One of the many perks to living in New Orleans is that we’ve got the best of both worlds: the joys of city life while still close enough to Louisiana’s iconic swamps and wetlands. The next time you want to trade the city views for a more natural landscape, hop in the car and head on down to Houma where you’ll find the Mandalay Nature Trail, one of the most beautiful trails near New Orleans.

Deep down in the heart of Bayou Country lies the Mandalay National Wildlife Refuge, one of eight refuges in the Southeast Louisiana National Refuge Complex.
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The 4,600-acre refuge is a beautiful landscape of freshwater marsh and cypress-tupelo swamps that attract nature lovers from all over.
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Although the majority of the refuge is only accessible by boat, there is a nature trail that's perfect for an afternoon adventure.
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The Mandalay Nature Trail is just shy of a mile long, making it ideal for families with little ones.
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The out-and-back trail starts off as a gravel trail.
Trevor Fanguy/Google
Listen for the sounds of cheerful songbirds up above as you make your way through the canopies of Spanish moss draped on the trees.
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The trail then opens up to a boardwalk where you’ll have some stunning views of the wetlands.
Trinity Bourque/All Trails
The overlook is a great spot for wildlife viewing.
Gregory Hart/Google
The kids will love spotting gators in the water! In the summer months, it’s not uncommon to spot an alligator or turtle sunbathing on a fallen log in the water.

The Mandalay Nature Trail is open from dusk until dawn, seven days a week.

Have you ever visited the Mandalay National Wildlife Refuge, or hiked the trail? Let us know in the comments below!

 

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Mandalay Nature Trail, Rue De La Manson, Houma, LA 70360, USA