NPS Photo Are the trails open on Mondays and Tuesdays? Hurricane Ida (2021) caused significant damage to trails in the Barataria Preserve at Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve. Beginning February 2, 2026, the Visitor Center and most trails are closed for demolition and construction as part of ongoing repairs. This work is expected to take approximately two years. During this time:
For the latest updates, please visit the park’s Alerts & Conditions page and social media. You can also learn more about Hurricane Ida recovery and other projects on the Park Projects page. Where can I see an alligator? You may join us in the town of Lafitte for guided hikes along the Wetland Trace trail at 1:00 pm Wednesday and Thursday. Alligators are usually visible from the trails. At the Barataria Preserve you may be able to see them along the Twin Canals trail. May I feed the alligators? Feeding wildlife in the park is strictly prohibited. Alligators and other wild animals are fast, unpredictable, and potentially dangerous. Feeding them puts both you and the animals at risk by causing them to lose their natural fear of humans. If there are alligators and snakes in the Barataria Preserve, is it dangerous to walk the trails or go canoeing? While trails are currently closed due to Hurricane Ida damage, visitors can safely enjoy sharing the landscape with wildlife as part of the experience in south Louisiana. Join us for ranger led programs and guided hikes at 1:00 pm on Wednesdays and Thursdays along the Wetland Trace trail in the town of Lafitte.
Alligators and snakes live here because these wetlands provide a healthy, thriving ecosystem—and with awareness, you can safely enjoy it too. As you explore:
And always, give all wildlife plenty of space and respect their role in this environment. In most cases, if you leave them alone, they will leave you alone. Where can I find out about birds, plants, and animals at the preserve? Follow the link to the nature webpage. May I take food on the trails? No. Because of upcoming demolition and construction of the trails and Visitor Center, all trails at the Barataria Preserve and the Visitor Center are closed, with the exception of Twin Canals Trail. No food or disposable drink containers (other than bottled water) are allowed on the Twin Canal trail. May I take my pet to the Barataria Preserve? Because of upcoming demolition and construction of the trails and Visitor Center, all trails at the Barataria Preserve and the Visitor Center are closed, with the exception of Twin Canals Trail. Pets are only allowed in the parking area; pets in this area must be on a leash and a human must be on the other end of the leash. The parking lot gates are locked every night. What happens if I get locked in? Hurricane Ida in 2021 damaged some of the Barataria Preserve trails. Beginning on February 2, 2026, the Visitor Center and all trails at the Barataria Preserve and the Visitor Center are closed, with the exception of Twin Canals Trail. Twin Canals has no gates, however if you need assistance please call 855-677-5352 for ranger assistance when available. Do I need a license to fish in the Barataria Preserve? Yes - see the Fishing Regulations page. Can I go hunting in the Barataria Preserve? Yes, with a hunting permit only. Links to Barataria Preserve Hunting and Trapping regulations, season dates, and other important information are added to the park's home page every year in late summer. Hunting seasons are during the fall and winter. Does the preserve rent canoes or kayaks? No. Please note that canoeing and kayaking is often inaccessible or limited in some Barataria Preserve waterways due to aquatic vegetation. Are there lots of mosquitoes? Often. Mosquitoes are active most of the year. Bring bug repellent with you for your walk. Did hurricanes affect the Barataria Preserve?Hurricanes are a powerful force in shaping the wetlands of the Barataria Preserve at Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve. These storms can damage trails and facilities, but they also reshape the land—eroding soil, moving water, and influencing how the ecosystem grows and recovers. Check out our Hurricane page. Most recently, Hurricane Ida caused significant damage to the preserve. As a result, the Visitor Center and most trails are closed beginning February 2, 2026, for repairs expected to take about two years, with visitor services relocated to the town of Lafitte. These changes are part of an ongoing story—one where nature and people continually adapt to a dynamic and evolving landscape.
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Last updated: March 21, 2026