We’re always on the hunt for nature trails in Louisiana that offer scenic views, but rarely do you come across a trail that will lead you to an abandoned military site. Next time you’re looking to get outside and take on a new adventure, consider heading over to the Woodlands Conservancy where you can tackle one of the most unique trails in the state.
The Woodlands Conservancy is one of the best-kept secrets in the Pelican State.
Stephanie Smith/All Trails It’s located in Belle Chasse, just outside of New Orleans. It’s remote enough to make you feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere, but still close enough to the city to make it in an afternoon.
When you want to get away from it all, this is the place.
Stephanie Smith/All Trails The 630-acre preserve has over 10 miles of trails to explore, and they even have equestrian trails if you’d like to bring along your gentle giant for an adventure of exploring.
There’s a good chance you may not even see another soul while you’re on the trail.
Hollie Garrison/All Trails Just you and the sights and sounds of nature!
Depending on the time of year you visit, the trails may be peppered with beautiful wildflowers.
Woodlands Conservancy/Facebook Nothing like a little splash of color to brighten your day!
You might even see some local wildlife.
Woodlands Conservancy/Facebook These armadillos are just living their best lives here, don’t you think?
The majority of the trail is filled with beautiful landscape and wildlife viewing opportunities, but at the end of the Bottomland Trail, you’ll come across something you just don’t see every day, and it’s a bit creepy.
A-aron/Google A bunch of abandoned WWII ammunition magazines smack dab in the middle of a wetland forest. Seems odd, right?
The ammunition magazines are leftover relics from when the area was owned by the Navy and used as the Marine Base Naval Ammunition Depot in 1939.
Kathy Hayden/All Trails Ammunition would come to the site via railroad and ships and would be stored for future use. Everything from black powder used in battleships to small arms and machine guns were stored in these ammunition depots. It was used again for the same reason during the Korean War before the state purchased the land in 1963.
It’s a bit of an eerie feeling to stand next to one.
Sally Masica/All Trails
And you can even go inside and look around.
Stephanie Smith/All Trails All of the ammunition is long gone, obviously, but it’s still a neat thing to check out. Certainly not something you come across on your typical trail!
The Woodlands Conservancy is open daily from dawn until dusk and is free to access. For more information, check out its website and be sure to give it a follow on Facebook. If you’ve ever explored the conservancy, share your experience with us in the comments below!
Stephanie Smith/All Trails
It’s located in Belle Chasse, just outside of New Orleans. It’s remote enough to make you feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere, but still close enough to the city to make it in an afternoon.
The 630-acre preserve has over 10 miles of trails to explore, and they even have equestrian trails if you’d like to bring along your gentle giant for an adventure of exploring.
Hollie Garrison/All Trails
Just you and the sights and sounds of nature!
Woodlands Conservancy/Facebook
Nothing like a little splash of color to brighten your day!
These armadillos are just living their best lives here, don’t you think?
A-aron/Google
A bunch of abandoned WWII ammunition magazines smack dab in the middle of a wetland forest. Seems odd, right?
Kathy Hayden/All Trails
Ammunition would come to the site via railroad and ships and would be stored for future use. Everything from black powder used in battleships to small arms and machine guns were stored in these ammunition depots. It was used again for the same reason during the Korean War before the state purchased the land in 1963.
Sally Masica/All Trails
All of the ammunition is long gone, obviously, but it’s still a neat thing to check out. Certainly not something you come across on your typical trail!
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Address: Woodlands Conservancy Trail Area, Belle Chasse, LA 70037, USA
