Barataria Preserve Near New Orleans

A brief history of the Barataria Preserve

The Barataria Preserve is just one part of the Louisiana wetlands, which together make up more than 40% of the wetlands in the whole US. They've been formed and shaped over the course of the last 7 millennia by the continuous shifting of the mud and the changing course of the Mississippi River, not to mention strong tropical storm systems and, later, dam construction.

But the Barataria Preserve isn't just about glimpsing the outback. There's rich human history in these parts, too. The Acadian peoples settled here at the behest of Spain in the late 18^th century. They seeded what's known today as Cajun culture, and visitors can see over 60 buildings that date from those times. There are also some fascinating exhibits related to that story at the on-site Barataria Preserve Visitor Center. 

What are the highlights of the Barataria Preserve?

The main highlight of the Barataria Preserve is that it's a whole world away from the rollicking streets of New Orleans’ French Quarter and Uptown. It might be a mere 25-minute drive from Jackson Square, but there's not a single Sazerac bar in sight. Instead, this is all about getting out and about in the LA coastal wilds.

One of the best ways to do that is on the designated boardwalk trails that weave and loop their way through the heart of the Barataria Preserve. You could start on the short 0.5-mile Bayou Coquille Trail. That will whisk you past an amazing American Indian shell mound and culminate with the 600-year-old cypress tree that's known as the Monarch of the Swamp. To escape the crowds, the Palmetto Trail is probably a better choice. It's 0.9 miles long but goes through dwarf palmetto forests in lesser-known parts of the reserve.

Encounters with wildlife are virtually guaranteed. The Barataria Preserve hosts a kaleidoscope of strange and elegant birds, from the ruby-throated hummingbird to the cuckoo and the Acadian flycatcher. However, it's the gators that usually bring the crowds. Keep watch for those in the mossy swamp areas, and be sure to keep your distance.

Good to know about the Barataria Preserve

The Barataria Preserve is a part of the larger Jean Lafitte National Historical Park. It's actually the southernmost portion of that park, so you'll need to drive at least 25 minutes south of New Orleans to get in. The route isn't hard – just follow Route 90 to Marrero and then go south through Estelle on the 45.

Because a lot of the trails in the Barataria Preserve are boardwalk trails or packed gravel, there's good accessibility for wheelchair users. Also, always check ahead to see that the weather's okay for explorations – these parts of Louisiana are prone to floods and tropical storm systems, especially towards late summer and throughout autumn.

Kayaking and canoeing are permitted but routes are often entirely closed because there's no consistent waterway management. You'll need to ask park rangers if it's possible to paddle out when you're around. Food is never permitted on the park's walking routes – there are alligators here, remember?