America's Largest Swamp Is A Diverse Southern Gem And A Total Paradise For Wildlife Lovers

For Southern wildlife lovers, several different locations spring to mind. Every year, tourists flock to Everglades National Park in Florida in hopes of seeing alligators and crocodiles, or they congregate on the Atlantic coast to see animals and escape the crowds. But the largest swamp in the country isn't in either of those two locations. It's in southern Louisiana, and it brims with wildlife and opportunities to see wild animals up close.

The Atchafalaya Basin (pronounced "Chaff-Uh-Lie-Uh — the "A" is silent) is America's largest swamp, covering almost 1 million acres of wetlands located roughly between Baton Rouge and Lafayette. Anyone who's ever navigated Interstate 10 across southern Louisiana has driven the elevated highway across this great American wilderness. It's here, in the heart of Cajun country, where everything from alligators and black bears to the largest nesting populations of bald eagles in the south-central U.S. can be found. And for visitors, there are literally dozens of opportunities to get into the swamp and see it up close.

Visitors to the Atchafalaya Basin have two choices when it comes to seeing the swamp in person — by trail or by boat. For hikers, any of the levees that criss-cross the basin are walkable and offer visitors the chance to see wildlife. There are also a few trails that wind through the basin, like the Big Alabama Trail, which starts just south of the town of Krotz Springs. There is also a pair of off-road vehicle trails that connect throughout the refuge, as well.

But seeing the swamp from a boat is by far the most intimate way to experience the Atchafalaya. Several outfitters based in and around the swamp offer canoe and kayak rentals, and some even offer guided boat tours of the swamp. The latter is a great option for visitors to this Cajun paradise who aren't comfortable paddling. And, swamp guides are more likely to show tourists the wildlife they came to experience. For instance, the Friedman family operates Basin Landing in the heart of the swamp, offering affordable experiences for visitors hoping to see the wilds of the Atchafalaya.

For something for those who prefer terra firma, a visit to the birthplace of Tabasco Sauce at Avery Island, on the western edge of the Atchafalaya Basin, is a very cool diversion. Here, visitors can tour the factory and the museum where the famous spicy was first crafted in 1868.

The Atchafalaya Basin offers visitors more than just a chance to get out into the wilderness to experience the country's largest swamp. The region is also home to Cajun culture. The word "Cajun" is shortened from "Acadian," which references a group of New World settlers who first came from France to Canada's Nova Scotia in the early 1600s, and later migrated south to the swamps of Louisiana.

And, of course, when most folks think of Cajun culture, they think of Cajun food. The Atchafalaya Basin delivers an annual crawfish harvest of 22 million pounds. These "mudbugs" are used in everything from jambalaya to étouffée, and join other distinctive Cajun dishes, like boudin (a rice and pork sausage), beignets and a classic muffuletta sandwich. The area is a foodie conclave, and it features some great under-the-radar dining options for visitors pining for some distinct Cajun flavor. 

The Atchafalaya Basin is an incredible tourist destination that offers an excellent mix of outdoor adventure and unique cultural and dining opportunities. And, best of all, it's a year-round haven for those seeking something a little different. Winter temperatures are usually in the low 60s — ideal for visitors hoping to escape the cold.