Amazing hidden park in West Monroe

If you have ever driven through north Louisiana there is a good chance you have drove through Monroe and West Monroe Louisiana. You might remember driving along and then you were suddenly hit with a horrible smell.. that's Monroe, Louisiana. They have a massive paper processing plant that gives off the wonderful aroma of …well, wet paper. 

Just as you are about to leave West Monroe you’ll pass by an interesting metal sculpture of an egret.

It is not just an eye-catching piece of art. It holds a secret trail behind it waiting to be explored. 

So whats’s it hideing???

I've driven past this spot a thousand times and always thought the parking lot offered a sort of interstate rest stop. One day my wife and I decided to stretch our legs and explore. We parked the truck, grabbed the camera and started down the trail.

Gravel path leading into the woods.

Is it a hard hike?

This trail is by no means difficult and that's ok. The path curves in and out of the trees and even has a small bridge that crosses over an even smaller stream. 

During the rainy season this stream has some nice flow!

It was amazing how quickly the sounds of the interstate and cars faded away and nature enveloped us. 

Then we turned the corner and were blown away. There, in the middle of a city was a boardwalk crossing through the marshland. Not only that, but it was filled with lily pads happily floating on top of the water. 

Lots of lily pads can be seen from the boardwalk!

After we crossed the water we spotted some pavilions along the side of the bank. We took a moment to sit down and enjoy the scenery. I would also like to point out that this trail is tucked away, perfectly snug between the surrounding hotels. What's cool about this is the trail has small entryways near the hotel's parking lots. So if you are ever staying in one of those hotels you can just pop out for an evening stroll and disconnect from everything for a while. 

My wife and I definitely want to visit this trail again and watch the sun set over the water and lilies.  

The boardwalk is my favorite part of this hidden trail!

So don't be afraid of stopping. Take the time to checkout an area if something catches your eye because you never know what you’ll find.

P.S. if you like the picture above feel free to click here to grab a copy of it for yourself!!

Trail Review

Difficulty: 2 of 10

Mostly gravel, but easy to travers, Few inclines but nothing major to speak of.

Ability to find: 8 of 10

Giant egret makes it easy to find but the exit ramp is not close to the trail

Enjoyment: 10 of 10

It was a great surprise tucked away in the city, short trail which adds to the fun

Facilities : None

No bathrooms on site but with many hotels near by you can ask to use their bathroom