Louisiana is one of the most beautiful places for nature lovers to explore. From the rolling hills of the north to the lazy bayous and marshes in the south, the Pelican State offers a view for any occasion. Whether you've lived here your entire life or you're just looking for a change of scenery, these natural wonders in Louisiana will take your breath away.

1. Atchafalaya River Basin

The Atchafalaya River Basin stretches for nearly a million square miles across southern Louisiana, and it’s some of the most beautiful natural landscapes in the country. It’s the largest river swamp in the country (larger than the Florida Everglades) and home to over 65 species of reptiles and amphibians. It’s also home to the largest nesting concentration of bald eagles in the south! You often think about alligators when you think of the Atchafalaya, but keep your eyes to the skies and you might catch a glimpse of this majestic bird soaring over the water.

2. Kisatchie National Forest

Louisiana’s only National Forest is a nature lover’s paradise. The forest sprawls out for 600,000 acres across seven parishes in northern and central Louisiana and is full of trails, swimming holes, lakes, and campgrounds to explore.

3. Driskill Mountain

Clocking in at 535 feet, Driskill Mountain may be considered a hill in other states, but we love our little natural wonder - it's the tallest natural peak in Louisiana! Even though the mountain is on private property, the owners are gracious enough to allow visitors to hike the trail to the summit.

4. Honey Island Swamp

Named for a large population of honey bees that once swarmed the area, the 70,000-acre swampland in St. Tammany Parish is one of the most pristine river systems in the country, and we're lucky enough to have it right in our backyard.

5. Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge

Northern Louisiana isn’t known for scenic swamp views, but that doesn’t stop Black Bayou Lake NWR. There are over seven miles of multi-purpose trails for hiking and biking that’ll lead you all around the cypress swamp and bottomland hardwood forests.

6. Avery Island

Avery Island is best known for being the home of Tabasco, but did you know that the island is actually a huge dome of rock salt? Avery Island is one of five salt domes in Louisiana (the other four are Jefferson Island, Weeks Island, Cote Blanche Island, and Belle Isle). The fertile grounds provide the perfect habitat for flora and fauna to thrive, including the famous little red pepper that made Tabasco sauce famous.

7. Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuge

Down past Lake Charles and heading towards the Gulf, Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuge contains over 9,000 acres of marshes, coastal prairies, and old rice fields. It also happens to be at the intersection of two major flyways for migratory birds, so it plays an important role as a pit stop for our feathered friends to recharge before continuing on their way.

How many of these natural wonders have you visited? Planning on putting any on your bucket list this year? Let us know in the comments below!