Location:
Southwest Louisiana, along the Gulf of Mexico
Length: 180 miles (290 km)
Time To Allow: 1/2 to full day
Description/Highlights/Points
of Interest
Offering a close-up view of Louisiana's Outback, the Creole Nature Trail
winds through bayous and marshland and along the Gulf of Mexico shore.
As a loop through Calcasieu and Cameron parishes in southwest Louisiana,
the trail is teeming with life: colorful wildflowers, thousands of birds,
alligators and butterflies and a wide array of mammals. In addition to
traversing oak cheniers that are found in only three other places worldwide,
the byway encounters one of the historic lighthouses on the Gulf Coast.
Suggested
Itinerary
This tour of the Creole Nature Trail begins in Sulphur. The area
is noted by rolling pastures that gradually turn to wetland. Small ponds
and bayous begin to appear as well.
After crossing Ellender Bridge, we enter Cameron Parish, the largest
parish in the state. The vegetation in the area is mostly of the salt
marsh variety. Additionally, the landscape is dotted with oil wells and
oilfield pumping stations.
Next, we approach Hackberry. In this vicinity, we find an abundance
of shrimp and crab houses along Kelso Bayou. Here, seafood is cheap and
plentiful. This area is important to the commercial fishing industry because
of the abundance of natural resources.
A bit further down the byway, you will come upon the Sabine National
Wildlife Refuge. Here, visitors get views of birds and other marsh
animals. The refuge includes the 1.5 mile (2.4 km) self-guided Marsh Trail
with interpretation stations, an observation tower and panoramic view
of miles of marsh terrain.
Following the Creole Nature Trail south, we reach the Gulf Coast at Holly
Beach. This area is known as the "Cajun Riviera." The beach provides
25 miles (40.2 km) of year-round beaches, campsites, accommodations and
a variety of outdoor recreation. From this point, the byway moves west
along the Gulf Coast.
Approximately 30 miles (48.3 km) down the byway, following the Gulf Coast,
is the Rockefeller Wildlife Refuge. This area is home to a variety
of wintering waterfowl and resident mammals. The refuge is also an important
area for research studies on a number of marsh management strategies.
Visitors are able to enjoy recreational fishing in this area, but hunting
is prohibited. Visitors will want to be cautious of alligators that inhabit
the area.
From this area, visitors may choose to turn back west toward Cameron
Prairie National Wildlife Reserve or continue east towards the western
terminus of the byway. Whichever route one takes, visitors will enjoy
a continuum of the marshland variety of water animals and habitat so plentifully
found in the area.
The following
organizations offer trips in Louisiana:
The
Jewell of the South
North
American Journeys
Experience the real magic of New Orleans with its glorious parades, brassy
bands, haunted houses, streetcars and paddle wheelers, festivals, the
French Market, the National D-day Museum. The list is long, the fun unlimited,
and the food sensational.
Antebellum
South
Tauck World Discovery
Enjoy
New Orleans and the famous French Quarter, walk amidst the fragrant blossoms
of Bellingrath Gardens and experience Cajun Country, where there's music
in the air, tempting cuisine on the table and old-time southern hospitality.
Your sojourn includes one night in Natchez at a historic Inn!
New
Orleans: Something for Everyone
North
American Journeys
Reach right into the heart of New Orleans traditions such as glorious
parades, brassy bands, haunted houses, historic streetcars, paddle wheelers,
festivals, museums, alligator farming, fine dining and world class shopping.
New Orleans: America’s Most European City
North
American Journeys
This 3-day itinerary encompassing everything from Cajun and Creole cuisine
to a paddle wheeler ride on the Mississippi River to shopping to an authentic
Cajun swamp tour to Gospel Brunch Cruise or Jazz Brunch Buffet.
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