Grand Cote National Wildlife Refuge- Mark Dupuy, Jr. Wildlife Trail

The Grand Cote National Wildlife Refuge is a prime spot for birding, hiking, hunting, and fishing. The site was established to restore bottomland hardwood habitat and moist soil management areas to benefit migratory waterfowl and the Louisiana black bear.  

Waterfowl are the main attraction between November and March, best spotted from the observation tower overlooking moist soil management units. So far, 14 species of ducks and geese have been recorded. Winter is also a good time to spot raptors, including Bald Eagle.

Most of Louisiana’s wading bird species (herons, egrets, ibises, Roseate Spoonbill) can also be seen here depending on the season. Different species will show up year-round, but August is the most likely month when they will simultaneously be in the same place. Louisiana’s common woodland songbirds live on the refuge or pass through during spring and fall migration. 

The easiest access to the refuge is via Marc Dupuy, Jr. Wildlife Trail, a handicapped-accessible 0.5-mile asphalt path. It begins in a mixed pine-hardwood forest, traverses bottomland hardwoods, and connects to a boardwalk and the elevated observation tower.  Interpretive panels along the trail highlight several plant and animal species found on the site.  A handicapped-accessible spotting scope is located at the observation tower.