Posted in Louisiana Hiking, Nature July 13, 2022 by

Take A Boardwalk Trail Through The Wetlands Of Black Bayou Lake In Louisiana

Boardwalk trails offer a unique glimpse into Louisiana’s wetlands. They allow us to get a front-row seat and become immersed in their beauty, and luckily for us, Louisiana has plenty of boardwalk trails to explore. One of our favorite boardwalk trails is over at the Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge. Here, there’s one of the most scenic boardwalk trails in Louisiana, perfect for both a solo stroll or a family outing. Let’s check it out:

There's just something about a cypress-studded view that puts a smile on your face.
Anirudh Grey/Google
Monroe’s Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge is one of the most underrated hiking spots in Louisiana.
Yi-Chun Cheng/Google
Start your adventure in the visitor center, which is actually a 19th-century planter’s house that was relocated here from its original location not too far away. Next to the visitor center is the Conservation Learning Center. Here, you’ll learn a little bit about the area and see live animal exhibits. If offers a great little run-down of what’s in store for you as you get ready to take on the trails.
There are several trails that weave throughout the reserve, including an arboretum trail and a prairie trail.
Anirudh Grey/Google
If you have the time, you should check them out. They are all pretty short and sweet (less than three miles) and feature a whole new side of the refuge.
The mile-long boardwalk nature trail will take you right over the lake.
Anirudh Grey/Google
The 1,700-acre lake is just beautiful on a clear day.
Anirudh Grey/Google
You can also rent a canoe from the visitor center if you want to paddle around the lake.
The 400-foot pier extends even further onto the lake, and it’s a great spot to do a little wildlife viewing.
Anirudh Grey/Google
The vegetation on the lake can get thick at times, so look closely!
Anirudh Grey/Google
In the warmer months, you might see alligators and turtles sunbathing on the shoreline. Birds are a pretty common sighting, especially egrets, herons, and anhingas.
Even as you drive away, keep an eye out for animals.
Anirudh Grey/Google
Alligators and turtles are common, but if you're lucky you might catch a glimpse of some of the land-loving swamp critters like coyotes, skunks, or white-tailed deer.

Imagine leaving the refuge and looking in your rear-view window and seeing this beauty waving you off!

For even more boardwalk trails, pay a visit to Barataria Preserve where you can explore over 20,000 acres of marshes and swamps from several boardwalk trails that weave throughout the preserve.

Address: Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, 480 Richland Pl, Monroe, LA 71203, USA

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