Trails
Hiking Trails
The refuge has two hiking trails which are solely open to hikers and non-motorized access, and are closed to hunting. The most popular and easiest hike is the Big Cypress Trail which goes to a giant bald cypress tree. This flat.75-mile round-trip hiking trail is located 4.6 miles from the main gate. This easy trail winds through a bottomland hardwood forest leading to an impressively large bald cypress tree estimated to be about 1500 years old. At a height of 96 feet, a diameter of 17 feet, and a circumference of 56 feet, it is truly a sight to behold.
The 2.5 mile-long Blackfork Trail winds through an old-growth cypress forest. This relatively flat, easy trail is marked by white diamonds. and is located 1.7 miles from the main gate. This scenic trail splits around a short loop following Blackfork Bayou and winds through a spectacular old-growth cypress forest. The Blackfork trail was created and is maintained by volunteers from the Louisiana Hiking Club.
ATV/UTV Trails
ATV/UTVs may only be used for hunting or fishing access purposes. Three ATV trails are open to all users and are frequented by hunters and anglers. ATVs and UTVs must stay on designated roads and trails, and may not ride off-trail. To prevent resource damage, ATVs/UTVs may not ride on flooded roads or flooded trails on the refuge.
Wood Duck Trail: This 2.5-mile-long trail is frequented by anglers and hunters. Two borrow pits adjacent to the trail provide great fishing for freshwater species (white perch, etc.). This is a popular hunting trail for squirrel and small game hunters.
Riverside Trail: 2.0 miles. This trail parallels the Mississippi River. ATVs are allowed on entire trail, but flooding can create accessibility issues. There is a bridge that limits ATV access approximately 3/4 mile down the trail. From that point forward access is by foot only.
Blue Goose Trail: 1.5 miles. This trail is primarily used by hunters. ATVs are allowed on the first 3/4 mile of the trail. The remainder of this trail is wet year-round and skirts along a ditch.