14 Incredible Natural Wonders In Louisiana That Defy Explanation
By Jackie Ann|Published December 08, 2023
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Jackie Ann
Author
Louisiana native and LSU Alum (Geaux Tigers!), Jackie has lived in Louisiana for over three decades and currently lives in New Orleans. She's been writing for OnlyInYourState since 2016 and can often be found with a coffee at her side, dreaming of her next adventure.
The Bayou State has no shortage of natural wonders. Whether you’re looking to jump in an airboat and embark on a high-speed adventure over the swamps or a scenic hike that will take you to treetop views, we’ve got it all. We’ve compiled a comprehensive list of our favorite natural wonders in Louisiana so that the next time you feel inspired to tackle the Pelican State’s natural side, you’ll have plenty of places to choose from.
In a state that’s infamous for being below sea level (well, at least New Orleans), you’d be surprised to learn there are a few waterfalls in Louisiana! Interestingly enough, all three of Louisiana’s waterfalls are located in the J.C. “Sonny” Gilbert Wildlife Management Area. That makes it easy to knock out all three in one afternoon!
1. Rock Falls
J.C. "Sonny" Gilbert Wildlife Management Area, Sicily Island, LA 71368, USA
Location: J.C. “Sonny” Gilbert Wildlife Management Area
Wow Factor: It’s the tallest waterfall in Louisiana!
Cost: $20 for an annual pass or $5/day
Starting off with the tallest waterfall in Louisiana, welcome to Rock Falls. This waterfall clocks in at 17 feet and the hike to reach it is less than two miles. It’s a catch-22 with these waterfalls because you’ll want to get your timing just right. These waterfalls are best viewed after a rainfall, but keep in mind that these are primitive trails, so if you come here after it’s been raining, your shoes will pay the price. A small price to pay to see a waterfall in Louisiana, if you ask me!
2. St. Mary’s Falls
J.C. "Sonny" Gilbert Wildlife Management Area, Sicily Island, LA 71368, USA
Location: J.C. “Sonny” Gilbert Wildlife Management Area
Wow Factor: Hiking around this area is incredible. It’s a much different landscape than you’ll find in southern Louisiana.
Cost: $20 for an annual pass or $5/day
Not far from Rock Falls, you’ll find St. Mary’s Falls. Coming in at about 10 feet, she’s not as tall as Rock Falls but still an impressive sight for Louisiana standards. The WMA is open from dawn until dusk, but you will need a permit to enter. Snag that at the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries website.
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3. Big Creek Falls
J.C. "Sonny" Gilbert Wildlife Management Area, Sicily Island, LA 71368, USA
Location: J.C. “Sonny” Gilbert Wildlife Management Area
Wow Factor: Bragging rights to say you’ve seen all the waterfalls in Louisiana.
Cost: $20 for an annual pass or $5/day
Honestly, if this was any other state it probably wouldn’t qualify as a waterfall but here in Louisiana, I guess we were feeling generous. Big Creek Falls is still worth your time, especially if you’ve come to this WMA to check out the other two falls. Just like the other two, time your visit after a hard rain so you can see it in its full glory.
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Best Swamps In Louisiana
Louisiana has endless waterways, and our swamps are one of the biggest tourist attractions. Whether you want to admire them from land or hop in a swamp boat and take a tour, these are some of the best swamps in Louisiana that are a must-visit.
4. Atchafalaya Swamp
Atchafalaya, 901 Louisiana Ave, New Orleans, LA 70115, USA
Wow Factor: This massive swamp is the largest in the country, and is just overflowing with natural beauty.
Cost: Free
Sorry Florida, the Atchafalaya Swamp is the largest swamp in the nation. This massive river swamp is nearly a million acres and is just teeming with wildlife. Nutria, foxes, muskrats, beavers, otters, and even black bears all call this area home. Of course, alligators thrive here, too. They’re not the only animal that thrives in this wonderful wetland. The Atchafalaya is home to the largest nesting convention of bald eagles in the south-central United States! It’s also five times more productive than any other river basin in North America.
Wow Factor: It’s widely recognized as the most pristine swampland in the United States.
Cost: Free
You’ll find the Honey Island Swamp over in St. Tammany Parish, right by the Louisiana/Mississippi border. Named after the abundance of honey bees that were once seen in the area, the Honey Island Swamp clocks in at an impressive 70,000 acres. If you plan on taking a tour of the Honey Island Swamp it won’t take long before you learn about the swamp monster associated with it. Different from the Rougarou, with a similar appearance to Bigfoot, the legend of the Honey Island Swamp Monster dates back to 1963.
6. Barataria Preserve
Barataria Preserve Visitor Center, 6588 Barataria Blvd, Marrero, LA 70072, USA
Wow Factor: Part of the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve, Barataria Preserve is close to New Orleans, kid-friendly trails
Cost: Free
Since it’s less than 20 miles from New Orleans, Barataria Preserve is an easy swamp in Louisiana to visit, especially if you’re coming to explore The Crescent City. There are tons of nature trails in Barataria Preserve, and all of them are less than three miles so you can mix and match to fit your schedule. Many of the trails are boardwalk trails which give you a chance to explore the preserve’s 20,000 acres in a unique way. Plus, it’s an ideal spot to see some alligators, egrets, and many other swamp critters that thrive in this ecosystem.
Best Overlooks & Scenic Vistas In Louisiana
From treetop vistas to endless marsh overlooks, there are plenty of lovely overlooks in Louisiana. Many of them don’t even require a long hike, which is always a perk! Here are some of our favorite overlooks and scenic vistas in Louisiana:
Wow Factor: The trail to get to it is short and sweet and you might just have it all to yourself.
Cost: Free
If you take the Bayou Coquille Trail at Barataria Preserve to the very end, you’ll come to the Marsh Overlook. From here on a clear day, you could see for miles! There are plenty of benches, so feel free to sit for a spell and take in the view. You might want to bring some sunglasses and/or a hat though, because the overlook doesn’t have much shade.
Wow Factor: Treetop views right from your car. You can’t beat that!
Cost: Free
The views from the Longleaf Vista Recreation Area will make you think you’re not in Louisiana anymore. This part of the Pelican State certainly has more rolling hills than you’d expect, and the views from this little area are just dreamy. You don’t even need to get out of your car! Although I’d highly recommend taking the Longleaf Vista Nature Trail and wandering through the longleaf pines.
Wow Factor: Louisiana’s only hikeable mountain is a quick and easy jaunt to the summit. It’s also the highest natural summit in Louisiana!
Cost: Free
I know I shocked you with Louisiana’s waterfalls, now let’s switch gears and blow your mind with Louisiana’s mountains! Ok, one mountain. And Driskill Mountain is only 535 feet. Other states wouldn’t even call it a mountain but we are very proud of our little pile of earth. In fact, it’s the tallest natural summit in the state! The hike up to the summit is about a mile and it’s kid-friendly. When you reach the summit, you’ll have some lovely treetop views and a few places to sit and enjoy yourself. Don’t forget to sign the guestbook!
Best Natural Wonders In Louisiana
We’ve covered waterfalls, scenic overlooks, and swamps, but many of Louisiana’s natural wonders don’t fit into one of those categories! Don’t worry, we’ve got your back. Check out these natural wonders in Louisiana once you’ve explored everything else:
Wow Factor: Endless miles of hiking trails, rolling hills, and tons of campgrounds.
Cost: Free
Boasting over 600,000 acres and spanning seven parishes across central and northern Louisiana, the Kisatchie National Forest is a must-visit for nature lovers. There are hundreds of hiking trails in the Kisatchie National Forest, including the state’s longest: the Wild Azalea Trail. You can even pull off the trail and set up camp just about anywhere within the forest, just make sure you leave the place better than you found it.
Wow Factor: Incredible opportunity to see wildlife at this lake, especially alligators.
Cost: Free
Although technically a part of the Cypress Island Preserve, which falls into the Atchafalaya area, Lake Martin deserves its own spot on the list. Tucked away in Breaux Bridge in the heart of Cajun country you can easily view Lake Martin from the comfort of your car, but there’s also a lovely little nature trail that meanders along the shoreline. This is one of the best places to see alligators in Louisiana, and the lake is full of them!
Wow Factor: Drive right onto the beach and you can also camp here!
Cost: Free
Louisiana doesn’t get enough credit for being a Gulf Coast state, especially when it comes to beaches! Yes, Louisiana does have Gulf Coast beaches, and Holly Beach is one of the best. It’s a popular stop along the Creole Nature Trail, but you can get here without taking the All-American Road. The best part about both Holly Beach and Rutherford Beach is that you can drive right onto the beach!
13. Rutherford Beach
Rutherford Beach, Gulf of Mexico, Creole, LA 70632, USA
Wow Factor: Incredible spot for finding seashells.
Cost: Free
Just a few miles east of Holly Beach, Rutherford Beach is another hidden gem beach in Louisiana worthy of a road trip. Just like Holly Beach, you can drive right onto the beach and also camp here. Rutherford Beach is known for its epic sea shelling, so while you’re taking your beach stroll, keep an eye out for some beauties to add to your collection!
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14. The Castle Tree
Chemin-A-Haut State Park, 14656 State Park Rd, Bastrop, LA 71220, USA
Wow Factor: You’ll need a kayak or a canoe to get to it, but this thing is so big you can actually pull your kayak right into it!
Cost: All Louisiana State Parks have a $3 admission fee
For an awesome aquatic adventure, make your way to north Louisiana’s Chemin-A-Haut State Park. From Louisiana’s oldest state park, you can rent a canoe and set off to see one of the largest cypress trees in the country. Nicknamed “The Castle Tree,” the tree measures about 20 feet in diameter and is estimated to be anywhere from 800-1,000 years old! If you prefer to stay on land, there’s another giant cypress tree tucked away in St. Francisville’s Cat Island National Wildlife Refuge. Keep this in mind if you’re visiting Baton Rouge since it’s close by.
If you love these natural wonders in Louisiana, strap in. If you want to go island hopping, check out Avery Island (home of Tabasco), Jefferson Island, and Grand Isle, Louisiana’s only inhabited barrier island. Avery Island and Jefferson Island are close to each other, but Grand Isle would need to be its own adventure. Happy exploring!
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