The Louisiana Hiking Club
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Download the Louisiana Trail Blazer, the LHC Newsletter.
Updated 04/29/2008
Page Designed and Maintained by:
Brian J. Mull
TRAIL INFORMATION
Chicot State Park
Trail Notes:
The southern route from the South Landing Trailhead to the long boardwalk is a great wintertime day hike. One-way distance is about 3 miles.
This part of the trail traverses a section of the park that abounds with beautiful magnolia trees, a flowing stream and heavy stands of beech trees. The contrast between the green magnolia leaves and the golden colored beech leaves is a beautiful sight during the winter months. An additional treat is the high probability of seeing hundreds of ducks that seek refuge along the lake’s edge during hunting season. The trail at this juncture is near the lake’s edge and the sight of the ducks taking flight is fascinating. This is especially appealing if the hiker takes one of the side trails that lead to one of the many lake inlets. The ducks fly only a short distance as the hiker approaches, stop and take off again as the hiker gets near.
Some of the inlet side routes are great lunch or break spots. After reaching the long boardwalk, the hiker has the option of returning to the trailhead (total round trip of 6 miles) or completing the hike if having previously spotted a car at the bridge off Hwy 3042. This bridge is south of the main park entrance along Hwy 3042. Park your vehicle off the roadway on the south side of the bridge. The route through the woods from the trail to the highway is unmarked but by heading due west, the hiker will find the highway. In fact, the bridge over the highway is visible from the boardwalk. Tip: Keep the lake in sight (on your right) as you proceed west toward the highway.
User Groups:
Permits:
The park entrance fee is $2 and follow posted speed limits.
Directions:
The best route to Chicot State Park is from I-49. Take exit 46 and proceed west along Hwy 106 through the town of St Landry. Turn left onto Hwy 3042 and proceed south to the park’s main entrance. You will pass the entrance of the arboretum, which is another location for a good day hike.
Maps:
A trail map is available at the park’s main entrance.
Current Weather & 10 Day Forecast:
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