6 Louisiana Swamps So Beautiful You Have To See Them To Believe
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Jackie Ann
Author
Louisiana’s wetlands hold a special place in our hearts. From the bayous to the swamps, these important ecosystems make up a huge part of our lives. People travel from all over to catch a glimpse of our beautiful wetlands, and we’ve got some amazing photos of some of our favorite swamps in Louisiana that will make you proud to live in the Bayou State.
Maurepas Swamp Wildlife Management Area, Laplace, LA 70068, USA
Located just outside New Orleans, the Maurepas Swamp is composed of roughly 63,000 acres that is mostly accessible by boat. From white-tailed deer to bald eagles, you never know what you’ll come across in this beautiful cypress-tupelo swamp. There’s an old tale that’s been passed around for generations, many believing that the swamp is haunted by the ghost of Juliet White, a voodoo priestess who put a curse on the town.
Lake Martin, Louisiana, Louisiana 70517, USA
Part of the Cypress Island Nature Preserve, Lake Martin has one of the largest nesting colonies for water birds in Louisiana. The preserve is made up of roughly 9,500 acres of both cypress-tupelo swamp and bottomland hardwood forest and is home to scores of wildlife like gators, snakes, turtles, and more. You can take a swamp boat tour or rent a kayak to explore the lake on your own, but if you'd prefer to stay on land then check out the hiking trail that'll take you around the perimeter of the lake.
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Atchafalaya Basin, Louisiana 70517, USA
Clocking in at almost one million acres, the Atchafalaya Basin is the nation’s largest river swamp, and easily one of the most well-known swamps in Louisiana. People travel from all over the globe to see these bottomland hardwoods, swamps, bayous, backwater lakes, and for good reason! This important ecosystem is the home for roughly 65 different species of reptiles and amphibians, more than 250 species of birds, and also nutria, fox, beaver, otters, and even the Louisiana black bear. The basin is also home to the largest concentration of bald eagles in the south-central United States, and they're always an impressive sight to see.
This paddle trail is the perfect way to explore these massive wetlands.
This paddle trail is the perfect way to explore these massive wetlands.
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Barataria Preserve Visitor Center, 6588 Barataria Blvd, Marrero, LA 70072, USA
If you’re looking to experience Louisiana’s wetlands up close and personal, then you have to drive over to Barataria Preserve in Marrero. The preserve’s 23,000 acres include swamps, marshes, forests, and scores of wildlife around every corner, and the boardwalk trails allow you access to parts of the swamps and bayous that just aren’t accessible any other way. Barataria is one of our favorite swamps in Louisiana for families with little ones, as the trails are all under two miles, so you can mix and match to fit your schedule. Plus the little ones will love the possibility of seeing wildlife so close!
Honey Island Swamp, Louisiana 70461, USA
Named for the population of bees that were once spotted in the area, this St. Tammany Parish swampland is one of the least-altered river swamps in the country, and many believe it to be the most pristine swampland in the United States. Legend has it that this 70,000-acre swamp is home to the Honey Island Swamp Monster, also known as the Tainted Keitre. Take a swamp tour for a front-row seat to this pristine natural area and learn all about the history (and mystery) of this beautiful swamp in Louisiana.
Big Branch Marsh National Wildlife Refuge, 61389 LA-434, Lacombe, LA 70445, USA
While technically Big Branch is a coastal marsh, it’s so beautiful it just had to make the list. The Big Branch Marsh National Wildlife Refuge was formed in 1994 and is comprised of approximately 15,000 acres of pine flat woods and coastal marsh. There are walking trails peppered throughout the National Wildlife Refuge that are just pure perfection on a beautiful day.
What’s your favorite swamp in Louisiana? For more epic outdoor adventures, check out some of our favorite state parks in Louisiana.
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More to Explore
Natural Attractions in Louisiana
What are some must-see natural attractions in Louisiana?
Some must-see natural attractions in Louisiana include:
- The Atchafalaya River Basin: The largest river swamp in the country, and one of the most popular swamps in Louisiana.
- Driskill Mountain: Louisiana’s beloved mountain. Clocking in at 535 feet, visitors can hike the one-mile trail to the summit to stand at the tallest natural peak in Louisiana.
- Holly Beach: A beach in Cameron, Louisiana known for being a prime spot to find seashells in Louisiana. You can also drive right onto the beach, and camping on the beach is allowed, too.
- Kisatchie National Forest: Louisiana’s only National Forest sprawls out for over 600,000 acres and boasts countless primitive trails for hiking and primitive camping.
For more outdoor adventures, take this road trip to Louisiana’s most popular natural attractions.
What are some of the best state parks to visit in Louisiana?
Some of the best state parks in Louisiana include:
- Chicot State Park: Louisiana’s largest state park. Located in Ville Platte, there are waterfront cabins, epic hiking trails, fishing, boating, and many other activities to enjoy. The Louisiana State Arboretum is also located within the park, and it features a visitor center, and several hiking trails with informational placards along the way.
- Chemin-A-Haut State Park: Louisiana’s oldest state park. Located in Bastrop, this northern Louisiana state park is nestled along Bayou Bartholomew and is excellent for kayaking and canoeing. If you do pick up a paddle, head over to the Castle Tree, a massive cypress tree that’s one of the oldest cypress trees in the country.
Here are 9 underrated state parks in Louisiana that are lesser-known but equally beautiful.