www.creolenaturetrail.org

One of only 31 such federally designated routes in the United States, the Creole Nature Trail is a natural and

recreational wonderland for people and animals!

These coastal wetlands support 28 species of mammals, more than 400 species of birds, millions

of monarch butterflies, 35 species of amphibians and reptiles, 7 commercial species of mollusks and 132

species of fish. And that provides exceptional birding, photography, wildlife viewing, crabbing, fishing and

hunting opportunities for you!

Three national and one state wildlife refuge offer safe and accessible places to nourish your spirit

and reconnect with the land while providing a haven for wildlife as well as protecting these invaluable

wetlands. For all the details about hunting and fishing on our national wildlife refuges, please visit

www.fws.gov.swlarefugecomplex.

CAMERON JETTY FISHING PIER722 Davis Road, Cameron(337) 775-5718N 29.764377 W 93.342428Fishing Pier into the Gulf, Pavilion, R/V Park, Walkway to the Beach, Bird Observation Tower and Playground.

CAMERON PRAIRIE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE1428 Hwy. 27N 29.943344 W 93.08865(337) 598-2216Engage in wildlife exploration at the Visitor Center featuring state-of-the-art dioramas as well as over-water boardwalk.

Pintail Wildlife DriveN 29.946078 W 93.0848283-mile drive featuring a half mile accessible boardwalk with viewing scopes. Exceptional waterfowl viewing during winter.

GULF OF MEXICO BEACHESThe natural Gulf of Mexico beaches in our area offer some of the finest “shelling” around in addition to birding, swimming, sunning, picnicking and surf fishing.

Holly Beach N 29.76997 W 93.47244

Rutherford Beach N 29.75828 W 93.12429

Constance Beach N 29.759386 W 93.577378

Gulf Breeze Beach N 29.757255 W 93.591008

Little Florida Beach N 29.755770 W 93.605027

Long Dun Beach N 29.753795 W 93.627209

Mae’s Beach N 29.749783 W 93.663960

PEVETO WOODS BIRD & BUTTERFLY SANCTUARYLA 82, west of Holly BeachN 29.76110 W 93.60496Large numbers of trans-Gulf Neotropical songbirds, as well as migrating butterflies, rest in these coastal woodlands during the spring and fall.

ROCKEFELLER REFUGE5476 Grand Chenier Hwy., Headquarters: N 29.73269 W 92.83146(337) 491-2593Price Lake Nature Drive

N 29.733095 W 92.830854View alligators, shorebirds and a wading bird rookery. Great fishing and crabbing.

SABINE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE3000 Holly Beach Hwy.(337) 762-3816Wetland Walkway

N 29.866544 W 93.4558581.5 mile accessible walking trail into the marsh with a 2-story observation tower. Excellent alligator viewing area.

Blue Goose TrailN 29.890783 W 93.400942Observation towers with viewing scopes over winter waterfowl grit site and 1-mile accessible walking trail to the edge of Lake Calcasieu usually boasts neotropical songbirds during the spring and fall.

Excellent crabbing and fishing at four recreation areas: Hog Island Gully, Blue Crab, Northline and West Cove.

LACASSINE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE209 Nature Rd., (337) 774-5923

Lacassine Pool Wildlife DriveN 30.00555 W 92.91091Self-guided drive with excellent birding, fishing and wildlife viewing.

Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana

With GPS coordinates for area boat launches

VisitLakeCharles.org

VisitLakeCharles.org

1205 N. Lakeshore Drive • Lake Charles, LA 70601337.436.9588 • 800.456.7952

15

Back cover Front cover

Get Outdoors and Explore!A combination of marshland, freshwater, saltwater, beautiful parks, a white sand inland beach as well as easy access to Gulf beaches makes Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana unique in the state.

Prien Lake Park with winding paths, pavilions, a playground, lakefront amphitheatre and manicured grounds provide a picturesque backdrop for soaking in nature. Sam Houston Jones State Park with hiking and biking trails, campgrounds, cabins, cypress trees in swampy scenery and more add to the diverse landscape.

Over 400 species of birds have been sighted in Southwest Louisiana along the Creole Nature Trail All-American Road, and alligators, butterflies, and an abundance of wildlife in their natural habitat make this area a world-class destination for nature lovers.

While you’re here, also explore the Southwest Louisiana Boudin Trail (our favorite finger food), delightful museums and galleries or casino resort properties. Or, take a romantic drive through the Charpentier Historic District and catch a glimpse of the past glory of Lake Charles as a sawmill town.

With Mardi Gras, the Contraband Days Pirate Festival, Cajun Festivals and multiple celebrations, you’re sure to find something that makes you want to eat funnel cake – or King Cake!

800.456.7952VisitLakeCharles.org

Niblett’s BluffRecreation Area

Sabine IslandWildlifeManagementArea

Sam Houston Jones

State Park

Indicates theCreole Nature TrailAll-American Road

LA 12

LA 12

LA 12

LA108

LA109

3063

90

171

90

Cameron Parish

Calcasieu ParishTexas

Northline Hog Island Gully

Blue CrabBlue GooseWalking Trail

Calcasieu Lake(Big Lake)

Wetland Walkway

West CoveMud Lake

Davis Road Trosclair Road

StreetersRoad

to Vermilion Parish/Rollover Bayou

Rutherford Beach RoadRutherford BeachHolly Beach

SHELLING BEACHES:1) Mae’s Beach, 2) Long Dun Beach, 3) Little Florida Beach, 4) Gulf Breeze Beach, 5) Constance Beach

Broussard Beach

Pintail Wildlife Drive & Boardwalk

LacassinePool

Southwest LouisianaNational WildlifeRefuge Complex

Visitors Center

Price LakeNature Drive Rockefeller

Headquarters

ROCKEFELLER REFUGE

Grand Lake

Sabine Lake

LACASSINE NATIONALWILDLIFE REFUGE

CAMERON PRAIRIE NATIONALWILDLIFE REFUGE

SABINE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE

Jetty Pier

MonkeyIsland

Cameron Jetties

HackberryHackett’s Corner

Holmwood

Sulphur

Vinton

Starks

Westlake

Lake Charles Iowa

Sweet Lake

Creole

Oak Grove

Grand Chenier

Cameron

Johnsons Bayou

Grand Lake

Big Pasture Road

Intracoastal Park

Exit 43

Thom

son

Begl

is P

kwy.

Common St.

Ryan St.

Samp

son S

t.

Please visit the tourist bureau office at 1205 N. Lakeshore Drive, Lake Charles

Hebert Camp Road

Boone’s Corner

Gulf View Road (Parish Rd 528)

1 2 3 4 5

Exit 27

Peveto Woods Bird & Butterfly Sanctuary

Alligator Park Boat Launch

Bass Lake Boat Launch

Vinton Canal Boat Launch

Hwy 108 Boat Launch

North Choupique Bayou Boat Launch

Ellis Moss Kayak Launch

Intracoastal Park Boat Launch

Calcasieu Point Landing Boat Launch

Davis Seafood &Boat Launch

Dugas Landing Boat Launch

Northline Recreation AreaBoat Launch

Hackberry Boat Launch

Sabine Wildlife Refuge/Hog Island Gully Boat Launch (+ East & West Launches)

Sabine Wildlife Refuge/Blue Crab Boat Launch

Sabine Wildlife Refuge/Big Cross Marias Boat Launch

Calcasieu Ship Channel Boat Launch

Davis Road Boat LaunchGrand Chenier Boat Launch

Joseph Harbor Boat Launch

Gibbstown/Conway LeBleu Bridge Boat Launch South

Cameron Prairie Refuge Westbank Fishing Road

Lacassine Pool Boat Launch

Lorrain Park Boat Launch

Rossignol Road Boat Launch

Sabine Wildlife Refuge/West Cove North & South Boat Launches

Hebert’s Marina Boat Launch

South Fork Black Bayou Boat Launch

Black Bayou Boat Launch

Nelson Road Boat Launch

Prien Lake Park Boat Launch

I-10 Bridge Boat Launch

Saltwater Barrier Boat Launch

Mac Cobbs Boat Launch

Goodman Road Boat Launch

Old Hwy 171 Boat Launch

English Bayou

Boat Launch

White Oak Park Boat Launch

West Fork Boat Launch

Holbrook Park Boat Launch

Houston River Canal

Sulphur Canal

Bayou Choupique

Blac

k Ba

you

Black Bayou

Greens Lake

Hamilton Lake

Lower Mud Lake

Upper Mud LakeMermentau River

Browns Lake

Black Lake

Sam Houston Jones State Park Boat Launch Ferry Road Boat Launch

Riverside Park Boat Launch

West Fork Boat Launch (South Westlake)

LaFleur Park (I-210) Boat Launch

Spicer-Hughes Marina, Motel & Boat Launch

Deep Bayou Landing Boat Launch

Kayak Launch Deep Bayou Fork

Sabine Pass Boat Launch

MAP NOT TO SCALE

2 16

Once you have located the launch you wish to utilize, please refer to GPS coordinates for that launch on pages 5-8 of this guide.

For a list of businesses who sell detailed fishing maps for local waters, please contact the Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana Convention & Visitors Bureau at 337-436-9588

Inside pages saddle stitch at this fold

Inside pages saddle stitch at this fold

Farther south, neotropical songbirds, migrating butterflies and wintering waterfowl by the thousands are sure to catch your eye against the blue sky and the incredible hues of green in the coastal marshes. Get up-close and personal with nature at several boardwalks into the marsh where you can set-up your equipment to catch that perfect shot. Gulf of Mexico beaches, most drivable during low tide, are teeming with shorebirds and an abundance of shells.

So grab your camera, put on your walking shoes and get out and explore Southwest Louisiana. Perhaps you’ll even see an alligator out for a walk too!

Table of ContentsFishing and Boat Launches ..................................4-9

Beaches .................................................................. 10

hiking & Biking ....................................................... 11

RecReationaL Licenses .......................................... 12

scenic Beauty & PhotogRaPhy ........................ 13-14

cReoLe natuRe tRaiL aLL-ameRican Road ............. 15

maP oF southwest Louisiana ............................... 16

14 3

FISHINGin caLcasieu and cameRon PaRishes.

Bass, crappie and panfish are on the platter for Calcasieu River, Sabine River and other freshwater waterways. Spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, trick worms, craw worms and crankbaits will help anglers lure in the big one.

Brackish waters, like Prien Lake and the southern portion of the Calcasieu River, offer a variety of catches such as croaker, redfish, specks, flounder and black drum. Lures used for saltwater fishing are usually the most attractive to fish in these waters.

Saltwater action is great at Saltwater Barrier, Calcasieu Lake and, of course, the Gulf of Mexico. Be sure and bait your line with plastic grubs, Johnson spoons and plastic shad looking lures to catch speckled trout, redfish or flounder. Calcasieu Lake usually comes to its peak in the fall season, as flounder run, schools of redfish are on the prowl and specks feed to survive the winter.

Following is a list of boat launches in Southwest Louisiana, including GPS coordinates, the bodies of water they access and the type of water. While most

launches are public, some are private and may have a fee to launch.

� Indicates launches from which kayaks, canoes and non-motorized boats may be dispatched.

aLLigatoR PaRk N 30.3631 W 93.7221 Old River Slough, tributary of Sabine River Freshwater

anthony FeRRy Road N 30.2914 W 93.3156 Houston River to Calcasieu River Freshwater

Bass Lake Boat LaunchN 30.294116 W 93.690874 Bass Lake Freshwater

engLish Bayou Boat Launch N 30.298955 W 93.188257 English Bayou, Calcasieu River Freshwater

goodman Road Boat Launch N 30.262329 W 93.155072 English Bayou Freshwater

hoLBRook PaRk N 30.348541 W 93.295521 West fork of the Calcasieu River Freshwater

� hwy. 108 Boat Launch N 30.139036 W 93.422367 Choupique Bayou Saltwater

� i-10 BRidge Boat Launch N 30.237463 W 93.238985 Calcasieu River and Lake Charles Saltwater

� intRacoastaL PaRk/eLLendeR BRidge N 30.065869 W 93.346347 Intracoastal Waterway/Lake Calcasieu Saltwater

� LaFLeuR PaRk (i-210)N 30.196789 W 93.271986 Prien Lake Brackish

� LoRRain PaRk N 30.129731 W 92.907625 Lacassine Bayou Freshwater

caLcasieu PaRish

4 5

mac coBBs Boat LaunchN 30.265590 W 93.197649 Calcasieu River Freshwater

moss BLuFF/theRiot Road N 30.298955 W 93.188257 Calcasieu River Freshwater

neLson Road Boat Launch N 30.097693 W 93.248854 Black Bayou Brackish

� noRth chouPique Bayou Boat Launch N 30.097291 W 93.360387 Choupique Bayou Freshwater

oLd highway 171 N 30.271475 W 93.177078 Moss Bluff Bay, Calcasieu River Freshwater

� oLd highway 90/BuRnout BRidge N 30.102061 W 93.693135 Sabine River tributary Brackish

PaRkside maRina ResoRt N 30.303525 W 93.249298 Calcasieu River Freshwater

� PRien Lake PaRk N 30.190297 W 93.267383 Prien Lake Brackish

� RiveRside PaRk N 30.252890 W 93.245035 Calcasieu River Brackish

RossignoL Boat LaunchN 30.114471 W 92.989238 Bell City Drain Ditch Freshwater

� saLtwateR BaRRieR Boat Launch N 30.254314 W 93.218030 Calcasieu River Freshwater

sam houston Jones state PaRk N 30.294713 W 93.265594 West fork of the Calcasieu River Freshwater

vinton canaL Boat Launch N 30.154298 W 93.566956 Vinton Canal Freshwater

west FoRk Boat Launch (noRth westLake) N 30.299150 W 93.250242 Calcasieu River Freshwater

west FoRk Boat Launch (south westLake) N 30.252616 W 93.246804 Calcasieu River Freshwater

� white oak PaRk N 30.296454 W 93.117849 Calcasieu River Freshwater

caLcasieu Point Landing N 30.104217 W 93.306767 Industrial and intracoastal canals adjacent to Turner’s Bay and Calcasieu Lake Saltwater

� cameRon PRaiRie ReFuge/westBank Fishing Road N 29.945667 W 93.084972 Canals of Cameron Prairie Gibbstown Unit Freshwater

� conway LeBLeu/giBBstown BRidge N 29.934306 W 93.078972 Intracoastal Waterway, access to Outfall Canal Freshwater

� davis Road/Jetty Boat Launch N 29.767917 W 93.342203 Calcasieu Ship Channel, access to Gulf Saltwater

� davis seaFood & Launch N 30.005813 W 93.334383 Calcasieu Ship Channel/Lake Calcasieu Saltwater

� deeP Bayou Landing N 29.790530 W 93.750140 Sabine River, Sabine Lake Freshwater

� dugas Landing N 29.966919 W 93.342184 Calcasieu Ship Channel/Lake Calcasieu Saltwater

� gRand chenieR PaRk N 29.769171 W 92.975478 Mermentau River Saltwater

� hackBeRRy Boat Launch(Concrete ramp) N 29.987810 W 93.337843 Calcasieu Ship Channel/Lake Calcasieu Saltwater

� heBeRt’s maRina N 29.987665 W 93.269520 Lake Calcasieu Saltwater

� JosePh haRBoR Launch N 29.717040 W 92.765570 Humbel Canal, access to Gulf Saltwater

cameRon PaRish

6 7

� Lacassine nationaL wiLdLiFe ReFuge PooL N 29.982716 W 92.894428 16,000 acre impoundment Freshwater

� noRth FoRk BLack Bayou N 30.078230 W 93.286547 Black Bayou Saltwater

saBine Pass Boat Launch (La) N 29.767894 W 93.892542 Sabine Lake Saltwater

saBine wiLdLiFe ReFuge/Big cRoss maRias N 29.866720 W 93.453130 Access to GulfSaltwater

� saBine wiLdLiFe ReFuge/BLue cRaB(Non-motorized hand-launch only) N 29.878922 W 93.425564Units 1A and 1B of Sabine National Wildlife Refuge Freshwater

� saBine wiLdLiFe ReFuge/hog isLand guLLy east N 29.909078 W 93.382586 Lake Calcasieu Saltwater

saBine wiLdLiFe ReFuge/hog isLand guLLy west N 29.909533 W 93.383308 Eastern interior of Sabine National Wildlife Refuge Freshwater

� saBine wiLdLiFe ReFuge/noRthLine N 29.920914 W 93.381439 Western interior of Sabine National Wildlife Refuge Freshwater

� saBine wiLdLiFe ReFuge/west cove (noRth) N 29.866483 W 93.452686 Lake Calcasieu Saltwater

saBine wiLdLiFe ReFuge/west cove (south) N 29.866590 W 93.453929 Western interior of Sabine National Wildlife RefugeFreshwater

� south FoRk BLack Bayou N 30.026463 W 93.212775 Black Bayou, access to Intracoastal Waterway Saltwater

� sPiceR hughes maRina & moteL N 30.004464 W 93.341980 Kelso Bayou and Lake Calcasieu Saltwater

west FeRRy Landing N 29.80461 W 93.34913 Calcasieu Ship Channel, access to Gulf and Lake Calcasieu Saltwater

8 9

BEACHES HIKING/BIKING

Beaches, Find youR sunny PLace!

Beaches in Louisiana are not what you might traditionally picture in your mind as a beach with condos and loads of people. But, you know what? That’s what makes them worth exploring! The first time you experience a Gulf beach in Louisiana, you’ll most likely feel that you are at the ends of the Earth. Golden sun, stretched out beaches, shells everywhere and the sounds of the water lapping up onto the beach. Bring a picnic lunch and absorb it all.

The Lake Charles area also has inland beaches along the shores of Lake Charles. So, while you are out and about city side, you can pull off, plant your feet in the sand. Or, play a round of volleyball! For directions or more information, call 800-456-7952.

North Beach on the north shore of the lake is a white sand inland beach (the only one in Louisiana) right off Interstate 10, Exit 29 for eastbound travelers and Exit 30A for westbound travelers. North Beach is also located right next to the Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana Convention & Visitors Bureau where you can find even more information on discovering Calcasieu Parish and its offerings. From North Beach, you can catch a glimpse of the shores of Lake Charles and landmarks of the city.

LaFleur Beach is near Prien Lake Park. Complete with a boat launch and a view of the park, the natural sand beach is another option for inland beaches in Lake Charles. It’s on Prien Lake Road, right off the I-210 Bridge, Exit 3.

Gulf Beaches along the Creole Nature Trail All-American Road are natural sand beaches with loads of shells! Some of the beaches are made of tiny shells that crunch when you walk! For a shelling brochure, call 800-456-7952.

Biking and Hikinghit the tRaiLs!

Sam Houston Jones State Park features 1,087 acres of lakes, trees, vistas, rivers and streams. When you pull into the park, you’ll be surrounded by tall trees and scenic views. It’s photographer’s paradise with different landscapes and wildlife all within the park. Interpretative signage along the trails engages the visitor and makes learning about your natural surroundings fun for you and your family. Cabins and campsites are also available for rent as well as kid-friendly playground and picnic areas.

The trails are hiking and biking accessible including the 1.6 mile Riverwalk Trail, the .5 mile Cypress Tupelo Trail, the 1.1 mile Swamp Walk Trail, the 3.5 mile Longleaf Pine Trail and the 1.3 mile Longleaf Pine Extension.

Along the way, you’ll see wildlife that inhabits the area, tree-filled lagoons and a mixed pine and hardwood forest. The park is located just north of the most productive birding region of Louisiana, so bird watching is always excellent.

Hiking trails wind through this beautiful park, making simply strolling or serious hiking possible. Particularly interesting is the Old Stagecoach Road, which hikers may travel to explore the park and the banks of the various tributaries to the Calcasieu River—107 Sutherland Rd. off of Hwy 378 in Moss Bluff (337) 855-2665, (888) 677-7264www.lastateparks.comOpen 6 a.m.–9 p.m. for day trips.

10 11

Licenses you get a Line, and i’LL get a PoLe! going cRaBBing oR Fishing?

scooP uP the cRaBsMay to September, is prime crabbing time. Bring your own or stop at any of the local stores to purchase some thick string and good crab bait — turkey or chicken necks, cut fish, or meat chunks are the best — a dip net and a pail or ice chest. Tie your bait to the end of the string, toss it in the water and wait for a slight pull. Slowly pull the line in and have your net at the ready to scoop up your crab before he gets wise and lets go!

Note: Individuals crabbing for recreational purposes are not required to possess a basic recreational fishing license. However, persons using crab nets or crab lines on wildlife management areas or refuges must possess a basic and saltwater recreational fishing license or a Wild Louisiana Stamp.

going FishingFishing is a year round pastime in Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana. Our waters are teeming with fish, schools of them! For information on local guides, log onto www.visitlakecharles.org/hunt-fish.

oBtaining a LicenseCheck www.wlf.louisiana.gov for additional information or call (225) 765-2800. Day passes are available.

All art is but an imitation of nature

The sound of the wind rustling through the marsh grass. The sight of the sun seemingly setting right into the lake. The sky thick with waterfowl in flight.

The wide open vistas and flat plains of Southwest Louisiana provide unlimited views of natural beauty. This terrain also shows how swiftly Mother Nature can change her mind as you watch thunderstorms roll off the Gulf of Mexico. Binoculars, camera or just your eyes, Southwest Louisiana offers numerous areas where you can revel in nature.

Like the Lakefront Promenade—featuring a cobblestone path, the Louisiana Landing Fountain, and a one-of-a-kind bronze geese sculpture—located on the Lake Charles Seawall at the Lake Charles Civic Center and offering a sweeping view of the lake. Or the unique Lake Charles-style architecture in the Charpentier Historic District, juxtaposed against live oak trees with their boughs sweeping the ground. 12 13