West coast mountain ranges and forests and east coast waterfalls and rugged coastlines sure are epic and stunning. However, the mystic nature of the swamp might hold more secrets than you think. At first glance, one might say the swamp is nothing more than flat wetlands with no gigantic trees or waterfalls. Don’t let that fool you, because the swamp in Louisiana is home to thousands of species, animals and plants. Furthermore, the Louisiana swamp is the birthplace of Creole and Cajun culture. So if you enjoy scrumptious dishes, zesty cocktails, jazz, and blues, consider exploring nature and wildlife of Louisiana once to understand where these flavors come from. Let us guide you on where to stop for the best experience of bayou nature on your road trip through Louisiana.
Sam Houston Jones State Park
First stop is Sam Houston Jones State Park, located near Lake Charles. The destination is a well known state park among Louisiana people for its abundant wildlife and various outdoor recreational activities. Popular activities at this park include hiking, birdwatching, boating, and camping. What is even better is the presence of our self-serve kayak kiosk, allowing visitors to rent kayaks anytime of the day.
For bird lovers, this is a haven to watch migratory birds as Lake Charles sits along the Mississippi. Flyway Birds are not the only wildlife vibrant here, visitors can look out for deer, bobcats, otters, turtles, alligators, squirrels, and raccoons in their natural habitats. Sam Houston Jones State Park boasts over 8 miles of trails, giving visitors the ultimate experience of hiking through the nature of the Louisiana swamp. These 8 miles trails consist of pine-hardwood forests, lagoons, and old stagecoach roads include River Walk, Cypress-Tupelo, Swamp Walk, Longlead Pine, and extension trails. Beyond the abundant nature that is present here, Sam Houston Jones State Park is a prime spot for travelers who plan to camp overnight on their road trip thanks to the availability of amenities such as water and electric hookups, cabins, and bathrooms with showers and flushing toilets.
And when you are ready to pack up and move to the next destination on your road trip, don’t miss out on spending some time in Lake Charles. The city is home to local galleries, museums like the 1911 Historic City Hall Arts & Cultural Center, and live Zydeco and Cajun music.
Milford Wampold Memorial Park
As your road trip goes on, leaving the quiet charm of Lake Charles, the road unfolds toward Baton Rouge, Louisiana’s vibrant capital. Nestled along the banks of the mighty Mississippi, the “Red Stick” city pulses with history, and culture. Located right in Baton Rouge’s busy streets, the Milford Wampold Memorial Park is an all time favorite for LSU students to immerse themselves in nature after school hours. Kayaking and paddleboarding are leisure activities that are enjoyed by people of all ages in Baton Rouge. Calm lake waters draw birds and turtles to gather and relax on the shore or on the water surface, creating a lovely view for visitors that adore wildlife.
The Milford Wampold Memorial Park boasts plenty of green space, picnic tables, grills, and surprisingly, a sand beach, a fun time for lounging after hours of sitting in a car. Open lawns shaded by oaks offer a restful spot for reading, yoga, or a casual cookout, or with road trip visitors it is perfect for a mid-day picnic while you are on the road.
Fontainebleau State Park
The North Shore is known for its vast green space and home to various wildlife as well as vegetation. Nestled along Lake Pontchartrain, the Northshore is one of the best places for kayak rentals near New Orleans due to numerous canoe and kayak launch sites. Among these, the Fontainebleau State Park is highly recommended as Bayou Adventure offers a great self-serve kayak rental service, providing affordability and allowing visitors to get ready at their own pace. Dive into the mystical bayou as you paddle through the bayou with your friends. Experience the thrill of exploring moss-draped bayous and uncovering hidden spots only accessible by kayak. Encounter abundant wildlife up close, from graceful birds to playful fish, on your exciting kayaking journey.
Besides ordinary kayaking, Fontainebleau State Park lies on the 31-mile Tammany Trace which makes exploring the region by kayaking become even more fascinating and a must-do activity in the Northshore. The 31-mile Tammany Trace which travels through the heart of the St. Tammany Parish includes biking trails and hiking trails, ideal for hikers, bikers, and birdwatchers as well. This adventure promises stunning sightseeings and unforgettable moments in the heart of Louisiana’s natural splendor.
Bucktown Harbor Park
Get to know the wildlife on the other side of Lake Pontchartrain and how they live being close to the hustle and bustle of Jefferson Parish when stopping at Bucktown Harbor Park.
Witness the beauty of New Orleans’ lakefront when kayaking on Lake Pontchartrain. Bucktown Harbor Park’s location makes it a daily go-to for locals sailors and kayakers. A little note about the Lake Vista neighborhood, it is known for being the luxurious neighborhood in the city which was developed based on an urban design. Great Egrets, Great Blue Herons, and cranes are frequent visitors of the New Orleans’ lake front, so you will see plenty of them while gliding on the tranquil water. Even though the park is located nearby a populated and busy areas, it is home to amphibians such as Gulf Coast Toads, Squirrel Treefrogs, and Green Treefrog and birds like pelicans, loons, cuckoos, owls, hawks, warblers, Bald Eagles, and Laughing Gulls. The presence of wildlife and nature here creates a picturesque green space for locals and visitors to sit-back or take a light stroll when passing by on their road trip.
Grand Isle Adventure
Immerse in the view of the Gulf of Mexico right in Louisiana when visiting Grand Isle. Head to Grand Isle State Park for some exciting outdoor actions. The presence of a self-serve kayak rental kiosk makes it easy for road trip visitors to get access to kayaks. However, the spotlight must shine upon fishing, as Grand Isle State Park’s fishing pier has been the spot for fishing. Grand Isle is the perfect destination on your road trip for a fishing adventure as the water is home to redfish, bass, trout, and more. The Grand Isle Birding Trail meanders through oak forests, one of the best destinations for birdwatching. The Butterfly Dome is home to native butterflies and plants.
When you are in Grand Isle State Park, you might wonder if the beaches here are open for swimming. The answer is yes, swimming is a popular activity among locals. However, the water may contain elevated bacteria levels in comparison to Orange Beach or Pensacola’s beaches.
Visit Louisiana’s Gulf coastline for barrier island exploration, shell collecting, and coastal birding.
FAQ
What are some outdoor activities to enjoy the nature of Louisiana?
There is a wide range of outdoor activities for nature lovers in Louisiana. Join a hiking adventure on nature trails to explore diverse ecosystems in state parks. Kayak through the bayou or on the tranquil water of Lake Pontchartrain for the best experience of Louisiana’s beautiful nature. Many state parks have amenities to make camping a pleasant time with electric and water hookups, and spots for RV parking.
What kind of animals are unique to Louisiana?
Louisiana’s landscape is a blend of wetlands, bayous, swamps, rivers, forests, prairies, and coastal marshlands, making nature here one of the most rich environments across the United States. The most iconic resident of Louisiana swamps is the American Alligator, they are often seen basking on logs or gliding through the water. Other reptiles and amphibians that are present here include water moccasins, rat snakes, ribbon snakes, turtles, frogs, toads, and salamanders. Birds you will encounter while kayaking are Great Blue Heron, Egret, Ibis, and at night breed owl and tawny owl hoots will make your camping trip even more mystic.
Where should I go kayaking in Louisiana?
Kayaking in Louisiana can be tough as there are many options to choose from. If you are coming to New Orleans, then the City Park area and Bucktown Harbor Park offer great kayak rental service; including self-serve and full service.
Fontainebleau State Park on the north shore is a great option, if not the best. The park sits along Lake Pontchartrain, featuring marsh vegetation, cypress swamp with maiden cane, pickleweed and water lilies all create a scenic and picturesque kayak trip for everyone.