Chemin-A-Haut State Park is situated on a high bluff overlooking Bayou Bartholomew and is a natural paradise for lovers of unspoiled beauty. This 503-acre site takes its name from the French word meaning "high road," which was the route used by Native Americans many years ago in their seasonal migrations.
Chemin-A-Haut State Park was designed with children in mind. Two playgrounds in the day-use area are a favorite spot of the younger patrons as is the wading pool in the swimming complex. Also, the park's swimming pool is open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, so campers and picnickers can refresh themselves on hot summer days. In addition to RV and tent camping, overnight guests can also relax in cabins, some located convenient to the day-use area, while more-secluded units are located on the bayou.
The picnic area includes 35 family sites with grills and tables, five group sites (for up to 24 people), and three shelters. A hard-surfaced trail goes through the picnic area and along the high, scenic banks of Bayou Bartholomew. Rental boats afford visitors an even closer view.
Big Slough Lake, located near the edge of the park, offers an opportunity to fish from the shore. Several varieties of freshwater species can be found there. Take advantage of the beautiful seclusion of this ideal park site.
Cabins/Group Camp: Basic cookware, cooking utensils, dinnerware, silverware, towels and linens are provided. Bring your own food and personal supplies; group camp visitors will also need to bring their own dishes, silverware, paper products, bathroom tissue, towels and linens.
Fishing
From April 1 to October 1, you will only be able to catch and keep Bream, Red Ear and Blue Gill; all other fish must be released immediately.
Fishing will be allowable *only* from the banks; no fishing from boats is allowed. Kayaks and canoes will be allowed on the lake for recreational and sightseeing use only. No fishing from these water craft will be allowed.
All fishing in the lake shall be done using barbless hooks. Commercially available barbless hooks are preferred, but filed and mashed-down hooks are acceptable.
The shorelines around cabins 7 through 14 is off limits to day use guests and is reserved for cabin occupants only.
No cleaning of fish will be allowed on park grounds.
Hiking
Trails at Chemin-A-Haut State Park
Bobcat Trail - 1.1 miles
Boy Scout Trail - 1/4 mile
Equestrian Trail - 8 miles
Equestrian trails at State Parks sites are open to riders and their own horses. There is a $3/horse per day trail fee, in addition to the day-use entrance of $3 per person; overnight campsites can be rented for $22 to $28 per night, plus tax. Certification of a clean Coggins test is required for all horses brought on State Park property. It is recommended that you call ahead for the status of the trail.
On-Site Activities:
Swimming Pool
Pools are open Memorial Day weekend to August 1 and closed Monday-Wednesday for maintenance, except for holiday Mondays. When pools are open on a holiday Monday, the pools will be closed for maintenance on the Tuesday-Thursday following the holiday Monday.
From August 1 through Labor Day, pools will be open on modified schedules. Please check with the individual parks for specific days and hours of operation. All pool schedules are subject to change.
Birding
A Birder's Guide to Louisiana gives directions to over 100 areas for birding throughout the state, includes maps, Louisiana specialties, and contains beautiful photography and checklists of Louisiana birds and other wildlife. The Guide was produced through a partnership between the Atchafalaya National Heritage Area and the American Birding Association.
