A weekend road trip sounds like the perfect day to spend a three-day weekend, right? Louisiana has so many unique attractions, you may not know where to begin. Lousiana’s wetlands are some of the most iconic natural landscapes in the country, and this epic road trip will show you three of our most beautiful swamps, marshes, and wetlands. These are some stunning swamps in Louisiana that you need to see in person!

The entire road trip is less than 200 miles, so you can spend less time in the car and more time exploring the sights.
Google Maps
Day 1: Honey Island Swamp
Honey Island Swamp, Louisiana 70461, USA
Debra Durante/Google
The Honey Island Swamp covers about 70,000 acres of some of the most pristine swamplands in the entire country.
Swamp boat tours are the best way to see the swamp. Dr. Wagner's is one of the most popular. They've been showing the swamps for over 30 years.
Amber DeAngelis/Google
You might even learn about the legendary swamp monster that's believed to lurk in the shadows at night. The Honey Island Swamp in Louisiana is a gorgeous place to visit!
The swamp is loaded with wildlife, and you'll have a front-row seat to see them.
Jason Jones/Google
It's pretty common for local tours to feed the animals marshmallows, like in the picture above. Judging by the raccoon's reaction, we'd say he likes it!
Day 2: Barataria Preserve
Barataria Preserve Visitor Center, 6588 Barataria Blvd, Marrero, LA 70072, USA
Justin P./Google
Our next stop takes you out of the boat and onto the boardwalks where you can stretch your legs and explore on foot.

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There are several trails at Barataria Preserve that will lead you through the preserve's 20,000+ acres of marshes and swamps.
Aspasea McKenna/Google
There are plenty of benches peppered along the trails, too, so you can stop and admire the view. We love this stop on the Louisiana road trip.
All of the trails are less than two miles long, so you can mix and match depending on your schedule.
Kristen Knight/Google
We'd recommend taking the Bayou Coquille Trail. It leads to a scenic overlook where you can see for miles!

One thing to note about Barataria Preserve is that it's ripe with wildlife. There are hundreds of alligators, snakes, and turtles that call the area home, and you never know who... or what... will also be using the boardwalk trails! If you see wildlife along the trail, that's your sign to spin around and find another trail.
Day 3: Atchafalaya River Basin
Atchafalaya River, Louisiana, USA
Nicholas Miles/Google
Saving the best for last, our final destination on this epic tour brings us to the Atchafalaya River Basin, the nation's largest river swamp.
You'll see a lot of the Atchafalaya along the drive, but to really witness this beautiful swamp, you've got to get on the water.
John Richardson/Google
Because the Atchafalaya is so large, there's really no wrong way to access it. One of our favorite tour companies is Champagne's Cajun Swamp Tours. They're located right on Lake Martin.
Try to time your day so that you'll see Lake Martin at sunset.
Champagne’s Cajun Swamp Tour/Google
You may even want to rent a kayak so you can explore the area at your own pace.

Are you planning on taking this road trip this summer? Will you visit these swamps in Louisiana? Let us know in the comments below!

Looking for more natural attractions in Louisiana? Check out this great list of natural wonders in Louisiana.

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More to Explore

Swamps in Louisiana

Megan McDonald | May 06, 2023

What are the best swamps to visit in Louisiana? 

Louisiana is renowned for its stunning swamps and wetlands, offering unique opportunities to immerse oneself in the state's natural beauty. Here are some of the best swamps to visit in Louisiana:

These are some of the best swamps to visit in Louisiana:

  • Atchafalaya Basin: The Atchafalaya Basin is one of the largest and most famous swamps in the United States. It features scenic waterways, ancient cypress trees, and abundant wildlife. Visitors can explore the swamp through guided boat tours, kayak excursions, or hiking trails.
  • Honey Island Swamp: Located in southeastern Louisiana, Honey Island Swamp is known for its pristine beauty and untouched wilderness. It is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including alligators, turtles, and various bird species. Boat tours and guided kayak trips are popular ways to experience the swamp's natural wonders.
  • Lake Martin: Lake Martin, located near Breaux Bridge, is a picturesque swamp known for its abundant birdlife and stunning cypress trees draped in Spanish moss. Guided boat tours provide a closer look at the wildlife and the swamp's scenic beauty.
  • Barataria Preserve: Part of the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve, the Barataria Preserve offers a chance to explore a diverse swamp ecosystem. Visitors can walk along elevated boardwalks and trails, observing alligators, birds, and other wildlife in their natural habitat.
  • Manchac Swamp: Manchac Swamp, located near New Orleans, is a hauntingly beautiful swamp renowned for its moss-draped cypress trees and rich history. Boat tours take visitors through the swamp, offering opportunities to spot wildlife and learn about the area's folklore.

 

What is the famous swamp in Louisiana?

The famous swamp in Louisiana is the Atchafalaya Swamp. Located in south-central Louisiana, the Atchafalaya Swamp is one of the largest swamps in the United States. This vast and diverse wetland is known for its picturesque cypress trees, abundant wildlife, and scenic waterways. It offers a unique ecosystem that supports various plant and animal species, including alligators, turtles, herons, and numerous fish species. The Atchafalaya Swamp is a popular destination for swamp tours, where visitors can explore the swamp's beauty, learn about its ecology, and get a glimpse of Louisiana's rich natural heritage.

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