Creole Nature Trail Reviews

If you want to spend an hour or so in the great outdoors, this is a nice place to go. It is hit or miss as to what animals you'll see. Great place for bird enthusiasts. There are clean bathrooms at the entrance, a paved or raised path, and a raised observation deck. There is also an app that had some neat features such as a an audio guide and postcard maker. We didn't get to use it much as our mobile provider's service wasn't too great there. We are locals and enjoyed it, but it would definitely be a very unique experience for out of towners.

Visited the Sabine National Wildlife Refuge, and Creole Nature Trail, and it's wonderful for wildlife viewing and bird watching. Bring bug spray and binoculars!!! Access beyond the road accesses is boats only, so plan for that. You can schedule an airboat out of Hackberry or Cameron. You can go crabbing or fishing along the banks or short access areas. The area is quite representative of south Louisiana tidal marshes.

The Creole Nature Trail is a trail that starts in Sulphur, LA and works its way down LA 27 to Hackberry and then onto Holly Beach, on LA 82 to Cameron, then up LA 27 back up to Lake Charles.

The area goes right through the Sabine National Wildlife Refuge, a refuge set aside by Rockefeller, who frequented the area for hunting and fishing.

There is a new center under construction in Sulphur at the beginning of the trail that will be finished in 2015 sometime. There is a boardwalk and center on the east side of LA 27 near Lake Charles with viewing areas of alligators and other swamp creatures.

A favorite activity is to go crabbing in this area, usually best in the late spring when crabs are at their peak. Get a crabbing net, some chicken livers as bait, and some fishing poles. Lure the crabs into the nets. You can get enough crabs to boil up for dinner and they are the best crabs ever.

I highly recommend this activity if you really want to see the area.

Sharon and Brandi were a great help in planning our visit along the Creole nature trail. Sharon mark all the sights on the map and suggested some places to eat.

If you have time to ride the entire 180 miles, that would be fun! We didn't quite have time for that. We started east of Lake Charles and took 27 South. The best part of the whole deal was the Pintail Wildlife drive. It's a few miles. When you start out, there's a boardwalk and you can see a lot of birds and plants. But the drive is amazing. We saw gators in the water, gators in the grass, and gators right beside our car. So many cool photos! We drove on to Holly Beach, then to Hackberry to walk on the nature trail. It was very nice, and the observation deck was so pleasant.

Lots to see. Alligators, dolphins, birds, marshes, rivers, bayours, live oaks, beaches, bikinis, ships, and ferrys. Lots of things. You can spend a lot or a little time, depending on how you want to pace yourself and how much you want to see. The stores and restaurants are very sparse. Take your beer and snacks with you.

My husband and I travelled a small section of the Creole Nature Trail en route from Houston, Texas to Lafayette, Lousiana. We passed over the Sabrine Lake and journeyed along the coastal road. Unfortunately for us it was a grey day with intermittently heavy rain, so by the time we reached Holly Beach there wasn't really the opportunity (or desire) to get out of the car for a stroll across the sand.

We ventured further, taking the route that would lead us to Hackberry, so that we could take a look at the Wetland Walkway. Before setting off on our journey we'd stopped off at an Academy in Houston to pick up a couple of ponchos since we knew the rain wasn't about to let up any time soon.

Once at the Wetland Walkway we had our first alligator sighting within one minute of arriving at the first viewing station. The place was so peaceful and serene, with bird and frog noises all around. Apart from the wildlife, we had the walkway completely to ourselves (though perhaps that was to do with the weather). Along the way we saw a cotton tail, a crawfish (who was casually strolling across the path ahead of us) and two tiny turtles (these little fellas were on the path too, so worth while watching out for to ensure you don't accidentally step on one!)

The only negative thing I will say about our experience on the walkway is that by the time we were half way round we were being practically eaten alive by mosquitoes. Despite the mighty power of the ponchos (keeping us covered for the most part), we both ended up with bites all over our hands, necks and faces (which itched for an entire week afterwards). In fact the amount of mosquitoes hounding us was so crazy, we ended up running along the final stretch.

A handy note - there are toilet facilities at the Wetland Walkway, just next to the car park. These were adequate and well maintained.

All in all we enjoyed our nature trail route and would recommend a drive around some of its roads/points of interest to anyone staying in or passing through the area - just don't forget your mozzie spray!!! :-)

I took my mom on this nature trail and it was very nice, relaxing and peaceful. There were plenty of stops along the way to fish and go crabbing. There are a few restroom stops along the way... few stops for drinks so be sure to gas up and bring plenty of snacks and drinks. Also, there is a ferry past Holly beach that you need to board in order to get to the other side and continue on the trail. The ferry opperates every 1/2 hour or so and its free going to Cameron and $1.00 leaving Cameron (according to a local we met). Overall great experience. Highly recommend this trail. Free maps are available at the visitor's center.

We went on the scenic drives in June, it is so worth the time to visit all the points of interest on the trail. Lots of birds, flowers, gators. It was so peaceful being out in the marshes. Can't wait to visit again. Wife and I both think Pintail was our favorite spot. Ok well all of it was. it is spread out, we took 3 days to do it although you do not have to. We got out and walked on the trails and boardwalks at each place. Make sure you take mosquito spray, lots of it :)

The section I drove was kind of empty but the scenery is nice.There are several stops for hikes through nature preserves. The Cameron-Shell Beach ferry was nice and I saw dolphins from the ferry. Make sure you have a full tank of gas!

Overall, the drive was a disappointment. We did not see anything impressive. I did want to see the Cameron marsh and was glad to see it and the Hackberry area. Other than that, it was a bust. The coastal area is "natural" complete with all the trash that accumulates over time. Certainly nothing to get excited about. We did see a couple of gators along the drive. Concerning the National Wildlife Areas, it is very disappointing, that facilities have not been repaired or maintained! The east side drive is basically nothing to see. Am I glad it did the drive, yes. Would I do it again, no.

We drove the loop and most of it wasn't anything special. We drove through the Pintail Nature Drive and it was pretty good. We saw several gators along one stretch. We stopped in Cameron at the Anchors Up Grill and got some very good cheeseburgers.

Were not going to do the entire trail but wanted to go to Pintail Wildlife drive which was closest to Lake Charles. I didn't have the correct directions so called and was given directions but could not find it. The next day we went by the Visitor Center to get brochures and maps and were able to find the Pintail Drive. It is about 30 min. from the casino and have to watch the signs. We saw two small alligators along Hwy 27 before we found Pintail. At Pintail there is a very nice, wide wooden walkway over the marsh. Beautiful water lilies and other floral. Lots of variety of birds. The gravel 3 mile loop through the marshland afforded us a close view of a small alligator on the road and one in the water. Very breezy and relaxing and sighting colorful birds. Just two miles before this is a visitor station that has some exhibits and displays.

104 degrees F. Too hot for too much walking, so drove and kept stopping at all the spots. I must say we were very disappointed at the lack of wildlife. No Gators, very few birds or anything else either. Quite a lot of Moorhens, but can see these at home!
Nevertheless we enjoyed the scenery.

We have traveled Hwy 27 for many years through Hackberry and down to Holly Beach. We had information that led us to go the East side of Calcasieu Lake down Hwy. 27 to the visitor center and Pintail Drive. Oh my! We were not disappointed. The scenery with the wetlands is incredible as you are driving down Hwy. 27. The birds and wildlife are both amazing, especially if you are there during the migratory seasons. We stopped in at the visitor center. As we were walking up to the door, an alligator swam into view, pausing near us, and swimming off. Incredible! The visitor center is a wealth of information, listen to the cajuns in the display tell about the area. It's worth the 10 minutes to learn a bit more of the history of the area. When we left, a large black snake was sunning himself on the grass below the deck path. We headed down to Pintail Drive. (Pintail Drive is primarily drive-through. The alligators and wildlife are meant to be seen from your car, where it is safe!) It was a sunny day and the temperatures were near 70 degrees. The alligators are known for being out on sunny days with warmer temperatures. We were not disappointed. A parking area with a boardwalk style walking loop is available near the beginning of the drive. Restroom (port-a-potty) is available at this point. The 3-mile loop should be taken at a slow pace, watch the water areas for alligators, birds and turtles...and who knows what else you may see. When we rounded our first corner near the back of the loop, we started seeing young alligators. As we went along we were seeing them out sunning, on the bank near the vehicle, in the water and the alligators got bigger as we drove. We saw over 80 this day. Yes, 80! We were amazed and took pictures the entire time. The larger alligators seemed to be on the third side of the drive with sizes over six feet in length. We went back a second day and saw over 50 that day. Unimagineable driving around with some alligators just mere feet outside our vehicle's door. It is a lot of fun! After we left Pintail Drive we drove and crossed the ferry at Cameron. At Cameron there is a pink dolphin, watch the waters for it! This day we saw a grey one. We crossed over and went to Holly Beach and then back up Hwy 27 to Lake Charles. We have also discovered Rutherford Beach just south of Creole, Louisiana. It is a clean beach with thousands of smaller shells. Well worth the stop at Rutherford Beach. We went there at sunset at it was gorgeous. Take lots of pictures along the way and enjoy the scenery!

Saw 8 gators and so many birds and flowers I couldn't count them all. So much fun. My wife enjoyed it too. The beaches were kind of dirty but everything else was great. Wish I had had time to go fishing. Saw lots of fish. Fun to talk to people at the visitors center and learn about the marshes.

This is a worth while place to visit to see the Louisianna wildlife and flora. I saw plenty of both and out guide was very knowledgeable and interesting.

Such an amazing route! We didn't do the entire trail though. We were on a road trip from Houston to New Orleans via Galveston island. We took the ferry from Galveston to port bolivar, drove to port Arthur and then on took the 82, followed the nature trail for a while, to Abbeville and then drove to New Orleans. It was 2 hours longer than the interstate but so worth it. The road isn't too bad either. You get to see some beaches, water breaks, bayous and swamps on the way. Great route for a road trip.

I have been along the Creole Trail many times. Every Time I have been along the trail there are always many things to photograph. Just beautiful landscape and many birds and outstanding sunsets and sunrises on Holly Beach. This trip will not be a wast of your time.

One of the top places in the U.S. to see. This drive is the Cajun outback. We began in Sulphur, LA, drove down Hwy 27 and headed South. My family has fond memories of going crabbing down the Trail and I wanted to share that nostalgia/ heritage with my son.

How to get in on the action and get your 'Cajun' on:

Drive down to the grocery in Hackberry, LA- called BROWN"S FOOD CENTER. You can't miss it- its right off the main road. They have everything you may need for some impromptu fishing/ crabbing and the prices are CHEAPER than bigger town chains. Get yourself a small cooler for the bait, some snacks and drinks, and don't forget your sunscreen and a few chairs. If you're not sure what to get just tell the knowllegable elderly cashier ladies what you're looking to catch and they will assist you in purchasing just what you need to have a great afternoon.

You gotta get in on the action because its great fun. Drive South a good bit longer until you see a bridge and a turn-off area where there is alot of parking. You've arrived! This is where you can crab and fish to your heart's delight but I recommend going early in the morning because the summer sun is MURDER not to mention the humidity gets mad after noon.

I'd even forgotten how to bait my line LOL! Friendly locals along the pier thankfully took delight in me bringing my son back for some Cajun fun and offered some of their chicken necks for my chicken livers. I had bought the wrong thing but fortunately they could use it so it was all good.

We were NOT disappointed. Get yourself a crab net and scrape it along the wooden pier starting away and deep under the crabs eating barnacles on the pier. If you scrape the net in an upward motion just right.....you can scoop up a big fat one real quick.

No sweat if you're playing for fun and not to cook, just offer your catch to a local there catching their dinner. Many families in this area are decent-hardworking locals and actually DEPEND on the wildlife caught in the refuge for weekly meals. So don't be shy about sharing. Its all appreciated and the people are so friendly and fun they just love to share stories and pass the time with a joyful heart!

Also, if you aren't interested in catching anything, there are many great walking trails for fabulous exercise and we have NEVER seen so many Fiddler Crabs in our LIFE!!!!!!! Saw a swamp bunny, and signs of larger swamp cats as well as many crackle birds. They have the most beautiful bird call I've ever heard!

DO NOT MISS THIS NATURE TRAIL! Its hours of fun and entertainment for FREE!!!!! And its a National Treasure. Take the kids for a trip they'll NEVER forget.

Drove down on a quiet, beautiful weather Thurs in July. First stop the Exon station to load up on water, snacks, bait plus a one day fishing license ($18) for out of state fishermen. Next stop was the Blue Heron Trail with brochures and an elevated viewing deck with large binocular viewers. Stopped at the Wetland Walkway (restrooms) across the road from a large fishing/crabbing area. Be sure and put on bug spray because the yellow flies started attacking those without it. Holy Beach is a natural beach with numerous shells, cool sand, and warm brown water (waves churn up the bottom of this shallow area). Spent 2 hours beach combing and watching the birds, dolphins, and shrimp boats gliding by. Totally relaxing! Continued on Hwy 27/82 to the ferry at Cameron and ate lunch at T-Boy's in Creole before heading north on 27 back to Lake Charles. The marshland scenery is outstanding and the Intracoastal Waterway with it's barges and ships are interesting. There's more to see and explore.

We visited this "trail" which is actually a nice paved road... Stopped at the pintail nature spot and observed lots of big Gators from the car during the short drive.

My wife and I spent spent a beautiful Saturday in October driving the Creole Nature Trail. I have been going to Lake Charles for 20 years and have never gone on this trip. It was fantastic! We stopped at all of the Wildlife Refuge's and Parks along the way. We had perfect weather, the trails, parks and refuge's were well maintained and manicured. We walked through most and drove through a couple. We came across abundant wildlife including many alligators, one mother alligator in a small pond with 4 babies on her back, countless birds and even a large cottonmouth water moccasin. We stopped and talked to some fisherman just off the road and they were catching trout and crabs. The Sabine National Wildlife Refuge - Blue Goose Trail, Wetland Walkway, Holly Beach, Pintail Drive and Boardwalk are just some of the great stops.

We will go back in the winter as we heard that is when all of the birds migrate through.

This was a lazy cloudy morning, perfect for cruising the trail. We drove completely around the loop, saw some interesting sights, beautiful views, saw the Gulf of Mexico from another point of view, took the Ferry. Saw the creatively that has gone into home replacement, building homes on little hills to prevent water from entering their homes. Clearly the area has seen devastation, but there is a spirit of resilience that I find amazing. I was somewhat disappointed that we saw no major wildfire other than some birds, but no gators. Louisiana has its on special beauty.

This was our second time to drive the Creole Nature Trail and we enjoyed it both times. We entered the trail just west of Sulfur, La and drove to Abbeville, La along the southern route. Wild flowers and the birds were beautiful this time of year and we enjoyed watching the families fishing and enjoying each other's company. We crossed a number of draw bridges and ferries that brought us closer to nature. Lunch at a local restaurant in Cameron was delicious and worth the stop. This may not be everyone's cup of tea, but we have driven it in the fall and spring and enjoyed it each time.

My wife, granddaughter, and I decided to try the Creole Nature Trail drive in order to see some alligators and the nature centers. Unfortunately, we did this on a Saturday ... and none of the nature centers are open on Saturday or Sunday (which is NOT mentioned anywhere in any advertising we saw). (We did manage to see _1_ alligator at one of the closed facilities, though. ;-)

If you decide to do this trail (preferably on a Mon-Fri), be sure to pack some food and drinks because there is no place to get something to eat or drink along the way!

We took the drive Sept 2012. Saw so many gators of all sizes. Even one about 12 ft long that came out of the canal towards our car. Not many tourists along the way beautiful quite trip. Oh if you see a gator wearing a pair of black/red Oakley sunglasses their mine. Took some great pictures too.

Great drive. We took about 6 hours to make the loop taking all the walks in the brochure. The app did not work well though on my phone. Watch for alligators!!

No tours go here. You have to get there yourself and it is MILES out of Lake Charles. If you don't have a car, don't bother, you'll be stuck in a dead town with nothing to do!

We took that road in may, was really fun and beautiful. Passes through wetlands. The ferry cost 1$. Near the end, there is a lot of nice beaches and cool houses on pilotis.
Not so many place to eat tough.

Wonderful drive! We crossed on 2 ferry's, saw lots of beach and picked a bag full of seashells. Even in November it was very scenic. Have your gas tank full and snacks on the ready before you start the trip as there are not a lot of regular stops along the route. And download the creole trail nature trail app! It had so much info and alerts when you were by the attractions. Very cool app.

An easy drive with attractions off to the right and left as you travel along. Some of those attractions are the locals at the boat ramps and docks, mostly catching crabs. You will be amazed at how they pull them out, and wish you rented a boat!

The walks and beaches are fun, but gators are not g'teed it seems and we didnt see any on our trip. And as a previous posted commented, the beaches are not perfectly clean, but they are fine for use.

It seems you can get info on a smart phone or loan a device that can pick up or show info on where you are at from a visitors center, but you will need to return it if you do that.

You can do lots of birding right from the car, which is good - as we had a lot of rain both days. The birding was great. On the boardwalk on Pintail Drive, we saw two otters. We stayed in Cameron one night at the only hotel.

We stopped in at the welcome center in Sulphur first-very nice people & interesting exhibits. They gave us a map with facilities along the way BUT on the west side all were closed-no bathrooms!
Why promote this drive for tourists, then shut down all amenities?
The hurricane damage happened some time ago & the restrooms looked fine, however they were closed "until further notice"?????

Didn't the state get enough federal funding to fix the problem? OH! They did have DISGUSTING port-o-potties across the way from the restroom building-YUCK! They were crammed with crap & absolutely filthy. No one had emptied them since weeks, probably never been cleaned. Such a shameful reflection on your great state. Please provide clean restrooms along the way on this wonderful drive.

We stayed at the Golden Nugget in Lake Charles and the Eastern portion of this scenic highway is only 1 hour away . The Pintail wildlife Drive and boardwalk was incredible. Basking on the side of this gravel road loop, we saw a total of 10 alligators. They were in the 3-4 foot range. Don't get out of your car but you can get very close. Visitors center closes at 3 pm but trail is open sunrise to sunset.
We then drove further down about 20 minutes to Rutherford Beach. This is a public access undeveloped strip of beach on the Gulf. Beautiful!
Total round trip 4 hours depending on how long you spend at beach.