Trails

There are two wildlife observation trails on the refuge, one in a freshwater impoundment and another in coastal brackish/saline marsh.

The Wetland Walkway is a one-and-a-half mile trail and boardwalk located approximately four miles south of the refuge office with parking and facilities near State Highway 27. It provides opportunities for wildlife observation and photography. There is a boardwalk over the impounded freshwater marsh of Unit 1B and wildlife can frequently be seen crossing the trail. The trail also features a raised observation tower that affords spectacular views especially at sundown when the western sky frames acres of grassy marsh. Visitors can see wading birds, waterfowl, alligator, rabbits, armadillos, muskrat, nutria, nesting birds, butterflies, and migrant songbirds during various times of the year. The trail is open year-round from dawn until dusk.

Sabine Wetland Walkway Sign
Image Details
Wetland Walkway Sign at Sabine NWR

The Blue Goose Trail is located along State Highway 27 just north of the refuge office and features parking and a wildlife observation platform. Wading birds, shorebirds, waterfowl, diamond backed terrapins, and many other brackish/saline marsh and shoreline species may be seen along the trail. The trail is open year-round from dawn until dusk.

Blue Goose Trail

Open: Year-round, dawn until duskLength: .25 mileThe Blue Goose Trail and scenic overlook is located just north of the Sabine office on the east side of State Highway 27. The Blue Goose Trail is one mile round trip. It is a paved trail that winds through a brackish marsh on a wooded levee to the edge of Calcasieu Lake. The Blue Goose Trail is open year round, from dawn until dusk. It has little to no change in elevation, accessible to the disabled, and suitable for hikers of all skill levels. Visitors may obtain a detailed map of the trail in the Sabine National Wildlife Refuge General Brochure.
Trail Length (mi)
0.48
View Trail

Wetland Walkway Trail

Open: Year-round, dawn until duskLength: 1.5 milesThe Wetland Walkway is located four miles south of the Sabine office on the west side of State Highway 27. There is a parking lot, restrooms, and a water fountain for your convenience. The trailhead is located just behind the restrooms. The Wetland Walkway is a 1.5 mile loop with two additional spurs. It is concrete with a boardwalk portion, an observation tower, and several rest shelters. There is a boardwalk over the impounded freshwater marsh. The trail is open year-round from dawn until dusk. More detailed information about the walkway may be found in the Sabine NWR General Brochure.
Trail Length (mi)
1.19
View Trail