9 Untouched Natural Paradises In Louisiana That Must Be Seen To Be Believed
By Jackie Ann|Published August 28, 2018
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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.
Louisiana is full of natural paradises just waiting to be explored. We are blessed to have some of the most beautiful natural scenery all in our backyard, and it’s worth your while to take some time to get out and explore this beautiful state of ours. Here are nine places that perfectly capture the natural landscape of Louisiana:
Established in 1994, Big Branch National Wildlife Refuge is 15,000 acres of pine flat woods and coastal marsh. The boardwalk trail gives visitors a glimpse into this natural oasis and offers tons of wildlife viewing.
Located in Breaux Bridge, Lake Martin is a beautiful, swampy ecosystem that’s also home to one of the largest nesting colonies for wading birds in the state. Along with birds, Lake Martin is also home to a number of alligators, turtles, snakes, and other common swamp creatures.
This beautiful 185-acre park is a delightful area for anyone who loves the water. It's a popular spot for swimming, sailing, and crabbing, but its unique location gives fishermen the opportunity to fish in Vermilion Bay or head out to the Gulf of Mexico for some deep sea fishing. You certainly don't want to miss out on seeing a sunset at Cypremort Point State Park. They may just be some of the most beautiful in the state, so plan some extra time to stay and watch it unfold. Don't forget to bring a camera!
Wilderness enthusiasts will absolutely love exploring Louisiana’s only national forest. The Kisatchie National Forest is comprised of over 600,000 acres stretched across five ranger districts, each with dozens of trails to explore. For an epic adventure, spend a weekend roughing it while traversing the unique terrain and beautiful views.
Located in St. Tammany Parish, the Honey Island Swamp is one of the least-altered river swamps in the country and is thought to be one of the most pristine swamplands in the United States. Named after the honeybees that were once commonly seen near the area, Honey Island Swamp covers around 70,000 acres and is full of wildlife.
The boardwalk trails at Barataria Preserve give visitors a glimpse of the preserve’s 23,000 acres of bayous, swamps, forests, and marshes. It’s not uncommon to see alligators, turtles, and birds in the area, so keep your eyes peeled as you wander around.
For a truly scenic day, spend some time at Chicot State Park over in Ville Platte. The park features 6,400 acres of rolling hills surrounding a beautiful 2,000-acre lake. From fishing to wildlife viewing, there’s something for everyone at this amazing state park.
Located in south-central Louisiana, the Atchafalaya River Basin is the largest river swamp in the United States. Every year, thousands of tourists visit this growing delta system to admire its beauty. There are dozens of swamp tours that would be delighted to take you out on the water to teach you about the importance of this amazing wetland.
Head on down to the tip of the boot for a truly memorable experience. Louisiana’s only inhabited barrier island is known for its world-class fishing opportunities and mesmerizing Gulf views. You can camp right on the beach at the Grand Isle State Park, so bring a tent and fall asleep under the stars to the sounds of the waves crashing on the shore.
Where’s your favorite natural oasis in Louisiana? Let us know in the comments below! Don’t forget to share photos of your outdoor adventures on our Louisiana Nature Lovers group on Facebook. You’ll find tons of photos snapped by fellow Louisianans all across the state and can show off your own!
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