Tunica Hills And My Obsession With Water
Louisiana is known for its wetlands. We have swamps, rivers, lakes, and bayous all over the state. One day, while scrolling through the depths of the internet, I discovered a wildlife management area named Tunica Hills. This group apparently has multiple trails that run through riverbeds. One of the overlooked wonders of Louisiana?..Sign me up!!!
Where is it?
Tunica Hills is located in French Settlement, which is about an hour outside the capital of Baton Rouge, La. A note about Louisiana Wildlife Management Areas: if you are going hiking in a wildlife management area you will need a permit. You can get one online and it's only a couple bucks, so just buy one. It's not worth the ticket!
Also, the roads in the WMA aren't exactly the smoothest or most well kept. You might want to think twice about driving a vehicle with low ground clearance, like a car, because there will be some dips, bumps and debris on the way.
The area has a few different hiking trails for you to explore. The one I usually opt for is trail C. The trail is just over 3 ½ miles long and loops back to the starting point, kind of. I say that because the ending point of the trailhead is just a few mins walk down the road from the starting trailhead.
Whats so special?
The trailhead is connected to a small parking lot. At first the path has a minimal decline with not much going on. Soon however, you come to a steep drop off. If it is dry then the drop won't be too bad as long as you dont trip and roll down the hill. On the other hand if it has rained you should move slowly down and try to stay low to the ground while going down.
Once you hit the riverbed the trails looks completely different.
Once you reach the bottom, the fun begins. You are now in a riverbed. The trail follows the winding river for about a mile or so. It is marked fairly well but the marker that directs you out of the riverbed is easily overlooked, so some backtracking may be necessary.
Different parts of Tunica Hills have flowing water based on recent rainfall.
Time to climb
Once you leave the river bed you will start to climb up pretty much immediately. It's not as steep at the descent in but the change in elevation will leave you winded. The rest of the trail is heavily wooded and helps you disconnect for a few hours.
Once you leave the riverbed you start the climb back up!
As I stated earlier once you reach the end of the trail you will not be in the same parking lot you started. All you need to do is walk down the road a few minutes to reach the parking lot. I do recommend downloading or printing out a map beforehand to help with navigation. There is a map at the end of the trail to help with navigation but having a map on your phone can help with piece of mind. Also the road is not much wider than one lanes so be careful of passing vehicles, not everyone will be looking for you or be driving the speed limit. If you are worried about walking down the road at the end of the hike simply start your hike by going down the road first, this way you know you will end the trip in the parking lot you are parked in.
Don't be afraid to take your time when going through this hike. I would consider this hike as a medium difficulty. It features only two major elevation changes. This is one of my all time favorite trails because of the winding riverbed. I find running water to be one of the most peaceful things in the world.
** Bonus notes **
If you are hungry after your adventure don't be afraid to stop at some of the local restaurants in town!
TRAIL REVIEW
DIFFICULTY: 7 OF 10
This trail have elevation changes and will definitely get your heart pumping. You should also be prepared to walk the sandy, not always sturdy, riverbed.
ABILITY TO FIND: 6 OF 10
The parking lot isn't to hard to find but if you are not prepared for the road hike back, you can easily get turned around.
ENJOYMENT: 8 OF 10
The riverbed is the highlight for me, I love watching the stream cut through the sand. I would love to hike right after a heavy rain to see what it looks like… if the mosquitoes are not too bad!
