Handy Brake National Wildlife Refuge is located just north of Bastrop in Morehouse Parish, north central Louisiana. The refuge was established in 1988 with the southeast's first fee title transfer of a Farmer's Home Administration tract (466 acres) to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. A free lease of 38 acres from International Paper Company increased the refuge to the current 501 acres. An observation platform overlooks a permanent wetland, which is excellent habitat for wintering waterfowl, wading birds and many other wetland dependent species.

To reach Handy Brake NWR, take U.S. Hwy 165 into Bastrop, Louisiana. East of the courthouse square and after the divided lanes have merged, turn north onto Cooper Lake Road. Travel approximately 6 miles and look for refuge sign on the east side of the road.