Located on the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain, this immense park has recorded 250 species of birds. These include 25 species of ducks, geese, scoters, and 27 species of warblers. An extensive trail system leads through various habitat types, including mixed pine-hardwoods, bottomland hardwoods, marsh, cypress swamp, and bayous.
An elevated boardwalk overlooking the marsh is perfect for viewing rails, Common Gallinule, Marsh Wren, waterfowl and wading birds. A long pier stretching into Lake Pontchartrain provides great views of open water birds such as diving ducks, grebes, and seabirds. Many mature live oaks with hanging Spanish moss are found throughout the park, providing opportunities for viewing songbirds.
The park’s nature trail system includes interpretive signage. Over six miles of trails, several handicapped accessible, weave through the park. All are bike and pet friendly. The St. Tammany Trace, a 30-mile biking trail, runs through the park, allowing cyclists to ride straight into downtown Mandeville.
The park includes a beach along Lake Pontchartrain, replete with a splash pad for kids. Overnight facilities include lakefront cabins, RV camping, group camp, and a lodge. Besides birding, biking, and hiking, additional amenities include a Nature Center, cultural activities like summer theater, decoy carving, and nature programs, boating, canoeing and kayaking, fishing, drinking fountains, and restrooms.
