Grosse Savanne Eco-Tours
Bell City, Louisiana
The Grosse Savanne Eco-Tour takes place on a 50,000-acre property of fresh and salt-water marshes, cypress swamps, coastal prairies, pine forests and farmland. It is a paradise for nature lovers, who can enjoy boat tours, miles of secluded trails and unparalleled bird-watching.
Though the land was severely damaged by rice production during the early 20th century, restoration efforts over the past decade have brought back hundreds of native plants and animals. More than 400 species of birds migrate through the region each year, making it one of the top birding locations in the United States. Herons, cranes, storks and roseate spoonbills are just a few of the feathered friends that visitors can hope to meet.
During the boat tour, visitors are treated to a narrated overview of the area’s unique ecosystem and history as they drift past flowering lily pads, nesting birds and the occasional alligator hiding in the reeds. Though the water may seem deserted at first, make no mistake, the smallest disturbance can bring alligators to the surface in the blink of an eye.
Visitors are encouraged to leave as early as possible, since birds and other wildlife tend to come out during the morning. Boats can accommodate up to eight passengers at a time.
www.grossesavanne-ecotours.com
Horseback Waterfall Tours
Pickens, South Carolina
There are few scenes as serene and awe inspiring as a surging waterfall. For almost five years, Rhett Leonard has been leading groups on a two- to three-hour horseback tour through the Land of the Waterfalls in South Carolina, a region with more than 250 waterfalls. Leonard began organizing the trips because of his deep passion for horses as well as the surrounding waterfall country, and he enjoys sharing the unique experience with others.
Just past Table Rock Mountain, groups arrive at Leonard’s horse ranch, where he pairs each person with one of his Tennessee walking horses, then loads the horses into a trailer. After commencing their journey, riders typically follow Little River to three distinct waterfalls — High Falls, Bridal Veil Falls and Triple Falls — with water occasionally splashing at their heels. Each one is a majestic view to behold.
“I’ve had two couples get engaged on the tour,” said Leonard.
Along the way, the trail passes sweeping views of pine trees and granite ridges. At Triple Falls, riders can dismount and watch water cascade 120 feet from three stone platforms like a giant staircase, where scenes from “Last of the Mohicans” and “The Hunger Games” were filmed.
Tours are offered year-round, depending on the weather, and must be scheduled in advance. Each trip accommodates up to six people.
