Take A Brief But Beautiful Hike Through The Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge Near New Orleans

Located northeast of New Orleans, Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge is one of the most scenic spots near New Orleans, and it’s worth the road trip. A popular spot for fishing, paddling, and birdwatching, there’s one little boardwalk trail that’s pure perfection, and you’re going to love it. Gas up the car and grab those sneakers, because you’re going to love the Bayou Sauvage Ridge Trail.

Clocking in at 23,000 acres, Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge is the largest urban wildlife refuge in the United States, and it’s only about 30 minutes from downtown New Orleans.

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When the urge to surround yourself with more natural scenery strikes, Bayou Sauvage NWR is the place to be.

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The Ridge Trail is a quick and easy loop trail and it’ll take you all around the refuge.

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Clocking in at about half a mile, it’s an easy little stroll the whole family will love.

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Interpretive signs along the way clear up any confusion about what you’re looking at.

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And along the way you’ll be met with the various habitats the refuge supports, including bottomland hardwoods, freshwater and brackish marshes, lagoons, canals, borrow pits, and natural bayous.

Teresa McLaughlin/Google

It’s also one of the best places for birdwatching. Egrets, herons, and pelicans are just a few of the birds you can see year-round. And of course, you may spot some of the other swamp critters like alligators, turtles, and maybe even a white-tailed deer if you’re lucky.

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But even if you don’t spot any wildlife, the scenery is just stunning.

Rachel Wright/Google You’ll find yourself coming back every weekend to explore the whole area!

Check out their website to learn more.

Teresa McLaughlin/Google

Amanda Griffin/Google

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You’ll find yourself coming back every weekend to explore the whole area!

Have you ever visited Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge? Let us know in the comments below!

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Address: Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge, New Orleans, LA 70129, USA