Rock Falls Trail Hike - Sicily Island, LA - OS/BCOS MEMBERS

Event open to Ozark Society members.

Does Louisiana have waterfalls??  Yes it does and the tallest one is in the JC "Sonny" Gilbert Wildlife Management Area near Sicily Island, Louisiana.  Join us for a hike to Rock Falls and St. Mary's Falls (each short hikes of 1-2 miles each).  More information/details below:

Date:  Saturday, 3/18/23

Meeting time and location:  Planning to meet at 8:30 am at the Pilot Truck Stop in Haughton, LA  (I-20 Exit 33) - https://goo.gl/maps/fXeU85Fj2ECCJ2w57 

**If you aren't coming from Shreveport, contact me (Kim) and we can arrange an additional meeting spot in Ruston or Monroe (we'll be passing through on our way)

Destination:  We'll be traveling east on I-20 through Monroe, then south on 425 toward Sicily Island, Louisiana.  The drive should take us around 2.5-3 hours.  Once in that region we'll hike 2 different waterfall trails that are part of the JC "Sonny" Gilbert Wildlife Management Area including:

• Rock Falls Trail (tallest waterfall in Louisiana) -  Access to this trail is from the south end of the wildlife management area.  The google map location is https://goo.gl/maps/VehGnCZaaQrweTt98  but I know from experience it can be a little tricky to find the right gravel road to take so be sure to either follow the group or get additional instructions from me if you're coming directly to the trailhead.
• St. Mary Falls Trail - Access to this trail is from the north end of the wildlife management area.  We'll travel to this trailhead after we complete Rock Falls hike.  The google map to this trailhead is https://goo.gl/maps/X4HfTaSzcij41evC7 

LDWF Permit/Check in Rules:  Access to wildlife management areas in Louisiana  (like Bodcau and like this one) require 2 things... (1) that you have an annual Wildlife Management Access Permit (which is $20 per year) and (2) that you complete a self-clearing permit (check in/out) on each visit to the area.  If you don't already have an access permit you can purchase that by visiting https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/page/wmarefugeconservation-area-licenses-and-permits (read the rules and then click on "Buy a License" at the top of the page.  Once you purchase the access permit you can load it into your LA Wallet app for easy paperless access.  To complete the self-clearing permit (check in/out) you can either dowload the LDWF app (which allows easy electronic check in) or you can stop at the check-in station (which for this hike it's on the road to the Rock Falls trail).

What to bring:  I suspect the bugs will already be a problem on the trails with the mild winter we had (the persimmon seeds lied!!) so be sure to wear/bring bug spray along with the other usuals (good hiking shoes, hiking stick, water, etc).  There are sections of these trails that are fairly steep and can be covered with leaves/pinestraw so can be slippery (wear good grippy shoes).  

Plan to bring a lunch to snack on during the hike (we may want to picnic while at the falls and enjoy the scenery while we eat).  We may also hit a restaurant on the trip back home for more substantial post-hike refreshments!  

Let me know if you're planning to join us and if you want to meet in/caravan from Haughton or if you want to join us at the trailhead (if so I'll get you more details on how to find those).

Thanks!  Kim

Event leader:  Kim Cox - kcox@bpcc.edu