This beautiful recreation area is nestled along Bayou Rigolette at its outfall into the Red River in Pineville. Nearly 135 bird species have been recorded at this tranquil site, set within mixed-pine hardwood, bottomland hardwood, and cypress swamp forest habitats.
Birding typically yields species such as Red-headed, Red-bellied, Downy, and Pileated Woodpeckers, Northern Flicker, White-eyed Vireo, Northern Cardinal, Carolina Chickadee, and Tufted Titmouse. During spring and fall migration, woodland birders may also expect species such as Philadelphia and Warbling Vireos, White-breasted and Brown-headed Nuthatches, Field, White-crowned, and Song Sparrows, Blue Grosbeak, Indigo and Painted Buntings, and numerous warbler species.
The boat launch and pier at Bayou Rigolette, along with the cypress swamp habitat lining the shoreline, provide great views of waterfowl, shorebirds, herons, egrets, other wading birds, gulls, terns, raptors, and other species, including Purple Martin, Northern Rough-winged, Barn, Cliff, and Tree Swallows.
Amenities include a ranger station, excellent directional and identification signage, nature trails, sports fields, a disc golf course, a boat launch/pier, picnic areas, restrooms, and paved parking. Additional outdoor recreational activities include fishing, paddling, hiking, biking, and nature photography.
