Take A Boardwalk Trail Through The Wetlands Of Black Bayou Lake In Louisiana
By Jackie Ann|Published July 13, 2022
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Jackie Ann
Author
Louisiana native and LSU Alum (Geaux Tigers!), Jackie has lived in Louisiana for over three decades and currently lives in New Orleans. She's been writing for OnlyInYourState since 2016 and can often be found with a coffee at her side, dreaming of her next adventure.
Boardwalk trails offer a unique glimpse into Louisiana’s wetlands. They allow us to get a front-row seat and become immersed in their beauty, and luckily for us, Louisiana has plenty of boardwalk trails to explore. One of our favorite boardwalk trails is over at the Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge. Here, there’s one of the most scenic boardwalk trails in Louisiana, perfect for both a solo stroll or a family outing. Let’s check it out:
There's just something about a cypress-studded view that puts a smile on your face.
Start your adventure in the visitor center, which is actually a 19th-century planter’s house that was relocated here from its original location not too far away. Next to the visitor center is the Conservation Learning Center. Here, you’ll learn a little bit about the area and see live animal exhibits. If offers a great little run-down of what’s in store for you as you get ready to take on the trails.
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There are several trails that weave throughout the reserve, including an arboretum trail and a prairie trail.
If you have the time, you should check them out. They are all pretty short and sweet (less than three miles) and feature a whole new side of the refuge.
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The mile-long boardwalk nature trail will take you right over the lake.
In the warmer months, you might see alligators and turtles sunbathing on the shoreline. Birds are a pretty common sighting, especially egrets, herons, and anhingas.
Even as you drive away, keep an eye out for animals.
Alligators and turtles are common, but if you're lucky you might catch a glimpse of some of the land-loving swamp critters like coyotes, skunks, or white-tailed deer.
Imagine leaving the refuge and looking in your rear-view window and seeing this beauty waving you off!
For even more boardwalk trails, pay a visit to Barataria Preserve where you can explore over 20,000 acres of marshes and swamps from several boardwalk trails that weave throughout the preserve.
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