Located in Louisiana’s Tickfaw State Park, the River and Bottomland Hardwood Trails offer an immersive walk through the park’s diverse ecosystems. These trails provide a great opportunity to observe the plant and animal life unique to each habitat. The Bottomland Hardwood Trail is a 3/4 mile loop trail that winds along a raised boardwalk […]
Blackwater River State Park is located near Milton, Florida. The park was established in 1967 and covers over 600 acres. The Blackwater River runs through the park and is a popular place for visitors to canoe and float down. A local company, Blackwater Canoe Rental, offers trips and rentals. We were planning to float […]
The Juniper Lake Trail winds through the beautiful Blackwater River State Park in Florida, offering a scenic and family-friendly hike along the Blackwater River. The highlight of the trail is a central loop that circles Juniper Lake—one of the park’s largest oxbow lakes. You can access the trail from the day-use area, or if […]
Tucked within Blackwater River State Park, the Chain of Lakes Trail is a scenic gem that winds along the river before guiding hikers into a lush floodplain swamp, past a series of oxbow lakes, and eventually through a beautiful sandhill forest. The trailhead is located just southeast of Deaton Bridge (coordinates: 30.7041, -86.88117). You’ll find […]
The Blackbird Marsh Trail is a scenic loop located in the Fort Pickens area of Gulf Islands National Seashore in Florida. Please note that this is a federally managed area, so there is an entrance fee of $25 per vehicle. If you have an America the Beautiful pass, it will cover the cost of entry. […]
Located in the bayside section of Galveston Island State Park, the Heritage Trail offers a scenic stroll through the park’s coastal prairie habitat. Though short—just a third of a mile with no elevation gain—it’s packed with educational value thanks to the informational plaques along the way. This easygoing, pet-friendly trail is perfect for families and […]
The Alligator Loop Trail is located within Galveston Island State Park in Texas, offering a scenic hike around a large freshwater pond often visited by alligators. During our walk, we kept an eye on the water and were lucky to spot one alligator. If you see one in the wild, always keep a safe distance […]
The Tickfaw State Park Nature Center is conveniently located near the park entrance and offers a fascinating look at the area’s wildlife, history, and culture through a number of displays. Inside, you’ll find an 800-gallon aquarium filled with fish from the Tickfaw River, along with smaller terrariums showcasing local wildlife. Visitors can also watch […]
The Fishing Pond Trail at Tickfaw State Park in Louisiana is a half-mile loop that circles the park’s fishing pond, which is accessible from the campground loop. Keep an eye out for wildlife—signs warn of alligators and snakes in the area. We were walking along the dirt path when my husband nearly jumped off […]
