If you are local to New Orleans, there is something that you probably don’t know. While the city is home to a world class WWII museum, there are other relics from World War II that aren’t as easily experienced.

In a city named; Belle Chasse rests 10 WWII era ammo bunkers!

All that required to see them, even go inside if you dare, is to walk….. kind of a long walk (if you don’t hike on a regular basis). I’m not a hiker, runner or even consider myself a walker – not anymore than is necessary. So, for me it was a long walk.

Just across the concrete bridge from Algiers (Orleans parish) into Belle Chasse is a nature trail called the “Bottomland Trail”.

To be honest, the trail isn’t as photogenic as many others in the area are, nor is it outfitted with a wooden plank type of boardwalk (those are nice). No, this is a nature trail. More of a path really. There’s a good many muddy areas (if there’s been a recent rain) and some of the trails allow horses, and you know what horses leave behind.

I didn’t run into any, but it’s something to think about.

Wear comfortable and disposible shoes. Also, the round trip of the main trail is about 5 miles. You’ll probably need to bring water and bug spray. The bunkers are at about the halfway point of the rough circle. So, about 2.5 miles of walking. The trail isn’t straight either, it kind of wanders through the woods. I went later in the day than I should have. This meant that I didn’t have a lot of time with the bunkers. In fact, I only got to see 3 of the 10 as the sun was starting to drop out of the sky very quickly!

Here are a few of the photos I was able to get before needing to make my way out of the woods before dark!

Some have reported seeing snakes, gators and wild pigs. I didn’t see any of that. Of course, it was still cool when I made my trip.

If you’re not afraid of exercise (or some wild animals – maybe), then this may be a location that you’ll enjoy. I plan to go back again soon. Maybe I’ll see you there!