An All-American Adventure

Image courtesy of Lake Charles CVB.

Along Louisiana's Coast through the marshy outback lies an unspoiled stretch of land - one of America's "Last Great Wildernesses." One of the first National Scenic Byways in the Gulf South, the Creole Nature Trail was upgraded to an All-American Road in 2002. One journey though this wild and rugged terrain, and you'll see why.

Commune with Mother Nature during a unique adventure through Louisiana's outback. Want to get away from it all and really experience this unique destination? Opportunities abound for birding, as this trail is a major resting spot for millions of thousands of geese, songbirds, and millions of butterflies, and that's why Wildbird magazine named this trail one of the top 40 spots for birding in the nation.

This region of the state is known as a sportsman's paradise, and you'll see why when you visit this region. Avid outdoorsmen can fish for fresh and saltwater catches in this region, as well as hunt for geese, dove, deer, and other wild game.

Animal lovers will be amazed at the marsh ecosystem that is home to thousands of species. It's very common to come face-to-face with an alligator on this trail system, and don't be surprised if you see one resting in the road! From a distance, these once-endangered species can be observed in their natural habitat. Bring your cast net and bucket (don't forget your fishing license) if you want to stop along the trail for numerous shrimping and crabbing opportunities, or, if you prefer, try your hand at oystering.

Enjoy Louisiana's coastline along the 26 miles of beaches where swimming, shelling, fishing, and relaxing are a must. Or head inland and explore the three national wildlife preserves. The Sabine National Wildlife Refuge is the largest coastal marsh refuge on the Gulf of Mexico spanning 125,000 acres of protected marshland with 61 miles of levees and eight major water-control structures. This refuge is known for exceptional birding with a reported 250+ species visiting throughout the year. The Cameron Prairie Refuge, home to the Pintail Wildlife Drive, is considered to be a water bird wonderland and plays a large role in the North American Waterfowl Management Plan. Further east, the Lacassine National Wildlife Refuge manages naturally occurring marsh to provide food for waterfowl that migrate southward for the winter.

For those preferring flora over fauna, the Creole Nature Trail is filled with an abundance of native species of wildflowers. Spring and summer are bursting with color, but many species bloom through late-November. Not only are these flowers pleasing to the eye, but they please the bellies of many animals living along the trail as well. For more natural beauty, be sure to see the Chenier Plain where wooded sandy ridges formed thousands of years ago as silt deposits from shifting deltas and the Gulf of Mexico were isolated and became ridges. Hardwood trees took root and grew in abundance, forming some of Louisiana's most majestic live oak forests.

The Creole Nature Trail All-American Road has been luring more than 300,000 tourists a year to its natural beauty, changing landscape, and unique wildlife environment. Escape the bells and whistles or everyday life during a relaxing escape to Louisiana's marshy outback.