The Louisiana Hiking Club

TRAIL INFORMATION
Mary Ann Brown Preserve

Trail Notes:

The Mary Ann Brown Preserve is owned by the Nature Conservancy and is located in the Tunica Hills about 25 miles north of Baton Rouge.

Areas range from open fields, to new growth, to old growth. The terrain is typical of the Tunica type but not as pronounced as that north of St. Francisville. Long ago, beech, magnolia and holly trees dominated the forest in this area. Due to changes brought about by nature and man, many other species now vie for room to grow. Left on it's own, the forest would eventually revert back to these three early dominant trees. What we find today is described as an upland hardwood forest with some pine present. There are also more types of fern in this area than anywhere else in Louisiana. You will see this diversity as you hike the trails. Many of the trees are identified with plaques. Of particular interest in the large beech tree on the Beech Loop Trail. Measurements show this tree is close to being a State Champion.

User Groups:

Permits:

No day use permits required.

Directions:

To get there from Baton Rouge, take Highway 61 north toward St. Francisville. A couple of miles south of St. Francisville turn right onto Parish Highway 965. Follow 965 for 5.5 miles and the Preserve is on the left. Look for a split rail fence and a brick and iron enterance gate. If the gate is closed, there is parking off the highway beside the gate and a pedestrian gate to the right of the driveway gate. An information kiosk is located inside this gate. If the driveway gate is open, you may drive about 0.2 miles down the drive to the shelter.

Maps:

Links:

The Nature Conservancy of Louisiana, Mary Ann Brown Preserve

Current Weather & 10 Day Forecast:



Back to the trails