Boy Scout Road Trail (Big Branch Marsh) Hiking Guide
Boy Scout Road is the main hiking route at Big Branch Marsh National Wildlife Refuge in Lacombe, on the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain. A half-mile boardwalk crosses the marsh, then a dirt and gravel road heads out through pine savannah and oak cheniers to the edge of Bayou Lacombe. The refuge charges nothing, and the pines along the road hold nest trees of the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker.
Distance and Route
The Fish and Wildlife Service describes a half-mile self-guided boardwalk followed by an optional four-mile round trip on the road to Bayou Lacombe. Hiking Project's recommended route adds the northern and southern side paths for a 6.6-mile lollipop with about 15 feet of total climbing. From the lot, cross the boardwalk, turn right off its end onto the road, keep right where a side path branches left into the woods, and follow the road as it bends to a marsh viewing platform before the final spurs toward the water.
Wet Feet and Weather
The ground is flat and low. Hiking Project's contributor warns the trails flood quickly and can hold several inches of water after rain, so waterproof shoes or a dry spell help. Tropical Storm Arthur's remnants in June 2026 brought down trees across the refuge and closed its Lemieux Center site until further notice; that notice does not name Boy Scout Road, but call refuge headquarters at 985-882-2000 if storms have passed through recently.
Birds and Blooms
Watch for red-cockaded woodpeckers in spring and summer near pines marked with a white circle; the refuge says the call sounds a bit like a pet's squeaky toy. Louisiana iris blooms in the roadside ditches near the parking area in March and April. Interpretive signs on the boardwalk explain the marsh's natural history, and the refuge suggests watching for birds and turtles from it.
Refuge Rules
Entry is free. Refuges in this complex close from legal sunset to legal sunrise. Dogs are allowed if they stay leashed and don't disturb wildlife or people, and owners must pick up after them. Bicycles and pedal-assist e-bikes are permitted on Boy Scout Road and the pipeline canal trail east of it. The Bayou Lacombe Visitor Center in Lacombe has maps and exhibits and is open Thursday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Hunting Season
Big Branch Marsh is open to hunting in season. Refuge rules bar firing a gun within 200 feet of a designated public trail, and hunters must wear orange or blaze pink during deer firearms seasons. Hikers aren't held to that rule, but a bright layer is wise from fall into winter.
Hiking tips for Boy Scout Road Trail (Big Branch Marsh)
- Wear shoes you don't mind soaking; the road holds water after rain.
- Look for the white-circle nest trees between spring and summer.
- Keep dogs leashed and carry bags for droppings.
- Be off the refuge by sunset, when it closes.
- Wear something bright on fall and winter hunt days.
Nearby trails to explore
- Fontainebleau State Park Trails
- Twin Canals Trail (Barataria Preserve)
- Gorge Run Trail (Bogue Chitto State Park)
Hike this trail with TrailMates
Boy Scout Road is a good walk for a birding group with binoculars to share. Post it on TrailMates, agree on an early start at the boardwalk lot in the event's group chat, and head across the lake from New Orleans together. Download TrailMates on the App Store or Google Play.