Hotels near Barataria Preserve

The swamp begins far closer to New Orleans than most visitors expect. Barataria Preserve in Marrero, about 40 minutes southwest of the French Quarter, protects roughly 26,000 acres of bald cypress swamp, bayou and freshwater marsh, threaded with nine miles of boardwalk and trail that cost nothing to walk. It forms part of Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve, named after the privateer who used these waterways to run goods past the New Orleans customs house.

Alligators, great blue herons, egrets and the occasional armadillo are routine sightings along the Bayou Coquille and Marsh Overlook trails, which link into a straightforward two-mile out-and-back. Rangers lead free guided walks several times a week from the visitor centre. Commercial airboat operators run from nearby landings if you want to get out on the water rather than above it.

Pro Tip: Go early morning or late afternoon between March and October, when alligators are active and the heat is survivable. Bring repellent regardless - the marsh sections of boardwalk have no shade and the mosquitoes there are relentless.