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Mandalay Nature Trail
4.5 ★★★★★ 157 Google reviews · Running trail in Houma, Louisiana · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Boardwalk
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Mandalay Nature Trail's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Short and sweet hiking area with a trail that's good for kids, and overlooks a swamp.
What runners say about Mandalay Nature Trail
“Super easy walk, clean and well maintained and the hike ends with a beautiful bird observation.”
“Super easy walk, clean and well maintained and the hike ends with a beautiful bird observation.”
“the deck overlooking the water at the end was so tranquil and calm.”
“Super easy walk, clean and well maintained and the hike ends with a beautiful bird observation.”
first time at the trail, what an experience! full of wildlife you hear birds the entire time, the fish were jumping out of the water, and we even saw a pretty good sized gator off the walking path! the deck overlooking the water at the end was so tranquil and calm.
Trail was absolutely teeming with wildlife. Many birds can be heard and sometimes seen for the discerning eye. The overlook at the end of the trail offers a great encompassing view of the biodiversity in this area. Best time to visit for wildlife viewing is early morning.
The first time we came here, we didn't get to walk the trail the bugs were too bad. Today, no bugs and the trail is beautiful. Peaceful and beautiful. Can't ask for more.
Lots of lush greenery, after a rain everything is cooler, but higher humidity. At least three large banana spiders living on or nearby the trail, make sure to keep an eye out for them and be careful. Water comes up right nearby the trail sometimes, and there will be frogs, large grasshoppers, and watch out for snakes.
Trail conditions & character
“The overlook at the end of the trail offers a great encompassing view of the biodiversity in this area.”
“Wildlife to see if you're quiet and attentive!”
“Great walk into natural wetlands with a nice boardwalk lookout at the end.”
Plan your run at Mandalay Nature Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- SurfaceBoardwalk — flat and scenic, and slick when wet, so watch your footing
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- Phone+1 985-860-6681
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
Running trails near Houma
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Mandalay National Wildlife Refuge
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Thousands of acres of marshland, accessible only by boat, harboring threatened & endangered species.
Mulberry Park
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Park with picnic tables and a playground for kids, as well as opportunities for running.
Willard Avenue Park
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Jim Bowie Park
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Cypress and oak trees shade this clean, serene place for fishing or picnicking, with picnic tables and benches.
Lafayette Woods Park
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Clean greenspace featuring playground equipment, picnic areas and athletic fields.