Bodcau Trail is a 2.6 mile lightly trafficked loop trail located near Haughton, Louisiana that features a great forest setting. The trail is rated as moderate and primarily used for hiking, trail running, and mountain biking. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
A series of three interconnected loops (2.4 miles, 2.4 miles, and 2.2 miles) that can be combined to add up to whatever mileage you are looking for.
Extremely poorly marked. The trails were covered in leaves so thick you could hardly tell what was what. I got turned around so many times. I would occasionally see arrows, but they were pointing in directions where there were no trails. After a while I just gave up and followed the sound of the road back to my car.
It’s obvious no one has been out here in awhile. The Trail is in desperate need of maintenance. There are downed trees all throughout the ride. Some trees were still hanging in other trees. Lots of exposed roots makes for a bumpy ride and so many spiderwebs. I mean, we did just have Hurricane Laura pass through so there’s that. It’s still a fun ride, but I might have to come back out with my chainsaw and clear some of the paths.
The trail entrance to the left will take you on a trail that is well marked by orange triangles and will eventually take you to the intersection where you first enter the campground area, then crosses to the east side of Bodcau Dam Rd. The trail entrance to the right takes you to the far side of a chain link fence that holds sand/gravel for the WMA. It's not a hard trail (it has a couple of benches along the way to stop and rest), but this section is poorly marked. Even backtracking on that part of the trail, I saw no markers. But, I do plan on returning and exploring the trail on the east side of the road soon. Got in around 4 miles total for the morning. Bring water, and bring head covering. Pestered by flies buzzing around throughout the walk. Otherwise, very peaceful environment. Good to get away from Shreve/Bossier noise for the day.
June 16, 2020 Trails not clearly marked. Several different trails intersecting. Lot of spider webs. Enjoyable but bring plenty of water because won’t know what trail your on.
Trail path was easy to follow (or so I thought) I ended up hiking over 4 miles. I must have turned wrong somewhere but I dont remember and splits, however it was mypouring down rain as during a stretch of the hike. Beginning of the hike lots of spider webs. Trail is narrow throughout. A thunderstorm came while I was hiking and it poured down rain and the path became a mini stream. It made the hike more challenging but I was up for it and had fun. I did end up hiking after dark because I went longer than I planned (glad I brought my headlamp). Lots of tree stumps, glad I brought hiking poles. Great solo hike. sc
An easy trail. Saw several trees blown over covering the trail. Also saw that the reservoir had risen about 20-30 feet because it had washed up into the woods many logs & trees. Spray yourself with DEET 40 for ticks or you'll get covered.
This would be a really fun trail to ride if you were either familiar with the trail or if it had signs at the trail access points indicating direction of travel. there is a trail map, but you have to hike at least a mile before finding it -its dependent in whether you went in the correct direction. currently there are several large downed trees and a lot of smaller downed trees and branches.
Well, the first loop of the trail is fun with quick ups and downs getting my blood pumping; tried to cross over the road and navigate the other 2 loops but too overgrown for my taste this time of year. However, road biked over the dam... pretty views and stumbled upon a 0.5 mi paved nature trail (by the shooting range) that nature seems to be reclaiming. Overall, was pleasant and quiet for a Saturday morning. I’ll try again when it’s not prime tick season.
i couldn't even find this trail. clicked on the directions and it took me to someone's house. then put in Bodcau Dam, and went there, but still couldn't find the trails. Then I put in Durden Nature Trail and it told me I was still 40 minutes away. Very disappointing and a waste of time and money.
A nice hike through the woods, we saw a snake and lizard along with trees budding and flowers beginning to bloom. Definitely a great place to 'get away' and enjoy nature. We only did the orange section of the trail, but it was a nice short hike. We plan on going back another day to do the rest. We did not see any bikers, but we were there on a weekday afternoon. The trail was well-marked and maintained.
Bodcau Dam - Durden Hills Nature Trail - Mountain Biking This trail is not for beginners. If you're looking for an easy trail to casually ride you will not enjoy this trail. It's very hilly with several fairly steep climbs. There are also a ton of roots. You will constantly be going over and around them. There are several small bridge crossings through out the path. If you enjoy a more challenging and technical style ride this might be a great trail to check out! Here is additional trail information from Louisiana Off Road Cycling Organization (locomtb.com): Trail Description: The approximately 7 mile trail was orginally a hiking/nature trail that has been redesigned to provide the mountain biker with some of the finest single track in Louisiana. This trail has several of the longest and fastest single track downhill sections in the state. Perfect for those who are wanting a taste of big hill riding without having to leave the state. It WILL get your heart rate up. This trail is the secret training ground of most of the top Louisiana MTB racers who constantly place in the top 3 overall in the Texas and Arkansas MTB Series races. One 7 mile lap here is the equivalent of one 11 mile lap at Ruston. Directions: From I-20 take the Haughton/Fillmore/Hwy 157 exit. Go north about 10 miles. Turn right on Bodcau Dam Road (Follow Signs). After passing fire tower, turn left. Stop at the big sign-in sign and fill out a card. It’s FREE! The trail head in on the left where the road forks.
The trail is actually called the Durden Hills Nature trail (to avoid confusion). It is located in the Bodcau WMA near Haughton, LA. The distance is whatever you want it to be given that it consists of 3 interconnected loops (2.4, 2.4, and 2.2 miles). The trails meanders and rolls.