The Louisiana Hiking Club

TRAIL INFORMATION
Lake Martin/Cypress Island Preserve/Lake La Pointe

Trail Notes:

Lake Martin is the largest nesting area of wading birds in the United States. It's been listed as one of the top 10 bird watching spots in the United States by the Audubon Society. Lake Martin also has its share of nutria and alligators. And it goes without saying, the fishing's great here and in the basin. They don't call Louisiana the Sportsman's Paradise for nothing.

Fellow hikers note this is the Best Spot in Louisiana to consistently see the Big alligators of our great state (how many of us have been to Jean Lafitte without even noticing one ?) Please note, if you arrive at Lake Martin during alligator nesting season, the levee trails will be closed. Alligators bite !

Avian activity at the lake is phenominal. Each spring birdwatchers spy: little blue, green & black crowned night herons; great, snowy & cattle egrets; white ibis; roseate spoonbills; american anhingas; barn swallows and wood ducks.

The Nature Conservancy of Louisiana protects this site. More information on Cypress Island Preserve & the Louisiana Nature Conservancy may be found here.

User Groups:

day hikers, bird watchers

Permits:

no day use permits are required

Directions:

Take I-10 west from Baton Rogue. Leave I-10 at exit #109 at Breaux Bridge. Turn Left on Hwy. #328 and drive under I-10. Go one mile to Hwy. #94 and turn Right. Cross Bayou Teche and immediately turn Left on Hwy. #31 and drive 3.5 miles. Turn Right on road labeled "Lake Martin." Proceede down this road all the way to the end. Welcome to Lake Martin, please keep it clean, wet and wild!

Turn Left and follow road to beginning of nature trail and/or view birds and 15 ft. alligators to your right along the way. It is okay to stop if you get over to the far right. This road is two-way traffic.

Lake Martin is 125 miles from New Orleans and 45 miles from Baton Rouge.

Maps:

Current Weather & 10 Day Forecast:



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