Barataria Preserve

Barataria Preserve is a 23,000-acre protected area in Jefferson Parish near Marrero that is a unit of Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve. The preserve protects an area showcasing Louisiana's wetlands, bayous, and swamps. There are several miles of natural surface and boardwalk trails throughout the preserve with numerous educational displays. Self-guided and cell phone tours are available as well to learn more about the cultural and natural history of the area. Paddling the swampy waters is unfortunately no longer possible due to excessive aquatic plant growth.

Contact Information:

6588 Barataria Blvd.

Marrero, LA

Phone: (504) 689-3690 ext. 10

Map:

 

Trails:

Bayou Coquille Trail:

Bayou Coquille Trail is half-mile boardwalk trail that leads from the Bayou Coquille parking area to Lower Kenta Canal. The trail follows its namesake, slowly descending along a natural levee. Near the parking area, the ground is dry. It soon becomes swampy and ends at a marsh. There are several educational signs along the trail.

Marsh Overlook Trail:

Marsh Overlook Trail is a boardwalk trail, just under a half-mile, that leads from the end of Bayou Coquille Trail out to an overlook at Upper Kenta Canal.

Palmetto Trail:

Palmetto Trail is a one-mile boardwalk that leads from the visitor center to the Bayou Coquille parking lot.

Twin Canals Trail:

Twin Canals Trail starts from a parking area about 1.5 miles up Barataria Boulevard from the visitor center. It leads about a half-mile between two parallel canals out to Kenta Canal.

Visitor Center Trail:

Visitor Center Trail is a short quarter-mile trail that leads from the visitor center out to an overlook on a marshy area. Palmetto Trail splits off about half way through.

Wildlife:

Spanish moss (Tillandsia usneoides) is common throughout the preserve, draped over trees.

Philadelphia Fleabane (Erigeron philadelphicus)

American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) are common in the preserve. Do not feed or approach the alligators. They are unable to climb up the boardwalks so you're safe if you stay on the trail.

I spotted a couple raccoons (Procyon lotor) run across Palmetto Trail, but they were too quick for a good picture.

Blog Entries:

09-Mar-2018: The Big Easy

External Links:

National Park Service website: https://www.nps.gov/jela/barataria-preserve.htm