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.
dogs on leash
hiking
mountain biking
trail running
forest
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.
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.
Good way to spend an afternoon. Not really scenic. Just woods.
Trail was pretty crowded with kids on bicycles for part of it. There was pretty landscape even for later fall and there weren't any bugs. Trail makes a good quick outing and there are bathhouses nearby if you need to pit stop.
My sister and I had a great time. We got a little confused with the trail markings but it worked out.
Serious ups and downs, have seen snakes, Deer,Turkey's great afternoon hike, challenging bike ride
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.
Would not suggest this trail for beginners wanting a easy ride. Challenging climbs and fun descents! Had a great time challenging myself on this trail.
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.