Little Tchefuncte
River
In Louisiana, a county is called a parish. Just 25 miles north across Lake Ponchartrain from New Orleans is St. Tammany Parish. St. Tammany Parish is made up of many small towns, rural and forested areas. It offers sightseeing and fun that can't be found in New Orleans. Even though St. Tammany Parish suffered more devastation from Hurricane Katrina than New Orleans, it is coming back quickly and most of the attractions available before the storm have returned newer and better.
Instructions
Enjoying St. Tammany
1. Stay at a bed and breakfast called Little River Bluffs--A Nature Preserve & Retreat at 11082 Garden Lane, Folsom, LA 70437. Located on the Little Tchefuncte River, Little River Bluffs is way out in the woods. You will see wild turkeys walking around, hear owls at dusk and enjoy a marvelous breakfast, courtesy of your hosts who live on the property in a house you cannot see from yours. Kayak with the boats tied up at the end of your private dock.
2. See the history of Abita Springs and Mandeville, established when the rich and fashionable of New Orleans rode steam powered boats and trains north to vacation in these resort towns. Each of these towns is filled with historic architecture and wonderful shops full of local crafts and great antiques.
3. Bike the Trace. Louisiana’s first rails-to-trails project, the Tammany Trace provides nearly 31 miles and has 31 bridges along a trail for pedestrians, bicyclists and joggers. The asphalt trail follows a 19th-century railroad line through woodlands and along streams to connect Covington, Abita Springs, Mandeville, Lacombe and Slidell.
4. Fish the waters. Nearly one-quarter of the parish is water, and there are at least 26 boat ramps and marinas to get your boat in the water. You can fish for saltwater fish in Lake Pontchartain or crappie and bream in the bayous of the Parish.
5. Paddle the the Pearl River. The Pearl twists south between Louisiana and Mississippi south to the Gulf of Mexico. You can fish, see Louisiana wildlife and photograph for miles on the Pearl.
6. Boat in the Tchefuncte River. This is a favored river for paddling.
7. Visit Fountainbleu and Fairview-Riverside State Parks. See moss draped trees. Canoe, fish and camp.
Tags: Tammany Parish, Tchefuncte River, Abita Springs, Abita Springs Mandeville, Little River, Little Tchefuncte, Little Tchefuncte River