Trails
Most of the refuge is accessible only by watercraft. A nature trail west of Houma located at the end of the gravel Rue de Manson off of Bayou Black Drive/Hwy 182 is the only land access. This trail leads to an elevated boardwalk trail and ends at an observation deck over the wetlands. Look for shorebirds, waterfowl and alligators from the observation point at the end of the trail.
The Mandalay Nature Trail is a good place to see and hear song birds, and perhaps catch a glimpse of a gator. This 3/4 mile-long out and back nature trail will take you through various habitats to a boardwalk that travels over wetlands, ending at a wetland overlook. Access is located at the end of a gravel service road on the south side of Bayou Black Drive (Hwy 182). Take a virtual Google Earth tour of the Mandalay Nature Trail here.
Trail Length (mi)
0.45
Trail Difficulty
Easy
Suitability
Kid friendly