Hundreds of thousands of ducks and geese spend their winters in the pristine marshes and prairies of Southwest Louisiana. Located at the confluence of two of the four major North American flyways, the Creole Nature Trail All-American Road is a 180-mile journey through one of America’s ‘Last Great Wildernesses,’ according to the Lake Charles Convention & Visitors Bureau.
More than 400 species of birds migrate from as far away as the Arctic Circle, waiting out the colder months in a more mild coastal climate. They are also protected from human intrusion within Five federal and state wildlife refuges in Cameron and Calcasieu parishes. This collection of raptors, waterfowl, wading birds and shorebirds make the area one of the Top 10 Birding Destinations in the country. Recent sighting are logged here.
Visitors to the area can also observe more than 28 species of mammals, 35 amphibians and reptiles, 132 species of fish and thousands of migrating butterflies, according to the tourism office. Alligators, porpoises, pelicans, and more are easily spotted along roadways and canals along the loop that winds among the cities of Sulphur, Cameron and Lake Charles.
The nature trail is clearly marked with signage along the highway routes and features driving loops, viewing blinds and observation platforms, over-water boardwalks and a visitor center.
This journey through marshes, prairies, rare cheniers and Gulf beaches provides a rare opportunity to view the wildlife, habitats, valuable natural resources, and people that make this part of Louisiana so unique.
Be sure to download the free Creole Nature Trail app for mobile devices. The well-designed app uses GPS to play related audio and video content at each point of interest.
Learn more about the trail or download a guide & map here.
The views expressed in this blog do not necessarily reflect the views of KLTV/KTRE-TV or Raycom Media. They are solely the opinion of the author. All content © Copyright 2018 Lane Luckie
Lane Luckie 