Cooler mornings are the best time to hike in south Louisiana, and BREC's biggest park sits out in Greenwell Springs. Frenchtown Road Conservation Area, sometimes called "The Land Between the Rivers," covers nearly 500 acres of bottomland hardwood forest in the floodplains of the Amite and Comite rivers, including habitat types ranked as rare or imperiled.

What you'll find

More than 3 miles of trails wind through the north and central parts of the park, leading to a beach on the Amite River, several river overlooks and cypress-tupelo sloughs. Fishing is allowed under state rules, but swimming isn't recommended because of fast currents. The conservation area is open daily from sunrise to sunset at 17819 Frenchtown Road in Greenwell Springs; park in BREC's lot just past the railroad underpass.

A few ground rules keep it wild: no dogs, bikes, horses, alcohol or collecting. After heavy rain, give the trails a few days, because low spots can flood when the Amite runs high.

Programs this fall and winter

BREC's conservation staff fill the calendar with guided outings:

Revive Your Mind Nature Hike, Sat., Nov. 7, 9:30-11:30 a.m.: a slow, mindful hike off the beaten path for adults and teens 13 and up, $10

Nature Pioneers, Nov. 13 and Dec. 11, 10 a.m.-noon: short hikes, puppets, stories and crafts for ages 2 to 6 with an adult, $10

Going Wild: Home School Series, Nov. 5, Nov. 19 and Dec. 3, 2-4 p.m.: hands-on lessons on animals and habitats

Nature Explorers Fall Camp, Nov. 23-25, 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.: three days outdoors over Thanksgiving break for ages 7 to 12, $75

First Saturdays at Frenchtown, Dec. 5, 9:30-11:30 a.m.: rotating nature activities for ages 6 and up, $5

Most programs require online registration through BREC.

Pack water, wear shoes you don't mind getting muddy, and give yourself a morning in the trees.

Photo courtesy of BREC.