Coates Bluff Nature Trail, Shreveport, recently groomed and 'ready for summer use,' says Jon Soul

Cotes Bluff Nature Trail, a photo by trudeau on Flickr.

"The Coates Bluff Trail is ready for summer use," says Jon Soul, initiator and one of several volunteer maintainers of the greenway.

"Much of the trail has been recently groomed and use is the best maintenance.You can park at either The Montessori School for Shreveport (2605 C.E. Galloway Blvd.) or Valencia Park Recreation Center (1800 Viking Dr.) to begin your trek. The loop is a little over a mile in total length."

"Enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells (oxygen levels are way up) of this inner-city sanctuary," continues Soul."You'll be walking through lush riparian forest with an equally rich history (including the site of NWLA's first trading post and post office). Some say it is in fact the "birthplace" of Shreveport.

Be sure to wear lightweight pants and long sleeve shirt or bug spray. Also remember that "vines that are hairy...be wary." Poison ivy is growing on many of the trees that border the trail."

Editor's note: I have found the trail exceptionally beautiful in the morning. I am suffering from one area of chigger bites in the crook of my left knee. Otherwise, long sleeves, long pants and a soapy shower immediately after trail walking seem to have kept me intact.