Sometimes the best family adventures aren’t found hours away – they’re right here in our own backyard. And speaking of backyard.. I honestly couldn’t believe this was Baton Rouge.
For our very first Baton Rouge Family Field Trip, we set out to explore Blackwater Conservation Area, one of BREC’s hidden natural treasures tucked away just minutes from the Baton Rouge Metro Airport. We visited in the spring during BREC’s annual BioBlitz, and by the end of the day, it felt like we’d escaped the city entirely.
If someone had dropped us here without telling us where we were, I never would have guessed we were still in Baton Rouge.
With peaceful lakes, wooded hiking trails, multiple fishing docks , abundant wildlife, and the beautiful sandy banks of the Comite River, Blackwater truly feels like a little slice of heaven hidden in the middle of the city.
Blackwater Conservation Area –
A Conservation Success Story
One of the most fascinating things about Blackwater Conservation Area is its history.
What is now a thriving nature preserve was once a sand and gravel mining site. Through years of restoration and conservation efforts, the land has been transformed into nearly 58 acres of native Louisiana habitat filled with forests, fishing lakes, wetlands, and wildlife.
Today, visitors can experience more than 1.5 miles of maintained hiking trails, two beautiful fishing lakes, and access to the scenic Comite River, all while learning about the importance of protecting Louisiana’s natural spaces.
Our Family Field Trip Adventure
We visited during BREC’s BioBlitz, a community event where families become “citizen scientists” by observing and documenting the plants and animals they discover throughout the park.
It was the perfect way to experience everything Blackwater has to offer.
Throughout the morning, we joined several guided nature walks, each highlighting a different part of Louisiana’s ecosystem.
We explored:
- Bird Hike
- Plant Hike
- Aquatics Hiken
- Insect Netting
- Nature Explorers Family Hike
- Reptile and Amphibian Hike
Each walk offered something new, and before long, everyone was looking a little closer at the world around them.
Instead of rushing through the trails, we found ourselves slowing down, listening, observing, and discovering things we might have otherwise walked right past.
Don’t Miss the Comite River
One of our favorite discoveries came at the end of the main trail.
As you hike along the primary path, you’ll eventually come to a fork in the trail. Take the right-hand path, follow the sane and you’ll arrive at the sandy banks of the Comite River.
This quickly became our favorite spot in the park.
The river is wide, peaceful, and shallow near the shoreline, creating the perfect place for families to explore together.
Kids can carefully wade in the water with adult supervision, search for crawfish, watch minnows swim through the shallows, skip rocks, or simply enjoy cooling off on a warm Louisiana day.
It felt like discovering a secret spot that most people don’t even realize exists in Baton Rouge.
Wildlife Around Every Corner
One of the things we loved most about Blackwater was how much wildlife we encountered throughout our visit.
During our morning, we spotted:
- Birds
- Butterflies
- Bees
- Crawfish
- Geese
- Snakes
- Countless insects
Yes—we even spotted three snakes! While they certainly surprised us, they were a wonderful reminder that Blackwater is true Louisiana wilderness. As always, admire wildlife from a safe distance and give every animal plenty of space.
Know Before You Go
Blackwater Conservation Area is easy to explore whether you’re planning a quick morning hike or spending several hours outdoors.
You’ll find:
- More than 1.5 miles of maintained gravel hiking trails
- Two fishing lakes with several fishing piers and docks
- Access to the Comite River
- Restrooms
- Water fountains
- Picnic tables
- Covered pavilion
- Benches along the trails
- Dog-friendly trails (leashed pets are welcome)
What to Pack
To make the most of your Family Field Trip, we recommend bringing:
- Refillable water bottles
- Bug spray
- Sunscreen
- Hat and sunglasses
- Comfortable walking shoes or hiking sandals
- Water shoes if you plan to explore the river
- Snacks or a picnic lunch
- Binoculars for birdwatching
- Magnifying glass for little explorers
- Bug catching net
- Camera
- Fishing poles and a valid Louisiana fishing license if you plan to fish
- Small towel
- Change of clothes for kids (or parents) who may splash along the river
- Small first-aid kit
Explore More with BREC Conservation
Blackwater Conservation Area is just the beginning! BREC Conservation offers outdoor adventures and educational programs throughout the year, giving families countless ways to connect with nature in Baton Rouge.
Whether you’re paddling through peaceful waters during a Sunset Canoe or Coffee & Canoes program, casting a line at one of BREC’s fishing destinations, joining a guided hike, enjoying a Nature Journaling program, Nature Homeschool programs, or slowing down with one of BREC’s relaxing Mindful in Nature experiences, there’s always something new to discover.
From hands-on family adventures to peaceful moments surrounded by Louisiana’s natural beauty, BREC Conservation makes it easy to unplug, explore, and appreciate the incredible outdoor spaces we have right here in our own backyard.
Be sure to check BREC’s calendar throughout the year, you never know what your next family adventure might be!
Family Field Trip Nature Challenge
Can your family complete these challenges during your visit? Enjoy this FREE Printable Nature Challenge for you to complete with your family on your next nature adventure!
