6 Of The Greatest Swamp Hiking Trails Near New Orleans For Beginners

Louisiana may not have the rugged terrain that other states are known for, but just because we are on fairly flat land doesn’t mean that we don’t have some beautiful trails to show off. There are several swamp trails near New Orleans that are picture-perfect this time of year, and easy enough for beginners to take on with no problems. All of these trails are less than five miles long, so you can knock it out in an hour or two, but you’ll end up loving the scenery so much you might just find yourself taking your time to take in the views.

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This little hidden gem in New Orleans has three trails, all of them under a mile long. The interpretive signs along the way are great for kids, too and the scenery will have you second guessing if you’re still in New Orleans. Address: 11000 Lake Forest Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70127

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There are several trails that will take you on quite the journey through the preserve’s 23,000 acres. The boardwalk trails will give you a glimpse at the marshes, swamps, and bayous that are tucked away, all while underneath canopies of beautiful cypress and pine forests. Depending on your schedule, you can mix and match the trails to fit your needs, but we suggest starting at the Visitor Center trail and taking that to the Palmetto Trail, which would be just under two miles out-and-back.

Address: 6588 Barataria Blvd, Marrero, LA 70072

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A quick trip across the Causeway and you’ll find yourself at Fontainebleau State Park. The 2,800-acre state park is nestled right along the shores of Lake Pontchartrain, and has some delightful little trails that won’t take up more than an hour of your day.

Address: 62883 LA-1089, Mandeville, LA 70471

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While you’re on the Northshore, pop on over to the Northlake Nature Center. There are three trails that will take you around Savanna Lake and also some beautiful views of Bayou Castine.

Address: 23135 US-190, Mandeville, LA 70448

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At roughly six miles, this particular trail is a little bit longer than the rest on this list but worthy of a road trip for sure. This trail is great for wildlife viewing, so bring the kids for an epic adventure. Even though it’s an out-and-back trail, you can always just go as far as you’d like and then head back when the young ones tucker out.

Address: 20876 Chef Menteur Hwy, New Orleans, LA 70129

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There are two trails at the Woodlands Conservancy, three if you count the equestrian trail that runs parallel to the Bottomland Trail. Both the Bottomland Trail and the Uplands Trail will lead you on an adventure though the wetlands, but if you’re up for a bit of a longer hike, take the Bottomland Trail which will lead you to a grouping of abandoned WWII Ammunition Magazines.

Address: 1500 Woodland Hwy, Belle Chasse, LA 70037

Have you hiked any of these trails before? Let us know in the comments below!