Ready or not, spring has sprung! Personally, I love springtime. I get to put my gardening skills to the test, and I think we can all appreciate the lovely temperatures that spring brings. It’s just the perfect time of year to be outdoors and enjoying the season. Big Branch National Wildlife Refuge has some of the best wildflower trails in Louisiana, and now is the perfect time to jump in the car and explore the Boy Scout Road Trail.

You’ll find Big Branch National Wildlife Refuge in St. Tammany Parish, near Lacombe, Louisiana.
Deon VanNostrand/Google Reviews
The refuge boasts 15,000 acres of bald cypress forests, long-leaf pine savannahs, bayous, and freshwater marsh.
It’s one of the best places to experience Louisiana’s natural landscape.
Destiny & Crew/Google Reviews
The trails are kid-friendly, so bring the whole krewe! Big Branch National Wildlife Refuge is a great place to introduce the next generation to Louisiana's natural side.

The Boy Scout Road Trail is the most popular trail within the refuge, but there are other trails at Big Branch National Widlife Refuge that you may want to check out on another visit.
The trail begins with a short looping boardwalk trail before heading off into the pine savannah habitat.
Brittney K/Google Reviews
At the end of the boardwalk, you have the option to take a left and head back to the parking lot or explore the four-mile path to Bayou Lacombe.
The Louisiana wild iris thrives here, and during springtime, they’ll pop up everywhere.
Paul Wood/Google Reviews
Especially at the beginning of the trail. These beauties usually bloom from March until April. Keep an eye out for camellias and azaleas, too!

Related Stories

The Incredible Flower Road Trip Through Louisiana Is The Ultimate Spring Adventure

The Incredible Flower Road Trip Through Louisiana Is The Ultimate Spring Adventure

 Few People Know This Beautiful Hiking Trail In Louisiana Even Exists

Few People Know This Beautiful Hiking Trail In Louisiana Even Exists

 Enjoy An Unexpectedly Magical Hike On This Little-Known Trail In Louisiana

Enjoy An Unexpectedly Magical Hike On This Little-Known Trail In Louisiana
The water lilies are my personal favorite.
Stephanie Lowe/All Trails
These typically bloom in April.
In addition to all the beautiful blooms, it's very likely you'll spot some wildlife, too!
ZX/Google Reviews
The refuge is home to countless critters, including hundreds of birds.

And since the temperatures are rising, alligators, turtles, and snakes will become more visible, too. Snakes tend to enjoy sunbathing on the trail, so watch your step!
The endangered red-cockaded woodpecker is often seen (or heard) here. If you're hiking the trail and hear a constant knocking, look up!
Terri Vermillion/All Trails
You might catch a glimpse of this woodpecker enjoying the pine savannah habitat.
And of course, where there are blooms, there are butterflies.
Denyse Sawyer/Google Reviews
You'll see so many fluttering around!

Visit the official website of the Big Branch National Wildlife Refuge to learn more.

Get yourself an AllTrails + account and read on to discover some of our favorite wildflower trails in Louisiana:

18 Best Hikes in Louisiana: The Top-Rated Hiking Trails to Visit in 2024

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Related Articles

Explore Louisiana

Featured Addresses
Big Branch Marsh National Wildlife Refuge, 61389 LA-434, Lacombe, LA 70445, USA