Creole Nature Trail

Travel America, Sept-Oct, 2005 by Nancy Baren Miller

Known as "Louisiana's Outback," the Creole Nature Trail All-America Road is a 180-mile-long trail stretching from the Interstate 10 exit near Sulphur, Louisiana, and looping through Cameron Parish to end in Lake Charles. Visitors encounter three national wildlife refuges, alligators, bodies of fresh and salt water, Civil War and archeological dig sites, and natural beaches and prairie lands with an abundance of wildlife.

It is considered one of the top 10 birding locations in the nation as sightings of 250 species have been recorded along the trail. The area is also known for top-notch fishing, hunting, crabbing, boating, and nature photography. Contact: Southwest Louisiana Convention & Visitors Bureau, (800) 456-SWLA; www.visitlakecharles.org. Also visit www.creolenaturetrail.org.