Visit Us

Seasons, life cycles and migrating animals make each visit to the refuge a new experience. There are a multitude of opportunities such as wildlife observation, interpretative programs, hunting and fishing. People of all abilities can explore the refuge trails, which include two fully accessible trails leading to observation decks.

Activities

Change is constant at Bayou Cocodrie NWR. Seasons, life cycles and migrating animals make each visit to the refuge a new experience. There are a multitude of opportunities to interact with wildlife at Bayou Cocodrie NWR. What will your next visit unveil? 

Bayou Cocodrie NWR is 14,668 acres located between Ferriday and Monterey, Louisiana, in Concordia Parish. 

The Brooks Brake unit can be accessed from Poole Road off of Louisiana Highway 15 near Ferriday, Louisiana. 

The Hoover Slough unit can be accessed from Louisiana Highway 15. 

The Cross Bayou and Wallace Lake Units can be accessed from Boggy Bayou Road off of Louisiana Highway 129 between Stacy and Monterey, Louisiana. 

We strongly recommend you do not rely on an electronic navigation device to find your way around the refuge. Inaccurate maps and limited reception can lead you astray.  

The refuge is open during daylight hours only, except during hunting seasons. Refer to refuge regulations for specific hunting details. 

Points of Interest: 

We have several miles of hiking trails, two boardwalks with observation decks, a boat launch, and launch retrieval sites for canoes and kayaks. The Cocodrie Bayou river runs through the refuge. 

There are two handicap accessible hiking trails which lead to observation decks as indicated on the attached map can be accessed off of Poole Road. The fishing pier located off of Hwy 15 is handicap accessible. 

During the deer hunting season, there are two stationary hunting blinds available to mobility-impaired permitholders by reservation. Contact the office for details and to make a reservation. 


Know before you go: 

Bayou Cocodrie NWR does not have public restrooms or lavatories. Visitors need to bring drinking water, insect repellent/bug shields, sunscreen, and EPI pens for allergies. 

Hunting
Fishing
Wildlife watching
Photography
Boating - non-motorized

Trails

"In every walk with nature one receives more than he seeks” – John Muir 

There are many opportunities to enjoy wildlife observation and photography opportunities on Bayou Cocodrie NWR. One of the best ways to view wildlife is to take a walk on one of the nature trails, old logging roads, or hunting trail (during non-hunting season) which traverse the refuge in each of the units.

Other Facilities in the Complex

Bayou Cocodrie National Wildlife Refuge is one of nine refuges that make up the Theodore Roosevelt National Wildlife Refuge Complex. Each refuge in the complex plays vital role to conserving our nation's resources.  A National Wildlife Refuge Complex is an administrative grouping of two or more Refuges, wildlife management areas or other Refuge conservation areas that are primarily managed from a central office location.  Refuges are grouped into a complex structure structure
Something temporarily or permanently constructed, built, or placed; and constructed of natural or manufactured parts including, but not limited to, a building, shed, cabin, porch, bridge, walkway, stair steps, sign, landing, platform, dock, rack, fence, telecommunication device, antennae, fish cleaning table, satellite dish/mount, or well head.

Learn more about structure because they occur in a similar ecological region, such as a watershed or specific habitat type, and have a related purpose and management needs.  Typically, a Project Leader oversees the general management of all Refuges within the complex and Refuge Managers are responsible for operations at specific Refuges. Supporting staff, composed of administrative, law enforcement, Refuge manager, biological, fire, visitor services, and maintenance professionals, are centrally located and support all Refuges within the complex.

Checkout the list below of the other Refuges within the Complex, and visit each one for new and different experiences!

Several wading roseate spoonbills
Hillside National Wildlife Refuge
Hillside National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1975 via the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act for the conservation, maintenance and management of wildlife resources.
National Wildlife Refuge
Lexington,MS
A wildlife biologist holding four small bear cubs in his arms
Holt Collier National Wildlife Refuge
Named in honor of an African-American hunting guide who led President Theodore Roosevelt on famous Mississippi and Louisiana bear-hunting trips, Holt Collier National Wildlife Refuge was established in 2004.
National Wildlife Refuge
Hollandale,MS
A flock of mallard ducks take flight over a winter wetland with brown grasses and leafless tress in the background
Mathews Brake National Wildlife Refuge
Mathews Brake National Wildlife Refuge was established to provide habitat for wintering and resident waterfowl. The deep water and bottomland hardwoods attract migratory bird species throughout the year. The refuge is also a valuable resting area for large numbers of migrating ducks during fall and...
National Wildlife Refuge
Cruger,MS
Group of mallards take flight over open wetland.
Morgan Brake National Wildlife Refuge
Morgan Brake National Wildlife Refuge was established “to contribute to the perpetuation of the migratory waterfowl resource in the lower Mississippi River Delta” and for the conservation, maintenance and management of the wildlife resource and its habitat.
National Wildlife Refuge
Cruger,MS
A thin orange band glows above a flat body of water, with some tall trees in the background.
St. Catherine Creek National Wildlife Refuge
St. Catherine Creek National Wildlife Refuge, established in 1990, provides an important wintering habitat for migratory waterfowl and seasonal habitat for other migratory birds
National Wildlife Refuge
Natchez,MS
Theodore Roosevelt Visitor Center
Theodore Roosevelt National Wildlife Refuge
Theodore Roosevelt National Wildlife Refuge is the only national wildlife refuge named for a president, and no president has left a greater conservation legacy than President Theodore Roosevelt.
National Wildlife Refuge
Rolling Fork,MS
Head of an alligator in the brush, mouth slightly open
Yazoo National Wildlife Refuge
Located in the heart of Mississippi’s Delta Region 25 miles south of Greenville, and five air miles east of the Mississippi River in Washington County, Yazoo National Wildlife Refuge is the oldest national wildlife refuge in the state of Mississippi.
National Wildlife Refuge
Hollandale,MS

Rules and Policies

Bayou Cocodrie NWR welcomes visitors year-round! All lands managed under TR Complex, including Refuge roads, parking areas and boat ramps are closed 1 1/2 hours after sunset until 4 am. Please refer to current Refuge regulations and map for additional information. A Current Public Use Permit is required for access if you are participating in consumptive use such as but not limited to, hunting and angling. Click here to purchase or obtain your permit. For help with log-in or creating your account for purchasing or obtaining an annual public use permit please watch the Video Instructions. 

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Locations

Bayou Cocodrie National Wildlife Refuge
(601) 442-6696
Ferriday,LA39165