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Bogue Chitto NWR - Jim Schmidt Boardwalk

Louisiana  >  United States

Well maintained boardwalk and trail featuring Black-bellied Whistling-Duck, Prothonotary Warbler, herons and migrating passerines.

Added* by Kindred Hodge
Most recent update 11 March 2026

Description

Bogue Chitto National Wildlife Refuge is a protected area located mainly in Louisiana, with parts extending into Mississippi. It covers around 36,000 acres of diverse habitats, including bottomland hardwood forests, swamps, bayous, and upland pine forests. The Jim Schmidt boardwalk and trail has a small lake on one side and bottomland hardwood/marsh on the other. Prothonotary Warbler is present in spring and summer. Yellow-rumped Warbler, Pine Warbler and Swamp Sparrow are present in winter.

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck use the nest boxes in the lake. Snowy Egret and Great Egret have used the small island in the lake as a rookery.

While the location is out of the way the site is pretty and well maintained. It is infrequently birded compared to other hotspots in the area but can be rewarding.

Details

Access

The Jim Schmidt boardwalk and trail is located near Nicholson, Mississippi. Access is by car from I-59, Exit 11. There is no public transportation available. Birding is by foot. The walking route is about 1 mile out and back. Usually allow 30-45 minutes for a visit. In spring and fall migration allow up to two hours.

Terrain and Habitat

Wetland , Forest , Lake

Conditions

Flat

Circular trail

Yes

Is a telescope useful?

No

Good birding season

Spring , Autumn , Winter

Best time to visit

Spring migration , Autumn migration , Winter

Route

Paved road , Wide path

Difficulty walking trail

Easy

Accessible by

Foot

Birdwatching hide / platform

Yes

Extra info

This area is not heavily birded but fishermen and others can be expected in small numbers. The board walk and trail have been recently upgraded making it a pleasant walk for casual hikers as well. Parking has not been upgraded and is not well marked.

Watch out for uncommon flyovers of Bald Eagle, Swallow-tailed Kite and Least Tern.

Links

View other birding spots in the area that are published on Birdingplaces

Map

Top 5 birds

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