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NatureParks & Gardens

This Picturesque Park Is An Undiscovered Oasis Just Outside Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Blackwater Conservation Area near Baton Rouge offers scenic trails, fishing lakes, and a peaceful escape from city life.

Published Aug 9, 2022

Written by 

Jackie Sutherlin

Just outside of Baton Rouge lies one of the most scenic parks in Louisiana, perfect for a day of outdoor exploration, hiking, fishing, and even swimming. The Blackwater Conservation Area is one of the most underrated parks in the Greater Baton Rouge Area, yet it's one that will quickly capture your heart and become your new favorite spot.

You’ll find the Blackwater Conservation Area just outside of Baton Rouge in Baker.

A serene park scene with a winding path, trees, and a calm lake surrounded by lush greenery under a clear sky.
Susan Rushing/Google

It's a great spot for anyone in the city looking to escape the noise of city life for a few hours. It's less than 15 miles from downtown!

The area opened in 2002 and is one of the many parks maintained by BREC.

A winding gravel path surrounded by lush green trees and foliage under a clear blue sky.
Stephan Terebieniec/Google

Fun fact: it used to be a dirt/gravel mine, but was abandoned in the late 90s. Today, it's a nature lover's paradise and a much-needed home to local wildlife.

The 57-acre park features about three miles of trails to explore.

Sign for Blackwater Conservation Area displaying rules, regulations, and a map of the area. Surrounded by trees.
Daryl McCleery/Google

All of the trails are less than a mile long, so you can mix and match them to fit your schedule.

There are also two large fishing lakes for you to drop a line in.

A serene pond surrounded by lush green trees, with reflections of the foliage on the water's surface.
Parker Duncan/Google

Or just find a good spot on the dock to watch the reflections bounce off of the water.

It's a great spot to do a little bird watching.

A serene pond surrounded by lush greenery and trees under a clear blue sky.
Donna Butler/Google

Egrets and herons love to search for snacks here.

The walking paths vary from wide-open paved walkways...

A paved path leads through a grassy park by a calm pond, surrounded by trees under a clear blue sky.
Rodrick Harris/Google

...to enchanting off-road adventures.

A narrow, sandy path winds through lush green foliage and trees in a serene forest setting.
Brian Mooney/Google

The park is nestled along the Comite River, and there's even a little stretch of beach to enjoy.

A serene river scene with lush greenery, sandy banks, and people enjoying the outdoors under a partly cloudy sky.
Scott Spearman/Google

The refreshing water is so welcome after a day in the sun, especially for dogs.

And depending on what time of year you visit, the walking paths may be peppered with lovely wildflowers to light your way!

Bright yellow flowers with dark red centers surrounded by lush green foliage.
Brian Mooney/Google

For more information, visit BREC's website. There are plenty of incredible parks in Louisiana to explore, which one is your favorite?

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