Jean Lafitte NHP Barataria Preserve Part 1

Friday July 10, 2026

Jean Lafitte NHP Barataria Preserve Entrance Sign

South of New Orleans the Barataria Preserve, part of Jean Lafitte National Historic Park, is a great place to get out of the city and see how the area looks naturally. These photos are from the nature trail by the visitor center. It is a short boardwalk trail that lets you walk through the swamp without getting your feet wet. The visitor center is a good place to start your visit to the preserve.

Visitor Center Boardwalk Trail Most of the Trail is a Boardwalk

Cypress Trees Along the Trail The Boardwalk Takes You Into the Swamp

This hike was in January, so the cypress trees did not have any leaves. If you want to sit and take it all in, there is a bench or two where you can stop and spend time admiring the trees or bird watch.

Boardwalk Through Cypress Trees with a Bench Cypress Tree in January

Just off the boardwalk was an alligator. He just laid there, perfectly still despite people walking by.

Alligator Next to the Boardwalk Alligator Only a Few Feet from the Boardwalk

Currently (2026) this and much of the Barataria Preserve area is closed for reconstruction and repairs. Check the Barataria Preserve NPS website for current conditions and check out the new boardwalk when it reopens. Jean Lafitte NHP has several sites across southern Louisiana, including a visitor center in the French Quarter, the Chalmette Battlefield from the battle of New Orleans and a few Acadian Cultural Centers.

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