Twin Canals Trail (Barataria Preserve) Hiking Guide
Twin Canals is a short dirt path through the swamp at the Barataria Preserve, the wetland unit of Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve about 20 miles south of New Orleans. Since February 2, 2026 it has been the only trail in the preserve left open while the Park Service tears out and rebuilds the boardwalks Hurricane Ida wrecked. It is free, flat and brief, and rangers name it as the place in the preserve where you may still spot an alligator.
Distance and Footing
The Park Service lists Twin Canals as a dirt trail 0.6 miles one way with negligible grade. Hiking Project maps it at 0.7 miles from the lot to its end, so plan on roughly 1.2 to 1.4 miles there and back, with single-digit feet of elevation change. The mapper notes the path sits high enough to stay dry in wet weather, with side paths dropping to the water that anglers use. It dead-ends where the two canals meet a wider channel; turn around there.
Why Everything Else Is Closed
Hurricane Ida submerged the preserve in saltwater in 2021 and shattered its boardwalks. On February 2, 2026 the park closed the visitor center and every other trail, including Bayou Coquille, Marsh Overlook, Palmetto, Visitor Center, Ring Levee and Wood Duck, for about two years of demolition and construction. The plan rebuilds 1.3 miles of elevated boardwalk in composite materials and removes 1.1 miles of damaged trail back to wetland. Trails reopen in phases as each section is finished, so check the park's Alerts and Conditions page before you go.
Rules at Twin Canals
Pets may only be in the parking area, on a leash with a person holding it; they are not allowed on preserve trails or boardwalks, and they cannot be left alone in a car. Food and disposable drink containers are not allowed on the trail, though bottled water is. The site is day use only, with no restrooms and no camping. Unlike the preserve's other lots, Twin Canals has no gate; for ranger help call 855-677-5352. Entry to the national park unit is free.
Alligators, Bugs and Heat
Rangers say you may see alligators along Twin Canals and ask you never to approach or feed them: they are fast over short distances, and standing tall makes you a less tempting target than crouching for a photo. Watch the path edges for snakes sunning themselves. The park warns that mosquitoes are active most of the year, that humidity can add five degrees to the feels-like temperature, and that rain makes trails slick. Fall through spring is the comfortable window.
Hunting Season and a Backup Walk
The preserve allows deer and small-game hunting by free permit. For the 2026-27 season its shotgun deer dates run from Nov. 21 through Jan. 24, with archery open Oct. 1 to Feb. 15, so bright clothing is sensible on a winter visit. If you want more boardwalk, the park has moved its rangers to the Town of Lafitte's Wetland Trace at 4917 City Park Drive, six miles away and open daily; rangers are there Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10 to 2 with a guided walk at 1. The town's adjacent education center and museum charge admission ($10 adults).
Hiking tips for Twin Canals Trail (Barataria Preserve)
- Check the park's Alerts and Conditions page; trails reopen in phases.
- Leave the dog at home; pets may not go past the parking area.
- Pack bottled water only, since food and disposable cups are banned on the trail.
- Bring insect repellent in every season but deep winter.
- Keep well back from the canal banks if an alligator is basking.
Nearby trails to explore
- Boy Scout Road Trail (Big Branch Marsh)
- Fontainebleau State Park Trails
- Gorge Run Trail (Bogue Chitto State Park)
Hike this trail with TrailMates
Twin Canals is a quick swamp walk that pairs well with lunch in Lafitte. Post it on TrailMates, settle on a meeting time at the Twin Canals lot in the event's group chat, and carpool down from New Orleans together. Download TrailMates on the App Store or Google Play.