New Orleans Official Visitors Guide - 2026 Summer/Fall
Outdoors & Parks
2026-06-26 13:43:12
Backyard Bayou: Explore Lesser-Known Nature Escapes
The flat terrain of New Orleans lends itself to easy strolling, whether you take to the French Quarter or want to explore hidden nature escapes. Lush greenery year-round makes for a scenic trail no matter the season.
BARATARIA PRESERVE
Barataria Preserve is a part of the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve located just 17 miles from downtown New Orleans. With more than 26,000 acres of wild Louisiana wetlands, the Barataria’s hardwood forest, swamp, bayous, and marsh offer trails, picnic areas, fishing, hunting (in season and with permits), and wildlife viewing. Visitors often spot alligators, snakes, birds, and other wildlife while exploring the trails.
COUTURIE FOREST
Located within New Orleans City Park, the Couturie Forest offers 60 acres of native trees, scenic waterways, and diverse wildlife. It’s recognized as a top bird-watching destination in the city and, best of all, you can visit for free! The forest is made up of eight distinct ecosystems and is home to New Orleans’ highest point of elevation, Laborde Mountain, a “daunting” 27 feet above sea level!
BAYOU ST. JOHN
Also located within New Orleans, Bayou St. John is lesser known than the mighty Mississippi River. Running through the Mid-City neighborhood, many take to the bayou for kayaking and paddleboarding. It’s a lovely picnic spot and home to festivals throughout the year, including Greek Fest and Praise Fest. You can jog or bike along the pedestrian path that runs along Wisner Boulevard.
FONTAINEBLEAU STATE PARK
Located about 40 miles from downtown New Orleans, Fontainebleau State Park makes for a great day trip. The park is situated on more than 2,800 acres along the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain. Many like to camp, bike, hike, and kayak throughout the grounds, and the park is also home to a beach that is open year-round. To get to the park, you’ll most likely cross the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway, the world’s longest continuous bridge over water, which requires a small toll when returning to New Orleans. You’ll also need a bit of cash for admission to the park.
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Biking the Crescent City
Whether it’s a ride around the city or around the block, New Orleans welcomes cyclists! Rent through Blue Bikes, our public e-bike share, or go for a more traditional bike rental at Bayou Bicycles in Mid-City, FreeWheelin' Bicycle Tours and Bike Rentals in the French Quarter, or at one of the many bike shops in the city. Many also offer bike tours, or you can check out one of these two popular areas to ride.
LAFITTE GREENWAY
As for what routes to take, there’s none better than Lafitte Greenway! This path connects Mid-City to the French Quarter on a road paved exclusively for cyclists and pedestrians. With historic landmarks, breweries, and lots of nature along the way, this scenic ride is an urban oasis.
LAKESHORE DRIVE
A popular path for training and long-distance biking, Lakeshore Drive provides a waterfront path and the opportunity to explore the Lakeview area. It’s nestled along Lake Pontchartrain, so it’s common that you’ll see sailboats and other vessels out on the water. Plan your ride around sunrise or sunset for some of the best views you’ll find in all of New Orleans.
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