Exploring Cypress Island Preserve Near Lafayette Louisiana
Exploring Cypress Island Preserve started out as trying to find Lake Martin “Loop” Trail. Turns out that the trail we were about to take was really an out and back trail at a place called Cypress Island Preserve and referred to as Lake Martin Levee Trail.. Either way, it was a fun little unique hike that showed us some cool wildlife and scenic nature!
Cypress Island Preserve Trail Map:
TAKE A PICTURE AND REFER TO IT LATER
If you are into watching or spotting birds, Deanna’s idea of taking a picture of this sign towards the beginning of the trail was great. I think we really only identified a couple of them while hiking and one turned out to not fly at all and have some scales.
BEAUTIFUL SWAMP
It didn’t take too long at Cypress Island Preserve to find the beauty in the surrounding area. Sure the trail kind of start off narrow surrounded by thick swamp-like vegetation, but it soon opens up to a magnificent lake full of cypress trees.
DO be careful around this lake as a local fisherman did spot a water moccasin hanging around the lake shoreline as we started down the trail. They are indeed poisonous and would prefer not to be stepped on so definitely watch your step and be aware of your surroundings!
SWAMP TOURS AT CYPRESS ISLAND PRESERVE
After making it around the beautiful lake at Cypress Island Preserve (and still thinking the trail was a loop) we headed around the gravel road trying to find the remainder of the trail. While hiking earlier we noticed some air boats taking people around and showing them a good time at the lake/swamp.
Off of that gravel road we accidentally hiked on, there looked to be a few vendors with a decent amount of folks lined up to check out the lake. We saw plates from all around the country in the parking lot so it must be quite fun! We had Blaze with us, so no way he would want to sit on one of those loud boats.
Here are the vendors we saw along the roadside:
ALLIGATORS DO EXIST
So Deanna and I have been in the south for quite a bit at this point. We pretty much got to Georgia by early December, spent a couple months in Florida, then started our way along the gulf shore westward. Throughout that entire trip we hiked in numerous swampy areas, but this is the VERY first time we finally saw a gator out in the wild.
So glad it was at this distance and not snapping at our legs as we stepped on its tail passing through the thick grass earlier in the trail.
FYI, the boardwalk is actually RIGHT near the parking lot on the south side of the lake. We literally hiked around the entire lake before realizing this.
OTHER NEARBY ADVENTURES
Dauphin Island and Fort Gaines
One Day To Explore New Orleans
NOTE FROM WRITER
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Adventure On!
