Nature

Louisiana is a nature lover's haven, so bring your binoculars and camera. You're in for a treat since this area is part of the America's WETLAND Birding Trail. America's WETLAND is a cooperative venture between Louisiana's Department of Culture, Recreation & Tourism, the America's WETLAND: Campaign to Save Coastal Louisiana, Shell Oil Company, local leaders and their tourism bureaus, that promotes communities, attractions, events and activities within Louisiana's coastal zone around a brand of experiential travel and adventure called "Eco-Cultural Tourism". You can find a wealth of additional Eco-Cultural resources along LA Highway 82. Take a drive along this highway as it winds its way through the southern part of the parish, where you'll see farms, marshes as well as other native birds, alligators, deer and nutria. 

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) provides a two-mile birding and nature trail at White Lake Wetlands Conservation Area (WLWCA) located 7.4 miles south of Gueydan at the end of Hwy. 91. in Vermilion Parish.  The trail is open daily from sunrise to sunset and there is no fee or permit required for visitors. Visitor parking spaces are located at the entrance to White Lake WCA, The trail area includes a covered pavilion with tables, two educational kiosks with information on the trail and the species of plants and animals in and around the WCA, and an observation tower located at the southeast corner of the trail. For more information on WLWCA, call 337-536-9400 to visit their webpage.

For the kayak and canoe enthusiasts who would like to navigate the Vermilion River, visit the Bayou Vermilion Paddle Trail. This website allows users to locate and identify recreation areas, boat and canoe launches, businesses and other amenitie from the northernmost access point on the Bayou Vermilion District's North Landing all the way to the public boat launch in Intracoastal City. Palmetto Island State Park is one of the southernmost stops on the trail. The paddlle trail map also identifies areas where paddlers and boaters should use caution, such as areas with frequent barge traffic. 

For recreational fishing licenses and regulations, visit the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries for more information or to purchase a licenses.