Cypress Island Preservation Trail
Trail photos
Author
Trail stats
- Distance
- 3.11 mi
- Elevation gain
- 62 ft
- Technical difficulty
- Moderate
- Elevation loss
- 62 ft
- Max elevation
- 35 ft
- TrailRank
- 39
- Min elevation
- -6 ft
- Trail type
- Loop
- Moving time
- one hour 32 minutes
- Time
- 2 hours 9 minutes
- Coordinates
- 908
- Uploaded
- January 16, 2024
- Recorded
- January 2024
near Azema (historical), Louisiana (United States)
Viewed 8 times, downloaded 0 times
Trail photos
Itinerary description
Old-growth live oaks, cypress and tupelo trees covered in Spanish moss and surrounded by slow moving, swampy waters.
TNC established the preserve after two large land donations occurring in 1994 and 2001 to protect approximately 9,500 acres of the largest remnant of bottomland hardwood forest remaining in the Teche-Vermilion watershed. In 2009, TNC built a Visitor Center at the Preserve, which supports efforts to educate and inspire the public about our mission and work in this fragile natural area.
SIZE
Approximately 9,500 acres of important cypress-tupelo swamp and bottomland hardwood forest.
The preserve’s walking levee trail is also an ideal place to observe trans-gulf migratory songbirds. Keep an eye out for a variety of reptiles and amphibians, including the American alligator.
We invite visitors to enjoy birdwatching and a 2.5-mile walking levee trail. The trail is suitable for children ages 5 and up but might pose a challenge for strollers due to uneven terrain and muddy conditions after rain. Other ways to enjoy the preserve include hiking, boating and kayaking from a small launch at the northern end of the levee trail
NOTE: The preserve’s boardwalk is currently in disrepair. TNC is working to replace and improve the .25-mile loop.
NOTE: The levee trail and kayak launch are closed during alligator nesting season June through September. Also, the rookery—located at the southern end of Lake Martin—is closed to boat entry during bird breeding and nesting season February through July.
The Visitor Center is located at 1264 Prairie Highway, St. Martinville, LA 70582.
Waypoints
Bridge
Intersection
5 ft
The Nature Conservancy Protecting nature. Preserving life.
Cypress Island Preserve Enjoy Your Visit The Cypress Island Preserve is open to the public every day during daylight hours for hiking, wildlife viewing, and boating. Parts of the preserve are subject to closure for alligator nesting season and for the waterbird breeding season. Please call or visit our website for the current hours that, the Visitor Center and Picnic Pavilion are open to the public. Regulations No hunting or discharging firearms from levee or on preserve property. Overnight camping is not allowed. Remain on established trails. No ATVs or other motorized vehicles allowed on trails. Do not collect plants. Do not approach, harass, or feed wildlife It is illegal to feed alligators in St. Martin Parisk No swimming. No open fires. No littering: Pack it in, pack it out. Cypress Island Preserve Office and Visitor Center 1264 Prairie Hwy/LA HWY 353 at the corner of Rookery Road (337) 342-2475 nature.org/louisiana ve the lands and The mission of The Nature Conservanty is to conserve th waters on which all fife depends
Tree
Photo
Summit
Birding spot
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The pupil must first trace his masters basic works...said somebody great way way back in time.