A Trail Through 'One Of America's Last Great Wildernesses' Weaves Between Louisiana's Outback Wetlands

Louisiana's Creole Nature Trail is a scenic byway along a wild span of marshland in the southern part of the state. In this untamed wilderness, you can drive past alligators in their natural swampy habitat and encounter over 400 bird species, including pelicans, egrets, roseate spoonbills, and red-tailed hawks. This stretch of Louisiana's Outback stands out for being, in the words of pet trip planning site Trips With Pets, "one of America's last great wildernesses." If you have always wanted to experience an immersive road trip through Louisiana's Cajun country to discover wild swampland, Zydeco music, and Creole delicacies, pack your bags and get ready to hit this stunning landscape. 

It's not difficult to reach Creole Nature Trail by car, whether you make the road trip from home or rent a car locally. The closest airport is Lake Charles Regional Airport, located 17 miles (just under half an hour) from the Creole Nature Trail All-American Road. For international travelers, George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston is 141 miles west of the Creole Nature Trail (about two hours by car), and Louis Armstrong International Airport in New Orleans is about 202 miles east (about three hours). Travelers have plenty of popular hotels to choose from nearby, including Days Inn, Red Roof Inn & Suites, and Best Western. Travelers who prefer more rugged accommodations are welcome to visit White Oak Park in nearby Lake Charles, which offers both tent and RV camping as well as pavilions, a playground, and a boat launch for guests to enjoy.

Creole Nature Trail visitors can immediately get acquainted with the area by visiting Creole Nature Trail Adventure Point in Sulphur, Louisiana. Curious minds can learn about Cajun culture and local wildlife at this free family-friendly attraction while exploring the visitor center and gift shop, which contains exhibits on key local topics such as Louisiana's ecosystem, music, and food. After you've been sufficiently educated at this hands-on learning center, drive around and see what wildlife you are able to find; perhaps you can catch a glimpse of alligators sunning along the banks or submerged below the water surface on hotter days. With over 180 miles of expansive marshes, beaches, and bayous to cover, nature photographers and especially bird watchers will feel right at home when spotting all the different native avian species found along this vast stretch of wilderness.

Hungry from your wilderness explorations? Luckily, like the rest of Cajun country, this part of Louisiana is a destination for delicious food. There are many places where you can experience the taste of local Louisiana favorites like gumbo, beignets, jambalaya, and boudin balls at restaurants such as Hollier's Cajun Kitchen, Anchors Up Grill, and T-Boy's Cajun Grill. Live music is also a Louisiana favorite, which you can experience at some of the local hangouts like Luna Bar & Grill in Lake Charles. Few things can top an adventurous day in the wilderness followed by some good old bourbon and blues. For more Louisiana foodie adventures, the best gumbo in New Orleans can be found at the Southern Food and Beverage Museum.