Six Ways to Get Outside in Houma, Louisiana’s Bayou Country
The landscape of Louisiana is an all-you-can-eat buffet of adventures to be had. In Houma, Louisiana’s Bayou Country, there are over 2500 square miles of wetlands to explore. Whether it be a winding drive along the meandering bayous or a high-speed ride through the marshland, you’ll come home with a story to be told. We’ve put together a short list of our favorite ways to get outside in Houma.
Kayaking
Take your time as you paddle through small natural channels, large canals, grassy marshes or cypress-lined swamps. Don’t have your own kayak? No worries. Travel South of the city to Point-aux-Chenes Kayak Rental where you can take part in a guided or non-guided paddling trip through the coastal marshes of Louisiana where you’ll find wild horses, migratory birds and the beautiful Louisiana brown pelican.
Photo Courtesy: Houma CVB
Hiking
Many of us have been hiking in the mountains or hills, but have you been hiking in the swamps? The Mandalay National Wildlife Refuge has a stunning hiking trail that will take you through a canopy of cypress and tupelo gum trees, covered bridges and observation decks. The marked path also includes interpretive panels to point out the native plants you will encounter and the wildlife that call the environment home.
Photo Courtesy: Houma CVB
Fishing
Some of the best fishing in the United States can be found in Louisiana’s Bayou Country. Because of our unique environment, the avid fisherman can go from a casual day of casting to the fight of redfish in our coastal marshes, to the adventure of pulling in a tuna from the Gulf of Mexico.
Geocaching
A GPS-based treasure hunting game is waiting for you in Louisiana’s Bayou Country. The Houma Area GeoTour, in partnership with Geocaching.com, will use your smartphone or GPS device to bring you on an adventure, finding hidden cases at wildlife parks, nature preserves, plantation homes and more.
Photo Courtesy Houma CVB
Swamp Tours
The most classic way to experience this area is on a guided swamp tour. Take a leisurely paced pontoon boat into the cypress swamps or strap in and hold on for a high-speed airboat ride for beautiful views and exciting wildlife.
Wetlands Cultural Byway
Louisiana Byways has designated eighteen trails as scenic areas of interest and the Wetlands Cultural Scenic Byway serves the bayou region. Visitors of the Wetlands Cultural Byway can expect to encounter antebellum plantations, historic downtowns, museums and cultural centers, natural heritage areas, birding opportunities, world-class fishing, freshly-caught seafood restaurants, Native American burial mounds, bayou overlooks, swamp and bayou tours, a world-renowned sculpture garden and more as they tour the area served by the byway.
Pack up your outdoor gear and get outside in Houma, Louisiana’s Bayou Country. For additional information and to plan your trip, visit us online.