Blog

With the summer upon us, this waterfall trip was a true delight. With so much of the trip being in the creek bed, it keeps you cool and your spirits high. This was the first trip to Clark Creek since we upped the classifications. The ever changing water flow has made some of the trailRead more

With these summer rains, hiking in the Southern states, there is always a risk of getting caught in a thunder storm, today was not going to be any different. With a 60% chance of rain after noon and getting a somewhat late start, I knew we were going to keep the trip a little shorter. Shorter, not only becauseRead more

How do you hydrate? It’s important to stay hydrated, especially in the hottest months of the year! We have a variety of options to keep you drinking water all summer long! Try a backpack hydration system, like the CamelBak ‘Day Star’ or The North Face ‘Torrent 12’. Already have the backpack? Just need the reservoirRead more

We were to meet at Pack & Paddle at 8 but by 7:40 most of those meeting in Lafayette were already there. Once we arrived at Clark Creek Natural Area, we looked around for the folks we were meeting there.  Hmmm…one group was there but a group of 5 was missing.  We got one of the missingRead more

We left Pack and Paddle at 7am with a threat of rain in the forecast.  We arrived at Lake Martin, stopped at the south entrance of the trail and started our bird watching hike.  We saw lots of great egrets and roseate spoonbills nesting from the trail. The group were friends and relatives and were quite fun,Read more

Clark creek natural area has been my local favorite for a long time and the last 2 Waterfall Hikes here have not disappointed. One of my favorite parts of this trip is the ever changing landscape that is continuously being eroded from the cool soft flowing natural springs. On my last couple of visits IRead more

The weather was going to be great for this trip and apparently everyone knew it because we had a long waiting list.  So the 16 folks that make the trip, along with Kevin and I, had one of the most perfect days that we could have hiked the backbone trail. I must say I wasRead more

Once we left Pack & Paddle, we had a second meeting place at the Atchafalaya Welcome Center at the Butte LaRose Exit.  If you haven’t been here, stop in and watch the short film about the swamp, it is pretty dang awesome.  Also there are lots of local books and artwork on display.  We droveRead more

On Sunday,  September 23, 2012, we set out from Pack & Paddle for a day hike in Clark Creek Natural Area. The weather had been cool the week prior to the hike, and we were secretly hoping that the trend would hold up. For such a short 2 hour “all-highway” drive East, the trail is remarkablyRead more

Come into Pack & Paddle to demo any camping stoves and water filters! While you’re at it, bring in your backpack for a Shakedown. We’ll help you lighten your load! The newest addition to our recently renovated camping area is the Shakedown Summit – an interactive display that features an ultralight backpack along with waterRead more