Cat Island’s Bald Cypress Trail In Louisiana Will Lead You Straight To The Largest Bald Cypress Tree In The Country

Tucked away in the rolling hills of St. Francisville, Cat Island National Wildlife Refuge is a hidden gem for nature lovers. It was established in 2000, making it one of the more recent additions to the National Wildlife Refuge network, but even though it’s “new,” it’s home to some of the oldest trees in the United States. There’s one particular tree that you just have to see to believe and that’s the National Champion, the largest bald cypress tree in the entire country.

Wikimedia/U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Southeast Region - Pintail Lane at Cat Island NWR

Both the Mississippi River and Bayou Sara surround the refuge, and since this area doesn’t have levees, it often floods. You’ll want to check the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service website before you head over, just to make sure the roads are clear.

Amber Laviolette Braun/Google

Of course, you’ll also find your more common critters including white-tailed deer, wood ducks, red-eared sliders, and many other species.

Advertisement

Laura LeBon/Google

It’s a quick and easy hike, that’s for sure.

Advertisement

Related Stories

You'd Never Know One Of The Most Incredible Natural Wonders In Louisiana Is Hiding In This State Park

The Little Known Cave In Louisiana That Everyone Should Explore At Least Once

A Bit Of An Unexpected Natural Wonder, Few People Know There Are Waterfalls Hiding In Louisiana

Caren Pourciau/Google

It’s impossible to miss.

Gretchen Gottfried/All Trails

And the sixth largest tree in the whole country. Pretty impressive when you remember California's redwoods!

Caren Pourciau/Google

Seems this tree has grown quite a bit since the sign was put up. Here are some numbers to show you how big this thing really is:
96 feet tall
56 feet in circumference
17 feet in diameter
And roughly 1,500 years old! And clearly still growing!

It’s definitely worth taking a day trip to explore. For more information, visit the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s website.

There’s more than one tree in Louisiana with a claim to fame. On the other side of the state, you can paddle out to the Castle Tree, a close runner-up for the largest bald cypress tree contest.