Nature Station Trailhead — Attraction in Lafayette

GPS brought us to Shadow bluff road but that entrance is locked off with a chain link fence, although you can get around it by foot, or take the small trail to the left to get to a large loop trail called Moonseed. There's very little parking there. This seems to be the only access to Moonseed loop trail, which is strange. You can also take the larger trail along the canal and cross the new bridge and get to the nature center just on the other side, where there is a really nice series of boardwalks.

The campground gate on the south side of the park has a cul-de-sac where people can park and take the trail to the Nature center, although there's not much parking there either. The nature center itself is fantastic! Full of charts and animal skulls and all kinds of...

The trail head marks the starting point for the trails that go back through the Acadiana Park Camp Grounds and over a few Bayous and Coolees, and near the banks of the Vermilion River. The trail is a mix of dirt and board walks. Much of the area across the trail bridge has been improved too board walk, but the areas that are not can get very muddy, so wear the right foot wear if it's rained recently (which is very likely has). This is a very low difficulty trail and great for kids or anyone who just wants a stroll in the trees. Some of the trees are likely hundreds of years old and are huge. If you just want a quick walk at lunch or to feel a little more like you are in the woods inside the city limits, this is a...

Wish I could say "it sucks and stay away", only to keep it just for our family. This place is by far, better than anything your family could want in Lafayette! Amazing trails and walking paths, bike track, disk golf course, camp grounds, maintained open field for almost anything else... Could spend days here and still not get through all there is to do here! Nature lovers sanctuary.

Moncus Park can throw millions into their projects and plans AND STILL never be as nice or fun as The Lafayette Nature Station and Acadiana Park! If you love nature more than concrete, crave space to explore and disconnect from your hectic life, and being outdoors is your must have... You have to get to this place and support it...