Barataria Preserve Trails and Waterways
Look closely at trailside vegetation: you may see an anole hiding in plain sight. Many waterways are currently impassable due to heavy aquatic vegetation growth; if you plan to kayak or canoe, call the visitor center at 504-689-3690 ext. 10 to check on current status. Both hikers and paddlers can find useful information on the preserve trail map and trail map description. These links show distances, trail types, picnic areas, restrooms, roads, history, waterways, canoe launches, and habitats. Paddlers should also check out preserve canoeing information. Everyone should check closures and construction to see if any activity will impact their visit. More useful information is on the page of frequently asked questions about the preserve. The Bayou Coquille Trail, Visitor Center Trail, and Palmetto Trail are wheelchair accessible. The brochure for a self-guided tour of Pecan Grove is available here (459kb pdf). You can also pick one up at the preserve visitor center. For an armchair "walk" along the Bayou Coquille and Marsh Overlook Trails via photos and phone, check out the Barataria Preserve Virtual Tour. If you're interested in the health asprects of your Barataria activites, check out our Active Trails program and get involved in future park programming! 
When crawfish dig deep into the ground during a dry spell, the tower of dirt they kick up behind them is called a crawfish mound. Summer in south Louisiana brings mosquitoes, heat, and high humidity. When you walk or paddle the preserve, you'll want to bring along a hat, insect repellent, and bottled water. Move a little more slowly to avoid overheating and you may see details that you could otherwise speed right by! Trail Tips
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Did You Know?
Two volunteer battalions of free men of color fought in the Battle of New Orleans in 1815. These men were the first black American troops to receive pay, equipment, pensions, and bounty land grants equal to that of their white counterparts.