Big Lake

The lake is pretty darn spectacular to walk around. Even for my slow/​short legs. It is free, and under the huge oak tree with the wind chimes, you can always find someone doing tai chi or yoga or stretching even just resting. It is right by the museum, so you get views of it. The statues are pretty darn cool. There are plenty of activities to do around this lake, as Teneha B. has mentioned. There isn’t a lot of shade on the walking path here, but there are other paths nearby that have more trees to be shaded from.
Teneha has really covered the highlights, and my being the second reviewer, I will just point you to her. A friend of mine and I love to walk this together, and her almost two year old son loves it as well. Today, there was a garden snake (non-​poisonous, very small) on the path, so be careful not to step on any critters lying around sunning themselves. Go on a walk! It might do some good!

I heart this park/​walking trail for so many reasons, here are just a few:
–it’s FREE
–Lots of random people to watch
–mother nature in all her glory
–birds, turtles, fish oh my
–Serenity in 3, 2, 1 yeah that’s it
–access to the NOLA
–beautifully landscaped walking trail
–is 1 of the largest parking in the GNO area
–Lots of free parking
–doggie fountains
–cool wind chimes in the large oak tree
–kayaking, biking, canoeing, row-​boating (rentals)
–steps away from The Bayou
Humph!!! I can on and on, but I won’t.
¾ of a mile long, this park is just what you need to motivate you to get your walk on. Benches are strategically placed along the trail just in case you want to sit or break during your stroll. One side of the trial is for wheels & the other for feet. Great designation, helps walkers & riders stay in there lane & also helps with passage as needed.
Any given time of the day you can run into a family or individuals taking advantage of the scenery, landscape & beautifully kept grounds.
There’s also a small area on the walking trail dedicated to the trees in the area. A little plaque details the various trees that line the trail & cascade throughout. Great bit of «just because» information.
I can be found here on a regular basis whether I’m ‘walking it out’ or just ‘hanging out’, it’s quite the place to clear your mind & just sit to enjoy the view.