The newly named Grady Erwin Nature Area will offer hiking and nature trails, which will be opened to the public after a ribbon cutting in August to September. The entrance to this new recreational area is located adjacent to the Park Service building across from Nicky’s.

The last step in the project is to install signage for trail maps and the history of the Well Woods. The signs will also tell the significance of some remnants left on the site like the old water tower and old well system. There’s still a working spring, which one trail passes by. A massive lake is located on the property and Young’s Bayou cuts through the back of it.

The whole tract of land is 84 acres. There are three trail systems totaling 4.5 miles. One trail is 2.5 miles and the other two are one mile in length. On trail is intermediate and two trails are for beginners. The trails are made for walkers and runners. There are jumps, turns and other cool aspects for bikers.

This project was completed by NSU, the City of Natchitoches, the Cane River National heritage Area, a contribution from Payne Williams, and the design work of Nevada Thomason of Tyler, Texas.