There Are 3 Waterfalls In This Louisiana Wildlife Management Area

In 1980, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries began to develop what is known today as the J.C. “Sonny” Gilbert Wildlife Management Area. Today, the wildlife management area sprawls across over 7,500 acres in Catahoula Parish and is one of the most underrated wildlife management areas in the state.

If you’re up for an adventure, the J.C. “Sonny” Gilbert Wildlife Management Area does not disappoint.

Justin P./All Trails Formerly known as the Sicily Island Hills Wildlife Management Area, the name changed in 2015 in memory of J.C. “Sonny” Gilbert, a state senator from 1960-1972.

The terrain is some of the most unique in Louisiana.

Paul/Google The WMA is full of high ridges with sharp drop-offs, so be sure to watch where you’re going.

There are three nature trails within the WMA.

Scott Guidry/All Trails

Each trail offers a unique perspective of the WMA, but more importantly, each trail features a waterfall!

KC Temple/All Trails

That’s right, waterfalls in Louisiana!

Justin P./Google These waterfalls are easily some of the most underrated natural attractions in the state.

The longest trail, The Big Creek Hiking Trail will take you around the northern end of the WMA, winding through about seven miles of beautiful scenery.

Justin P./Google

The other two trails, St. Mary’s Falls Trail and the Rock Falls Trail, are each under two miles and - as you may have guessed - feature a waterfall along the trail.

Sophie Webber/All Trails Pictured above is Rock Falls. At 17 feet, it’s the tallest waterfall in Louisiana. It may not be a thundering cascade, but we think it’s quite pretty!

St. Mary’s Fall is about 10 feet, and equally as lovely as Rock Falls.

Joshua Poe/All Trails You could listen to the water cascading over the falls for hours - it’s that peaceful.

The WMA is open daily from dawn until dusk.

Tyler Snell/All Trails

For more information, including a trail map and more, visit the Louisiana Wildlife & Fisheries website. Remember, you’ll need a permit and/or a license to enter any wildlife management areas in Louisiana, and you can learn more about that here.

Justin P./All Trails

Formerly known as the Sicily Island Hills Wildlife Management Area, the name changed in 2015 in memory of J.C. “Sonny” Gilbert, a state senator from 1960-1972.

Paul/Google

The WMA is full of high ridges with sharp drop-offs, so be sure to watch where you’re going.

Scott Guidry/All Trails

KC Temple/All Trails

Justin P./Google

These waterfalls are easily some of the most underrated natural attractions in the state.

Sophie Webber/All Trails

Pictured above is Rock Falls. At 17 feet, it’s the tallest waterfall in Louisiana. It may not be a thundering cascade, but we think it’s quite pretty!

Joshua Poe/All Trails

You could listen to the water cascading over the falls for hours - it’s that peaceful.

Tyler Snell/All Trails

If you’ve ever seen any of these waterfalls in person, let us know in the comments below!

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Address: J.C. “Sonny” Gilbert Wildlife Management Area, Sicily Island, LA 71368, USA