For families with little ones, the Mandalay Nature Trail is the perfect outdoor adventure. The brief but beautiful trail near New Orleans is less than a mile long, so it’s great for kids, and you’ll have some truly stellar views along the way, making it worth the drive from the city. Lace-up those sneakers and maybe grab some bug spray, because we’re headed to Houma.
The Mandalay National Wildlife Refuge is a 4,600-acre freshwater marsh and cypress-tupelo swamp that’s worthy of a road trip from any corner of the state.
It’s about an hour drive from New Orleans, but it’s worth each and every mile.
You’ll start off on a gravel path surrounded by canopies of green leaves and pops of wildflowers along the way.
Since most of the refuge is only accessible by boat, this little trail is a great way to see the preserve up close.
One of the unique attractions to the refuge is a special marsh habitat known as flotant marsh. Nicknamed “la prairie tremblant” by Cajuns, this unique habitat is made up of buoyant plants and moss that floats above the water. If it’s growing really think, you may be able to step onto the flotant march and it might support you (albeit briefly).
These beautiful marshes attract countless waterfowl and other swamp critters you’ll want to keep an eye out for. From bald eagles to red fox, you never know what wildlife you’ll come across on your brief but beautiful adventure.
When you get to the end of the trail, you’ll be met with a boardwalk with an incredible view of the marsh.
There are even a few benches so you can sit for a spell and just watch the water for a while.
Challenge your family to see who can spot the most gators!
Have you ever hiked the Mandalay Nature Trail? Let us know in the comments below!
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