Fun Fun Fun! Out In The Sun!
Living through the last 12 months filled with health worries, home confinement, wild hurricanes, cancellations of cherished celebrations, record cold temperatures and any number of bizarre and unexpected events, have we ever needed spring so badly? We think not! Now is the time for Northshore Outdoor Family Fun. So get out and enjoy all the opportunities for fun in the sun that our beautiful community offers.
Paddle Through the Marsh
Big Branch Marsh National Wildlife Refuge is 15,000 acres of pine flatwoods and coastal marsh. This diverse habitat is home to hundreds of bird species, including the bald eagle and the rare, red-cockaded woodpecker. Enjoy outdoor activities such as canoeing, fishing, wildlife observation, hiking, and habitat restoration projects. For information, please visit: fws.gov/refuge/Big_Branch_Marsh.
Fun on the Mandeville Lakefront
Cycle or walk the seawall paths under moss-hung oak trees and check out two playgrounds located on the east and west ends. Kids fly high on the swing-sets near the intersection of Lakeshore Drive and Carroll Street, with restaurants, shopping and even a candy store are in walking distance.
Touring on the Tammany Trace
The 31-mile path offers a scenic tour through St. Tammany Parish with trailheads in Covington, Abita Springs, Mandeville, Lacombe and Slidell. Highlights include playgrounds at the Abita Springs and Koop Drive trailheads, a drawbridge over Bayou Lacombe and splash pads at the Mandeville and Abita Springs trailheads. Bike rentals are available in Covington and Mandeville.
Wonderful Water Play Parks
Along with the Abita and Mandeville trailhead locations, interactive water features are located at the Pearl River Water Park at James Lavigne Park, Heritage Park in Slidell, Chappapeela Sports Park in Hammond, at the East Lakefront Park in Mandeville, and at Fontainebleau State Park.
Fabulous Fontainebleau State Park in Mandeville
This historic park offers 2,800 acres overlooking Lake Pontchartrain, 300+ campsites, nature trails, lodge, sandy beach, and playground. See the ruins of an 1829 sugar mill situated among towering oaks. Visit the sandy beach and shallow Lake Pontchartrain swimming area and cook out on the nearby barbecue grills. For more information, call 985-624-4443 or visit lastateparks.com/parks-preserves/fontainebleau-state-park.
Beautiful Bogue Chitto State Park in Franklinton
Visitors experience diverse natural habitats on the scenic Bogue Chitto River—one of most traveled rivers in Louisiana by canoe, kayak and tubing enthusiasts. The 1,786-acre site includes small streams, cypress tupelo swamps, a hardwood forest and a rolling landscape that makes for great hiking trips. Overnight visitors can choose from tent and RV camping to cabins overlooking the bluffs. Four miles of equestrian trails wind through interesting topography with the trailhead located near Fricke’s Cave. Eleven stocked lakes offer a variety of freshwater fish. Visit lastateparks.com/parks-preserves/bogue-chitto-state-park.
It’s time for Northshore Outdoor Family Fun so get out and enjoy all the opportunities for fun in the sun that our beautiful community offers.
