Venture into Vernon: Nature Activities

Birding | Gardens and Nature Tours | Day-Use and Picnic Areas | Vernon Parish Map

Birding

Bird watching is easy in Vernon Parish. The variety and abundance of open forests laced with streams and bogs, encourage the presence of numerous species of non-game birds, including some rarer species, such as the Red-cockaded Woodpecker, Brown-headed Nuthatch, and Bachman's Sparrow. Bald eagles are a common site along the lakes and streams.

The National Audubon Society's Important Bird Areas of Louisiana program selected the Vernon Unit of Kisatchie National Forest as one of it's top six sites. With more than 140 breeding clusters of red-cockaded woodpeckers, and the wide variety of raptors making their home here, birders are guaranteed to have an exciting experience. Kisatchie National Forest has several well-maintained trails for hiking or horse-back riding.

Birders seeking the path less traveled may find one of our Wildlife Management Areas more to their liking. Clear Creek, Fort Polk, Peason Ridge, and Walnut Hill Wildlife Management Areas offer an opportunity for hikers to enjoy nature at it's most primitive. Strike your own trails, as you make your way through the pine uplands and hardwood bottoms of Vernon Parish forests.

Be aware that these lands are also used by hunters. Hikers should be very cautious during any hunting season. Fort Polk and Peason Ridge are used for military training and maps will be posted at the self-clearing stations when an area is closed. All WMAs require daily check-in at a self-clearing station. See our hunting section for more information on using the Wildlife Management Areas.

Download and print a Vernon Parish Birding Checklist.
View the Vernon Parish Map showing recommended birding locations.

Audubon At Home Birding Basics
Birding Basics guide for tips on getting started with birdwatching.
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Fort Polk Game Enforcement Office
BLDG 8590, Hwy 469, North Fort Polk, LA 71459
(337) 531-5715 /(337) 531-52222
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Kisatchie National Forest
Calcasieu Ranger District
9912 Highway 28 West, Boyce, Louisiana 71409
(318) 793-9427
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LA Department of Wildlife and Fisheries
1213 North Lakeshore Dr, Lake Charles, LA 70601
(337) 491-2575
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Jim E. Johnson, Nature Photography
Licensed bird bander and nature photographer is available for conducting birding tours.
23 Rougeau Lane, Lecompte, LA 71346
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Gardens and Nature

Vernon Parish Wildflowers
Known as the "Wildflower Capital of Louisiana", Vernon Parish is bursting with spring blooms. Just by driving along the highways you can enjoy a variety of clovers, asters, thistles, Mexican Primrose, and Coreopsis or Tickseed. Venture off the beaten path to find flowering dogwood, honeysuckle, Redbud, Grancy Graybeard, wisteria, and more. Don't forget to take time to smell the flowers...

Wolf Cave
Wolf Cave is located in the Vernon Unit of the Calcasieu Ranger District of the Kisatchie National Forest. Archaeological evidence shows that primitive peoples once used the cave as a habitation. Access to the area is very primitive, so visitors should dress appropriately for walking in the forest. Call (318) 793-9427 for more information on the site. More Information...

Allen Acres Native Ventures
5070 Hwy. 300, Pitkin, LA 70656
(337) 328-2252 or (318) 358-5194
native@camtel.net
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Allen Acres is a nature oriented Bed & Breakfast located in Cravens, LA featuring a cozy country home on 26 wooded acres located next to the Kisatchie National Forest, near Ouiska Chitto Creek.

Dr. Charles Allen, author of several books devoted to native Louisiana flora, and his wife Susan, have spent years developing the gardens to attract butterflies and hummingbirds. Other gardens focus on various curiosities, such as night-blooming flowers, bird watching, and "yard art". Trails lead into the forest where trees are labeled for identification.

Sit on the front porch and enjoy the sights and sounds of nature all around you. Dr. Allen offers tours to some of the rarest ecosystems of the Kisatchie National Forest including Louisiana prairies, spring-fed bay galls, and pitcher plant bogs. A continental breakfast, including fresh eggs is provided.

Hodges Gardens State Park
1000 Hodges Loop
HWY 171, Florien, LA 71429
(318) 586-4020 or (800) 354-3523
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Hodges Gardens State Park, sometimes called the "Garden in the Forest" has over 900 acres of tall pines studded with both formal and natural gardens. A 225 acre lake is great for fishing or boating. Hiking trails meander throughout the gardens which are teeming with wildlife. Bring your horse and enjoy the equestrian campgrounds and trails. Visit the Friends of Hodges Gardens State Park website for more information.

Kisatchie National Forest
Visitors to the Vernon Unit of Kisatchie will enjoy the diverse variety of plant and wildlife species. Each area offers it's own unique viewing experience. Options range from Pitcher Plant bogs and ponds to old-growth pine forests. Some areas encourage wildlife habitation with artificial nests and houses.
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