Things to Do in Jefferson Parish
Hiking & Nature Trails
 

Hiking & Nature Trails in Jefferson Parish


We invite you to get away from it all and hike the boardwalks and trails of Jefferson Parish, LA! Just ten minutes from the action of New Orleans, experience the one-of-a-kind wonder that can only come from exploring our outdoors.

Wetland TraceExplore the trails of the Barataria Preserve of Jean Lafitte National Park. The Preserve offers a taste of Louisiana's wild wetlands. It's 26,000 acres include bayous, swamps, marshes, and forests. Walk along boardwalks and dirt trails to spot animals including alligators and over 200 species of birds plus an ever-changing array of wildflowers and plants. The Preserve features beautiful nature trails, birding trails, and a visitor center featuring a kids activity center, Junior Ranger program, bookstore, and more. Guided tours are offered. Great place for hiking, canoeing and enjoying nature!

Get back to nature on the Wetland Trace Boardwalk. Stroll along 41 acres of wild wetlands. The many trails include covered pavilions, scenic overlooks and benches. It is a popular place to see various wetland wildlife like alligators, turtles and herons as well as marsh plants like lilies and orchids.

Enjoy a leisurely stroll on the new Bucktown Boardwalk on Lake Pontchartrain. Along its 1,000 feet, you will be able to stop to learn about coastal issues. The boardwalk, which is part of Bucktown Harbor, also features bird blinds as well as informational signs about plants, wildlife, fisheries and the coast.

Grand Isle State Park, on Louisiana's only inhabited barrier island, offers scenic beach hiking trails and spectacular sunset views.

Bayou Segnette State Park features nature trails that offer you the chance to spot plants, trees and wildlife from both swamps and marshland.

Lafreniere Park is a 155-acre park in the heart of Metairie featuring jogging trails and hiking. Jefferson Parish is full of beautiful green spaces to unwind and get back to nature!

Ready to start exploring? Browse our listings below!

See where your Jefferson Parish
adventure will take you!


Find more outdoor inspiration in our Insider Blog!

Mallory Blog Image
27 Tips For Riding In A Mardi Gras Parade

Riding in a Mardi Gras Parade is on virtually every New Orleanians and tourist’s bucket list

Crawfish in pot
Host a Mardi Gras Crawfish Boil

As the vibrant colors of Mardi Gras parade through the streets of Jefferson Parish, another beloved

Cookies
Favorite Holiday Cookie Recipes

I don't know about y'all but cookies are one of my favorite things about the holiday

Ruth Chris Sweet Potatoes
Holiday Dinner Recipes

If you're like us, you've made a list (and checked it twice) and discovered that

Pumpkins
Jefferson Parish Pumpkin Patches

Fall is always in season, but right now, it’s literally THE season. This means pumpkins are

mural
Instagram Worthy Nature Spots in Jefferson Parish

You probably already know this but Jefferson Parish has some pretty "Instagrammable"

Outdoors Website Button
Outdoor Activities in Jefferson Parish

Jefferson Parish, LA has a variety of outdoor activities that will suit everyone, from the casual

Farmers Market Facebook Sized
Jefferson Parish Farmers Markets

There are few things better than a great farmers market. Walking among the fresh fruits and veggies,

Cinco blog
2023 Cinco de Mayo Celebrations

Cinco de Mayo is a worldwide holiday, and what better way to celebrate it than with some delicious

Two people pose with large fish they've caught
5 Reasons to Fish Jefferson

Fishing in Jefferson Parish, just like in many Louisiana coastal communities, is a 365-day

Haydel's King Cake
How to Make a King Cake

It's officially Carnival season, y'all! And we all know what that means... Well, this

Holiday Dinner
Restaurants Open for Christmas & New Year's in Jefferson Parish (2022)

Not feeling like cooking a big dinner for Christmas or New Year's? Well, luckily in Jefferson

Thanksgiving
2022 Thanksgiving Guide

Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and in Jefferson Parish, great food isn't reserved

Mural art of a woman in a mask
Jefferson Parish Murals

Looking for the perfect selfie spot? Jefferson Parish is brimming with public art and wall murals.

Dogs
Dog Parks in Jefferson Parish

Just like humans, dogs need exercise and a place to hang out and meet some new friends! Take your

Bucktown Marsh Boardwalk
3 Kid-Friendly Hikes in Jefferson Parish

Experience the outdoors with your whole family in Jefferson Parish. We have so many easy,

Splash Pad
Summer Family Activities in Jefferson Parish

"Schoooool's out for summer!" Now, what to do with the kids? Jefferson Parish is full

Oyster Hatchery 3
Grand Isle's Cutting-Edge Oyster Hatchery

The Michael C. Voisin Oyster Hatchery, one of Jefferson Parish's most cutting-edge and

Jefferson Memorial Arch in Gretna
The Historic Intrigue of Gretna

My food coma was real after the oyster Rockefeller soup and firecracker oyster salad (we were on the

New Years '22 blog
New Year's Eve in Jefferson Parish

This year has been a roller coaster, but there are plenty of bright spots on the horizon - and

View:
Open Map
Close Map
Jefferson Parish Louisiana is a hot spot for events and festivals. Don’t... See More
Jefferson is a sportsman's paradise. Whether it's a quiet get away... See More