Bouge Chitto Hiking And Water Fun

Bouge Chitto is a fun spot to go hiking and not just because it has a fun name to say.  In case you are curious it is bow-guh chit-uh.  It is cheap and I mean CHEAP park to visit.  It is only $3 for a day full of fun, let's get to the details.

How’s the trail?

First thing my wife and I did was hit the trail! Now there are a few different spots to park, the first is just past the entrance gate to the left.  It is a small parking spot and can be overlooked as the trailhead is behind the parking spots.  Bright red diamonds are the makers to keep an eye for because this park also has a bike trail and an equestrian trail.  The trail is a loop and can be tackled in either direction but we usually prefer to go to the gorge trail that goes down the stairway.

This is a nice way to start the 5.5 mile trail but make sure you have some bug spray on first.  It is pretty common for the gorge to have a good amount of bugs because things are often damp which is perfect for the dreaded mosquitoes.  

Boardwalk down into the gourge

Once you have climbed stairs back to the main trail make  sure you turn left to not loop back to the parking lot. I have done this by accident the first time. The tail has lots of ups and downs and will get your heartbeat pumping.  Gravel rocks have been laid down and makes the trail easy to walk but do keep an eye out for tree roots because there are a lot of them. 

After a few miles you will come to a pond with a dock and a restroom. Feel free to take a few minutes to relax for a bit and refill your water bottles if needed.  I really enjoy the next part because the trail wraps around the pond and continues to the Bouge Chitto river.  

Beach?! Where?

Once the trail reaches the river you can find a number of small viewing trails so you can watch the river.  If you can manage to keep trucking along you will come to a sign that says beach and I highly recommend you take this detour.  

The beach is a great place to spend a hot summer day! You can find various picnic tables and grills that can be used if you bring your own supplies, so make sure to pack a swimsuit.  The river water level is often high enough to have a fairly strong currency in the center, so if you are not a strong swimmer please stay to the edges.  Just outside of the beach is a restroom that can also be used for changing or washing off the sand.  There is also a parking lot here as well in case you want to skip the hike and just hit the beach. 

After your fun in the sun is over it's time to get back to the trail.  The remainder of the trail isn't complicated but it is going to be uphill.  Along the way you will pass the equestrian center, where you can go on a horseback ride, although I have yet to see if they have anyone there that keeps horses in the park.  

Finally you will round the corner and see the cars parked from the trailhead and know that you are almost back.  

Overall this park has it all for me.  You can get a good hike in, relax by the water, and even camp here either in a tent or an RV.  It is also one of the cheapest to enter parks at $3 a person.  I have gone with a group of friends to enjoy the water and cookout as well as gone by myself for a quiet up and down hike to enjoy the wildlife and the scenery.  

TRAIL REVIEW

DIFFICULTY: 7 OF 10

This trail has a good amount of elevation changes and can really catch you off guard if you aren't ready for it.  

ABILITY TO FIND: 9 OF 10

Overall, google can get you 90% of the way there. Once you turn onto the park road you will have to read a few of the signs because residential roads will be connected to the park road.

ENJOYMENT: 10 OF 10

As I have said above this is a great park. It has kiddie areas, water, hiking, and camping.  Just try it out and you won't be disappointed.

FACILITIES : ALOT

About every 2 miles it seems like there will be a break in the trail that opens up to a restroom.  This is not a familiar sight for me.  Usually the only restroom is at the beginning of the trail so to have plenty along the path is great to see especially if you have small ones with you or if you have a big group.  

***Bonus***

You can also go tubbing down the river during the summer times, which is always fun!! After all the fun stop by Giddy Up Folsom for some coffee to help keep you away on the way home.