The Jean Lafitte National Historical Park & Preserve oversees six separate sites around Louisiana, and Barataria Preserve is one of them. The park’s 26,000 acres are a nature lover’s paradise, and the labyrinth of boardwalk trails that weave throughout the preserve is perfect for an afternoon adventure. 

The trails are a mixture of boardwalk trails and gravel.
Mark Newman/All Trails
All of the trails are under three miles, so you can mix and match them to fit your schedule.
Mark Newman/All Trails
These are kid-friendly trails, but keep in mind that the boardwalks don't have any rails on them, so you'll be hovering over the swamps and marshes. Keep a close eye (and hold hands) with your little explorers!
The preserve's 26,000 acres are home to hundreds of animals.
Kerry Barber/All Trails
White-tailed deer, nutria, beavers, and snakes are just a few of the usual suspects you might see along the trail.

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Of course, there's a rather large alligator population here, too. You never know what you'll see near the trail...
Ray Pitmon/All Trails
...or on it!
Kyle Harpt/All Trails
The general rule of thumb when you come across wildlife is if you don't bug them, they won't bug you. In this case, with this little fella sunbathing right on the trail, we'd recommend turning around and finding another trail. If this is your return walk and you actually need to get to the other side to leave, call the Visitors Center and a ranger will come help.
Between the views and the wildlife, you'll find yourself wanting to come back every weekend!
Victoria Nunn/All Trails
The park is free to enter, so go ahead and come back again and again until you've checked out all of the trails!

If you’re up for the challenge, the 20-mile loop trail at Chicot State Park is another amazing boardwalk trail that’ll take you through the park’s beautiful scenery, and you might even spot some wildlife there, too.

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Featured Addresses
Barataria Preserve Visitor Center, 6588 Barataria Blvd, Marrero, LA 70072, USA