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 Reporter |
Summary: This hike goes through wetlands, pine forests and hardwood forests. The hike passes ruins of what was going to be a golf course club house. Some of the hike is on a former road and a natural gas pipeline. The hike also has a boardwalk and bridge over a beaver pond. There are a fair number of scenic areas on the hike. You may see a wide variety of birds and other wildlife in the area. One word of caution: There are more ticks than any place else I have visited. You will also pass a few ball fields associated with Peilican Park on part of the hike. This is a nice place to experience nature, but still be close to town. Trailhead: The trailhead is located on Hwy 190. From Mandeville, go east and cross Bayou Castine. You will see the Northlake NAture Sign on the north side of the highway. If you get to the Southeast Louisiana State Hospital, Pelican Park or Fountainbleau State Park entrance, you went to far. (Lat:30.35314 Lon:-90.0129) Trail Guides for Northlake Nature Center South Loop: Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Winter, User Groups: Hikers, Ranger Contact: Northlake Nature Center, P.O. Box 8511, Mandeville, LA 70470 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by James Dillon, who has posted 2 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Tom, Mandeville on 7/2/2007 Took the South Trail loop with my spouse on July 1, 2007. Trail conditions are generally good, but the forest is still a bit torn up. Trees felled by Katrina over walkways have been cut down and cut up but still need to be removed. Trees and debris in the woods look relatively untouched and perhaps there is no intention to remove it. Paths are in generally good shape and repairs are being made on some elevated walkways. The state of signage along pathways is very poor. Many signs are knocked down, dilapidated, or no longer have legends that explain anything. This park needs some tender loving care. It is still an enjoyable walk, but don't expect much explanation for interesting things worth knowing about. 
Reviewed by LMS on 4/16/2004 I also enjoyed this hike. I took my three young children on a beautiful spring day in April. We particularly enjoyed the boardwalk over the beaver pond, and the large egrets in the marshy areas. We did not see any ticks this time of year as was written by the initial hike reporter, but we saw lots of poison ivy in the dense wooded part of the trail. Stay on the path and you should be fine. Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: Louisiana Hiking, Louisiana Trails, Louisiana Hikes, Saint Tammany County Hiking, Saint Tammany County Trails, Saint Tammany County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||