mandalay national wildlife refuge

I thought I was take a chance and check this area out. I didn't do a swamp tour but went on the nature trail. It is not a long trail but it is lovely and if you are lucky, you can see a good selection of animals. There are benches around and it is nice for a stroll or to walk the dog.

Very serene. Saw a couple of bald eagles. Nice to see unspoiled waterways ...was a little disappointed to see no alligators but loved it all the same.

Good place to see wildlife, coyote, deer, birds and spiders. The spiders are really huge but non threatening. It was a bit short to hike, one way is only about 20 minutes.

The office was closed, call if you need them - right. The road was shell down to a parking lot 1 mile from highway, then you walked. How far I don't know. Walking on the ground in the swamps by myself was not something I was ready for. The maps were confusing. It looks like more a waterway NWR than a land based NWR. Guess you need your own boat or be part of a tour. Will return with guide or tour only.

Great walking trail runs through the refuge, it takes about 30 mins - 1 hour depending on walking speed and what you see. I spotted about 20 species of birds (and heard more than that) and some stunning orb spiders. Don't forget to take your mosquito repellent.

To truly get a feel for all that the Mandalay National Wildlife Refuge has to offer, take one of the boat tours or have friend take you into the deeper parts of the refuge. There you will see alligators, cranes, egrets, eagles, ducks, etc. and cypress trees, Tupelo gum trees, all kinds of trees draped lavishly with spanish moss. It is strikingly beautiful, but it needs time to appreciate all that is going on. Take sun protection, hat, sun glasses and insect repellant.

Lovely short nature walk. Beautiful views of the Bayou and the trees and wildlife of South Louisiana.