Fiddlers Loop Nature Trail

The Fiddlers Loop Nature Trail is a 2-mile long loop trail inside Grand Isle State Park that circles the park's lagoons. Beginning on the east side of the parking area at the crabbing dock, the trail follows a mostly-flat route over a hard-packed and sandy surface around the lagoon. The sound of the surf can be heard drifting over the barrier dunes between the trail and the sea. Shortly in, a bridge rises over a portion of the water, allowing a greater vantage point for seeing the brown pelicans that congregate in this part of the lagoon. The trail continues, crossing the entrance road near the entrance station building and then continuing on the other side. The western lagoon tends to have smaller birds such as ibis and egrets. Due to the trail's low and flat setting, it has a tendency to get muddy, especially on the beachside of the the loop, after very high tides or wet weather. A couple of small paths will get hikers off the trail and onto the asphalt park road. However, if the trail is dry, it is possible to continue the hike on this side back to the parking area. There are no amenities at the trailhead. However, bathrooms and water are available at the observation tower pier directly across from the dock parking area.