 577 Pioneer, LA 71266

(To learn more about UNESCO and the selection process for inclusion visit Click HERE.  It’s a great organization that is responsible for elevating knowledge of endangered sites and what they do to preserve them for future.  

Picturesque Views Not Soon Forgotten

When the land for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park was obtained, land owners were often granted leasing agreements for their property.  In most cases these agreements spanned the lifetime of the owner, the last of which expired in Elkmont in 2001.   Click here to view photographs and read the detailed history of this area.  

If you are planning a visit to the smokies, consider experiencing the beauty and rich heritage of Elkmont on foot.   To do so, start at either the lower or upper parking area  adjacent to the Elkmont campground.  At the lower parking lot you will find the trailhead for the Little River and at the upper lot the Jake’s Creek.  Either of these trails can be hiked in or back out, if you so choose.  However, our Frugal Family Travelers suggest starting at either of the trails listed above and then using the Cucumber Trail as a connector for the two to form a loop!  The Cucumber trail is clearly marked so there is no chance of missing it along the way.  This option provides great views of the mountains, creeks, a fun stream crossing and lots of history along the way.  It’s a moderate hike of approximately 7 plus miles, so pack plenty of water and snacks, especially if hiking with children.  If your visit is during the summer months you may want to plan ahead with suits in order to cool off in one of the streams.

Don’t forget to explore Historic Daisy Town while at the upper parking area near the trail head for Jake’s Creek.  The National Park Service is currently restoring buildings in this historic place as popularized by early 20th century Americans wishing to escape urban living. 

Be sure to view the video below so see what a great time was had at Elkmont.    Satisfy your wanderlust and plan a visit to this picturesque spot that has managed to become one of our new favorite places in the Smokies!!! 

Click here to read our Smoky Mountains Travel Guide!

Cool Off While Kayaking the Coosa then Soak in the History

Perhaps you are from the NOLA area, desiring a quick adventure with little drive time.    Perhaps you are one of our readers outside of the region, desiring  a trip down south to discover some of the diverse history mixed with a splash of outdoor fun.  Regardless of which of the two statements above fits your situation, read on, as this post may be just the adventure your Frugal Family Travelers are seeking this summer!

Outdoor Whitewater Adventure.......

The Coosa River in Wetumpka, AL (right outside Montgomery) is known to locals but, unfortunately, not to many in the NOLA area.    We stumbled upon it while searching for a whitewater river adventure, not far from home.  Side note: If you are a frequent reader of the Frugal Family Travelers blog , you know we enjoy kayaking.  However, on this excursion, we desired a float trip that packed an adrenaline rush NOT invoked by the typical gator sitings  on our Louisiana bayous.   

Coosa River Adventures Outfitters was just the place to make this come to fruition: (click here for more information)

*Reservation were easily made over the phone.   

*The River outpost was conveniently located adjacent to the Coosa, with shuttle service to the take out point.   *All gear and safety instructions were  provided.   

*The atmosphere was great for families of all types!!  

*The owner was extremely friendly and has been in business well over twenty years!

*The staff were extremely helpful and friendly! 

*The float itself was packed with excitement, with some class II and III rapids, as well as moments for respite on sandy shores and rock islands, in the middle of the river.   

(Pictured above: A waterfall that flows into the river!  This is a great place to stop and swim and picnic.   It can also be accessed from Corn Creek Park!)

Jordan Dam on the Coosa River 

Things to pack:

**Sunscreen!   

**Soft side coolers are perfect for the kayak!

**Ziplocks or water bags for items and food.  

**Bottled water!  

**Cheap sunglasses...they may float down the river if you tip over!!!

**Trash bags! 

**Hat!!!!!  

**Water shoes!!!!

**Carabiners to attach items to the kayak! 

Cost:

**Check the website for a variety of pricing options based on your needs.  

Directions:

Click here for google map and directions.  

History......

Our Frugal Family Travelers have visited Montgomery in previous years!   However, on this trip, we arrived later in the afternoon, when many museums had already closed.   Due to this, we opted to spend our time by completing a self guided Civil Heritage Walking Tour with the map we obtained from the visitors center at Union Station, near the river (see map below).  We highly suggest a stop at Union Station when you first arrive.    Not only is it rich in history but an attendant at the center will supply you with formation suited for your stay!   Make sure you check the operating hours for each of the museums listed.  

Sites along our walking tour......

Union Station:

Riverboat Park: 

St John’s Episcopal:


Court Square Fountain and State Capitol in background:


Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church:






For hikers........

Swayback 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.

Coosa River Adventure