Natural Heritage
A Louisiana State Heritage Area since 1997 and a National Heritage Area since 2006, the Atchafalaya National Heritage Area is home to the nation's largest river swamp. Host to one of only a handful of actively growing river deltas in the world, the area runs approximately 150 miles with its width varying along the course of the Atchafalaya River. It contains a complex and unique river swamp eco-system, and is habitat to more than 85 species of fish, 200 species of birds, alligators, black bear and other wildlife. Comprised of bottomland hardwood forests, swamps, bayous and backwater lakes and marshes, it is an exceptional illustration of river systems and lakes, water control technology and recent geologic history.
Paddling
Head out for a day of paddling under live oaks dripping with Spanish moss, through cypress tree forests in the swamp. Watch graceful egrets take wing, glimpse an alligator slide into the water. There’s no better snapshot of the Heritage Area’s bounty than from the water.
Louisiana Paddling Information
Bayou Haystackers Paddling Club
“Let’s Go Paddling” – 8th Grade Social Studies 3-Day Program
Additional paddling trails and events
Birding
The Atchafalaya Basin is a vital part of the ecosystem on which the area’s wildlife has come to depend. With landscapes ranging from coastal wetlands to rolling hills and prairies, Louisiana offers a variety of habitats including fresh and saltwater marshes, cheniers, upland pines, cypress-tupelo swamps, bottomland hardwood forests and open meadows. Enjoy some of the best birding in the country at these areas in Atchafalaya National Heritage Area.
Louisiana Important Bird Areas
America's WETLAND Birding Trails
on Louisiana's Great Gulf Coast
Barataria - Terrebonne National Estuary Program
Biking
Cycling our back roads is a great way to get to know Louisiana. You'll get to taste our famous food, hear the music, and get to know the people. In short, you'll get to experience everything that makes Louisiana a unique and exciting place. And because our terrain is flat and we have a network of lightly traveled, paved rural roads, cycling in Louisiana is easy and safe.
Cycling Rules of the Road:
- Always wear your helmet. Be sure it covers your forehead and fits properly.
- Ride on the right. Always ride with traffic.
- Look and signal before turning. It is now legal to signal a right turn with your right arm.
- The weather in Louisiana can be hot and humid. Drink your fluids. Keep your water bottle filled and if possible carry an extra bottle of water.
- Ride single file.
- If you stop, get completely off the road.
- Don't follow too closely. Most accidents on rides occur when cyclists run into other cyclists. Keep at least one bike length between riders.
- Obey all traffic laws. Stop at stop signs and lights and obey one-way streets.
- Wear a helmet.
- Ride defensively. Always be aware of other riders, vehicles and pedestrians. Never assume you know what they are going to do.
- Do not ride before daylight or after dusk unless you have proper lights on your bike.
- Use hand signals to warn other cyclists and vehicles of your intentions. Arm straight out for left turn, arm straight up for right turn and arm straight down for stop. Also, warn cyclists if you are passing left.
- Ride in a predictable manner. Ride in a straight line. Don't swerve between parked cars.
- Take great care with left hand turns. If necessary, get off the road and then make your turn when you are sure its all clear.
- Wave and smile at all vehicles. The natives are friendly. We want to keep them that way.
Biking Clubs and Organizations
Baton Rouge Bike Club Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Cajun Cyclists Lafayette Area Bicycle Racing Club
Lafayette Fitness Club Cajun Man Triathlon
Cycling route maps and events in the Atchafalaya NHA
Parks & Refuges
Louisiana boasts national wildlife refuges, including the Atchafalaya National Wildlife Refuge; state parks; and a national historical park.
National Historical Park
Jean Lafitte National Historical Park
State Parks
Lake Fausse Pointe State Park
5400 Levee Road, St. Martinville, LA 70582
337-229-4764 or 888-677-7200 toll-free
Cypremort Point State Park
306 Beach Lane, Cypremort Point, LA 70538
337-867-4510 or 888-867-4510 toll-free
National Wildlife Refuges
The Atchafalaya National Heritage Area is home to seven national wildlife refuges. View the National Wildlife Refuges Map to find the refuge closest to your region.
Atchafalaya National Wildlife Refuge
Bayou Cocodrie National Wildlife Refuge
Grand Cote National Wildlife Refuge
Lake Ophelia National Wildlife Refuge
Mandalay National Wildlife Refuge
Bayou Teche National Wildlife Refuge
Shell Keys National Wildlife Refuge
Golf
Four years ago, the Audubon Golf Trail was born. And, like a pot of red beans simmering n the stove, it's only gotten better with time. The Trail was named for John James Audubon, who was enchanted with the natural beauty and nature of Louisiana. To preserve the natural beauty and heritage of the game, each of the courses are members of Audubon International's Cooperative Golf Sanctuary Program. Live oaks dripping with Spanish moss, cypress knees peeking from the swamp, graceful egrets taking wing … these are just some of the sights you'll see while enjoying a great game of golf at these golf courses in the Atchafalaya National Heritage Area.
Tamahka Trails Golf Course, Marksville, LA
The Wetlands Golf Club, Lafayette, LA
The Atchafalaya at Idlewild, Patterson, LA
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