Unexpected places on the Northshore for a Kayaking Adventure

It is no secret that natural beauty abounds across the lake from New Orleans on the Northshore!  From the many parks, trails, Tammany Trace, St. Tammany Fishing Pier and particularly Camp Salmen Nature Park, there is no shortage of places for outdoor enthusiasts.  However, many people forget or  do not realize that there are some great spots for water exploration via a kayak or canoe! Whether you own your own kayak/canoe or choose to rent one,  a day of fun on the water can be created for your Frugal Family Travelers by exploring some of the locations listed below.  

Note: Check with the rental companies for rates and water access points.   Rental companies may not provide transportation to all of the areas indicated below.  

1.  Bayou Liberty

If you are a frequent reader of our blog posts, you already know that our Frugal Family Travelers love Camp Salmen.   However, we recently discovered a bayou access point for kayaks and canoes, directly across from the playground area and are now even more thrilled to have this amazing place available to visit!    Also, the parking lot is adjacent to the launch, which makes it and easy place to launch a kayak.   Pack a lunch and plan to explore the park after your float trip.  

Directions:   Camp Salmen

2.  Bayou Cane 

For those who remember the local chef Justin Wilson and his Cajun cooking shows, keep him in mind, while you float the Cane Bayou.    His 8,000 sq. ft. home can be viewed through the trees a short paddle down the bayou on the left from the boat launch.    Also, this float will take you all the way to Lake Pontchartrain.   

Directions:   

24380 Ronald Reagan Hwy, Lacombe, LA 70445

Click for details regarding Kayak rentals!

3.  Bayou Bonfouca

Access this area at Heritage Park in Slidell.  This boat launch is suitable for motorized boats as well as kayakers and canoes.  If you have kids, this park has a great splash area for cooling off after you canoe or kayak.  Call the Bait Shop in Slidell to see about canoe/kayak rentals! 

4. Bayou Lacombe

At the the end of Main Street in Lacombe, LA is a great boat launch, suitable for both large boats, canoes and kayaks.  

Directions:  

24380 Ronald Reagan Hwy, Lacombe, LA 70445

8 Tranquil Spots Not to Miss in North Carolina

Our Frugal Family Travelers have explored the mountains of Tennessee numerous times on previous trips!   However, on a recent excursion, we decided it was time to explore North Carolina!  The trip did not disappoint, mostly because it was devoid of the commercialism often found in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge.  Don’t get me wrong, we love these areas, but this new location offered the tranquil atmosphere we were seeking on this trip.  So, if you and your Frugal Family Travelers enjoy hiking and also soaking up the tranquility to be had at waterfalls, then add some of these North Carolina spots to your next vacation itinerary.    The best part is that these waterfalls are all in the same general area of Asheville, NC and therefore, can be easily combined with other local activities, including the Biltmore.  

Pearson’s Falls 

This beautiful waterfall is located in the foothills of the blue ridge mountains and is privately owned and maintained by the Tryon Garden Club.  The waterfall is a short hike from the parking area and is great for those traveling with small children or those with limited mobility.  

Cost: $5 Adults; $1 Children

Tips: Pack bug spray

Note: Bathroom facility on site. 

Directions: 

Pearson’s Falls 2748 Pearson Falls Road Saluda, NC 28773

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Catawba Falls

At approximately 100 ft high, Catawba is certainly worth the 3 mile round trip hike.   This best part is it is only 26 miles from Asheville! 

Cost: Free

Tips: Pack bug spray

Note: Bathroom facility on site. 

Directions: 

Catawba Falls 3074 Catawba River Rd, Old Fort, NC 28762

Pictured below is Andrew’s Geyser.  This is a great picnic spot and is not far from Catawba Falls!  

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Linville Falls 

The falls plunges into the Linville Gorge which makes for a spectacular view!   The trail leading to the falls is 1.6 miles round trip and is easy for families as well as those with limited mobility.  

Cost: Free

Tips: Pack bug spray

Note: A bathroom facility is located up the road from the trailhead at the information cabin  

Directions:

Click here for direction

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High, Triple, Hooker Falls

These beautiful waterfalls are located in DuPont State Forest.  The best part is that all three are accessible from the same trail.   

(Above: High Falls) 

(Above: Tripple Falls)

(Above: Hooker Falls)

(Above: Covered Bridge Above High Falls)

Cost: Optional Donation

Tips: Pack bug spray

Note: Bathroom available at information center. 

Directions: 

Dupont State Forest 1300 Staton Road, Cedar Mountain, NC 28718

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Looking glass Falls and Sliding Rock

Both waterfalls are located in the Pisgah National Forest and are down the road from one another.   Both waterfalls are perfect spots for families with small children and those with limited mobility as there is no hike required.   However,  the waterfall may be viewed its base by hiking down a short set of steps.    

(Above: Looking Glass Falls)

(Above: Sliding Rock)

Cost: Free; Sliding Rock charges in the summer! 

Tips: Pack bug spray

Note: Bathroom facility is open seasonally at Sliding Rock.  In the summer pack a bathing suit to slide down Sliding Rock! 

Directions: 

Click here for 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

Oh! Shenandoah!

It is no secret that our Frugal Family Travelers love to hike and soak up the scenery to be found while outdoors.  For this reason, we planned a visit to the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia and were excited  to add this buautiful location to our list of National Parks visited.  Picturesque views of the mountain vistas can easily accessed by car, from the scenic Skyline Drive, or for the more adventurous at heart, a hike through the woods.   This park truly offers the mountaintop experience for those of all levels of activity.    Scenic hikes or drives, waterfalls, swimming, cabins, camping of all types can be experienced while in Shendenoah.  Be sure to stop at a Shenendoah National Park Visitors Center at the start of your trip and speak with a park ranger for directions and tips for hikes appropriate for parties of various ages/skill levels.   We did this and it helped to maximize our time in the park.   The ranger on duty was very knowledgeable and suggested the Rose River Loop Trail. She supplied us with maps and directions to the trailhead.   This hike turned out to be just the right amount of adventure we were seeking for the time allotted in our schedule.   The pictures below speak more than mere words!

Directions:  Click here for directions to the Harry F. Byrd Visitors Center 

Tip:

If  hiking, pack plenty of water, apply sunscreen and bug spray.  Pack a first aid kit and let someone know the trail on which you are hiking, as cell service is not always available on hikes, or can be very limited.  

Alert:

Bears are present!  We encountered one while hiking.   Be aware and be prepared!  Follow the link to discover how to safely deal with this sort of encounter. 

Note:

For families traveling with a 4th grader, the Natuonal Park Service is currently offering  free or discounted entrance fees into all National Parks by completing a simple form on their website.   Take advantage of this offer and visit a National Park!  Click here to get your pass:    FREE FAMILY PASS

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

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.

View FrugalFamilyTraveler's photos on Trover

Lookout Mountain Parkway Series Post 3: Cloudland Canyon State Park

If you have been following our blog posts on the Lookout Mountain Parkway then you have already discovered some amazing places to add to your bucket list.  This next and final place, however, was our personal favorite and is well worth working into your summer plans, if you are headed to Georgia!

Cloudland Canyon State Park  encompasses over 3,400 acres and is located in Rising Fawn, GA on the western end of the Lookout Mountain.    Like many other state parks,  accommodations include  cottages, sites for tent camping and RVs, cabins of various sizes, as well as Yurts (which meld the tent camping and cabin experience into one)!  A wealth of activities are to be had in the park including:  guided and unguided hikes, mountain biking, birding, cave tours, and pond fishing.   Perhaps the most breathtaking of views is that of the canyon itself which can easily be accomplished by taking  a short walk from a parking area!  From there, your Frugal Family Travelers will discover an expansive overlook for viewing the canyon! For those wanting to get up close and personal with the canyon a lengthy strenuous trail, laced with approx 600 stairs, can be taken into the canyon itself.  We highly recommend doing so if you are physically able.   The views on the canyon trail are spectacular!   A white water stream is present for most of the trail hike with a rewarding and spectacular view of the  beautiful Hemlock Falls on the canyon floor.  

Cost:

$5 for day use

Directions:

122 Cloudland Canyon Park Rd, Rising Fawn, GA 30738

Tips:

Prior to departure, read the State Park web site for activities and tours offered during you time of visit.  Pack plenty of water, especially if you plan to hike to the base of the canyon.   Plan ample time for your hike if you are traveling with younger children.  Water levels vary depending on the season and amount of rainfall.  As with all outdoor activities pack bug spray! Download digital copies of the trail map on your phone (or take pictures) and carry paper copies provided b the park!  It makes a great back-up!  Pack a lunch /snacks and a portable hammock!  

Link to new 2025 Cloudland Canyon post

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.