Unlock the Hidden Trails of Fort Buhlow: Discover Louisiana's Best-Kept Secret!
Photos and Story by Ken Hulsey
Typically, when I trek out to Buhlow, I enjoy a stroll along the marked hiking trails near the park entrance. However, today I decided to be a bit more adventurous and explore a somewhat hidden trail. This path winds from the parking lot, follows the Red River, and leads to the Union Pacific railroad bridge and beyond. Most people are unaware of this unmarked trail through the woods, which has been created over the years by those who have ventured there. Although it isn’t an official hiking trail, the path runs parallel to the river, crosses a couple of small streams that many don’t know exist, and ultimately ends at the bridge.
From the base of the bridge, you can climb up to the railroad tracks and cross over. If you decide to do this, please exercise extreme caution. These tracks see a lot of trains, and despite their enormous size, trains can approach without making much noise. Be sure to look both ways before crossing the tracks and cross over as quickly as possible.
Once on the other side, if you hike along the edge of the tracks to the east, away from the bridge, you will come to an access road used by the railroad. This road offers a great view of Buhlow Lake from the west side. If you continue hiking around the lake, you'll reach an area where pipes connect the lake to the Red River. These pipes are used to drain the lake if the water level gets too high, or to allow water in if the level gets too low. On this day, a steady stream of water was flowing into the lake, and there is something truly magical about the sound of running water.
If you choose to continue down this road, you will eventually find yourself at the old historic Fort Buhlow. I've never walked all the way there, but I know people who have. I plan to try that sometime. Today, however, I was content to simply walk along the lake and head back. Naturally, I took a few photos during my walk, and I hope you enjoy them.
Here is something to meditate on today:
Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven . . .—Matthew 6:20
"Many young people are building their lives on the rock of materialism. I find across the country a deep economic discontent among people in every walk of life. People want more and more things. They forget that we are enjoying the highest standard of living the world has ever known. We still have poverty, and hundreds of agencies are trying to do something about it, but we are dissatisfied. We want more, more, more. But Jesus said, “You cannot serve God and money.” He said that a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things that he possesses. Adolf Berle, in his study of power, points out that riches often make people solitary and lonely and, of course, afraid. Many times, a rich man knows loneliness and fear, because when he makes wealth his god, it leaves him empty. You see, without God life loses its zest and purpose and meaning." - Billy Graham
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