Take A Brief But Beautiful Hike Through The Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge Near New Orleans
Located northeast of New Orleans, Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge is one of the most scenic spots near New Orleans, and it’s worth the road trip. A popular spot for fishing, paddling, and birdwatching, there’s one little boardwalk trail that’s pure perfection, and you’re going to love it. Gas up the car and grab those sneakers, because you’re going to love the Bayou Sauvage Ridge Trail.
Clocking in at 23,000 acres, Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge is the largest urban wildlife refuge in the United States, and it’s only about 30 minutes from downtown New Orleans.
And along the way you'll be met with the various habitats the refuge supports, including bottomland hardwoods, freshwater and brackish marshes, lagoons, canals, borrow pits, and natural bayous.
It's also one of the best places for birdwatching. Egrets, herons, and pelicans are just a few of the birds you can see year-round. And of course, you may spot some of the other swamp critters like alligators, turtles, and maybe even a white-tailed deer if you're lucky.
