Boardwalk trails are a wonderful option when you’re looking to spend some time outdoors. They’ll lead you through areas you just couldn’t get to any other way, and you’ll have the opportunity to view some of the most spectacular scenery Louisiana can offer. Let’s take a look at some of our favorite boardwalk trails in Louisiana.

1. Chicot State Park

Located in Ville Platte, Chicot State Park’s boardwalk trails are some of the best. The trail completely encircles Lake Chicot and gives visitors stunning views of the bottomland hardwood forest and the lake as well. Address: 3469 Chicot Park Rd., Ville Platte, LA 70586.

2. Tickfaw State Park

You’ll love the tranquility of the boardwalk trails over at Tickfaw State Park. Visitors will be able to see the four distinct ecosystems, including a cypress/tupelo swamp, a bottomland hardwood forest, a mixed pine/hardwood forest, and the Tickfaw River. Address: 27225 Patterson Rd., Springfield, LA 70462

3. Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center

Come explore the 103 acres over at Bluebonnet Swamp Nature center for amazing scenery and abundant wildlife viewing. There’s also a 9,500 square-foot building that’s filled with live animals exhibits that kids are sure to love. Address: 10503 N Oak Hills Pkwy., Baton Rouge, LA 70810.

4. Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge

Black Bayou Lake is a 5,300-acre refuge in northeastern Louisiana that provides a habitat for hundreds of birds, endangered wildlife, migratory birds and resident wildlife. Address: 480 Richland Place Dr., Monroe, LA 71203.

5. Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge

Clocking in at 23,000 acres, the Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge is the largest urban wildlife refuge in the country. The boardwalk trail here gives you a glimpse at some of Louisiana’s most beautiful scenery. Address: 61389 Louisiana 434, Lacombe, LA 70445.

6. Lake Martin

Lake Martin is home to one of the largest nesting bird rookeries in the state. Anhinga, herons, egrets, spoonbills, and more all migrate to the area beginning in late January. The lake is also home to hundreds of alligators, nutria, snakes, and other creatures common in the swamps. The sunsets over Lake Martin are some of the most beautiful you’ll ever see, so try to time your visit so you can watch the sunset over the lake. Address: 1209 Rookery Rd., Breaux Bridge, LA 70517.

7. Barataria Preserve

Perhaps my favorite boardwalk trails of all time are those at Barataria Preserve. The preserve’s 23,000 acres include bayous, swamps, forests, and marshes, and the boardwalk and gravel trails will lead you through it all. Over 200 species of birds, hundreds of alligators, snakes, turtles, and the usual swamp creatures all call the area home so it’s a great place to spot wildlife. Address: 6588 Barataria Blvd., Marrero, LA 70073.

Where's your favorite boardwalk trail? Let us know in the comments below and don't forget to share photos from your adventures on our Louisiana Nature Lovers Facebook page!