Ring Levee Trail

The Ring Levee Trail beginning in the Pecan Grove area of the Barataria Preserve site of the Jean Lafitte National Historic Park and Preserve is a short trail that takes visitors into a swamp wetland environment and provides the opportunity to see some of the 200 species of wildlife that lives throughout the preserve grounds. A more primitive and less-visited network of trails than the Barataria Preserve Visitor Center area trails, the Ring Levee Trail is a relatively easy and direct 1.2-mile out-and-back. The trail begins in the parking area of Pecan Grove, where hikers can start on the Christmas Road Trail, which leads .2 miles to a 5-way intersection and the beginning of the Ring Levee Trail. Ordinarily a 0.6-mile stretch of hard-packed dirt and wooden plank boardwalk, the Ring Levee Trail currently has some damage and a end-of-trail barricade has been put up. Still, even just walking out to this barricade hikers will pass through wetland swamp, home of alligators who will lay out if the conditions are right. It is also possible to see bald eagles in the trees and armadillo searching amongst the leaves along the trail. From the trail's end hikers must return the way they came, at least to the five way intersection. Several trails branch out through the area. Mostly flat, the hike is suitable for anyone who is able to walk, with occasional wet areas or soft sand being the most hikers will need to contend with. Trail maps are available at the Barataria Preserve Visitor Center. Water, bathrooms, picnic tables and trash are available in Pecan Grove. The parking gate is open between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. daily.