INDEPENDENCE--Jordan Smith, Park Ranger at Bogue Chitto State Park, Franklinton will be at the Independence Branch of Tangipahoa Parish Library at 2 p.m. showing skins and pelts.

He will speak Thursday, July 19 at 2 p.m.

At Bogue Chitto State Park, visitors can experience a diversity of natural habitats on one of the most dynamic and scenic river systems in Louisiana.

The 1,786-acre site includes small streams, cypress tupelo swamps, a hardwood forest, upland forests and a rolling landscape. Overnight visitors will find accommodations from tent camping to RV camping to cabins overlooking the bluffs. For larger groups and family reunions, the park offers a group camp and a conference room.

Frickes Cave, which--despite its name--resembles more of a gorge, possesses delicate sandstone spires created when water erodes the surface underneath pebbles. The pebbles remain perched atop the spires, while over time water splashes on the sandstone surface, forming the two-foot tall fingers of sandstone that shoot up from the now-lowered surface. Boardwalks have been built, so that visitors can admire the sandstone creations from afar, as the formations are too delicate to allow visitors to walk amongst them.

Fourteen miles of equestrian trails wind through some of the most interesting topography of southern Louisiana, with the trailhead located near Fricke's Cave.

A day trip to Bogue Chitto State Park will be a full one, with a river perfect for canoeing or kayaking, 11 lakes stocked with a variety of freshwater fish, a water playground, numerous picnic pavilions and an outdoor classroom.

To go to the park, enjoy all it has to offer.

For reservations to the park you can call 1-877-CAMP-N-LA (877-226-7652) toll free or Email: boguechitto@crt.la.gov.

Directions: From Amite, take Hwy. 16 east to Hwy. 25. Turn right (south on Hwy. 25. Then turn onto State Park Blvd. Entrance to the park is 1 mile. Total distance from downtown Amite approximately 27 miles.

GPS Coordinates: N 30.767527983, W -90.1573070.

The site is open daily. Gates open at 7 a.m. and close at 9 p.m., Sunday through Thursday, and at 10 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and days preceding holidays.

April-September, entrance station is open 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.; October-March, entrance station is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Entrance Fees: $1 per person; Free for Seniors (62 and older) and children age 3 and under.