G rand Cote, outside Marksville, is a wonderful venue for learning about the environment, wildlife observation and crawfishing in spring.
Hikers use farm roads and a short trail near refuge headquarters.
Hunting is not permitted, though the refuge conducts hunter education programs. Habitat includes bottomland hardwood forest, bayous, willow sloughs, open marsh and small ponds. The refuge supports diverse wildlife, including several hundred native species of mammals, reptiles, amphibians, birds, fishes and insects. Common, though often secretive, species include bobcats, alligators, red and grey foxes, mink and otter. More frequently encountered are white-tailed deer, raccoons, fox squirrels, beaver, marsh hawks, shorebirds and wading birds.