Atchafalaya Basin: A Guide to the Largest Swamp in the USA

What is the Atchafalaya Basin?

The Atchafalaya Basin is the largest river swamp in the country, containing nearly one million acres of bottomland hardwoods, swamps, marshes, and backwater lakes. The basin begins near Simmesport and stretches 140 miles to the Gulf of Mexico. Currently, the Atchafalaya River Basin is confined by natural ridges formed by the construction of levees along the Mississippi River.

History of the Atchafalaya Basin

The history of the Atchafalaya Basin is closely tied to the culture of indigenous peoples and early settlers. For centuries, people lived in harmony with nature, wisely using its resources. Today, Atchafalaya attracts numerous tourists and researchers eager to learn more about the rich history and culture of this region.

In the 1920s, oil and gas were discovered in the basin, leading to an influx of new settlers. The completion of the 18-mile bridge on Highway 10 in 1973 finally connected the area with the rest of the state. A few decades ago, the basin was devastated by the logging industry, which destroyed many cypress trees. Remnants of these giant trees, cut down for timber, can still be seen in the swampy areas of Atchafalaya.

These consequences inspired Greg Girard to write the book "Land of Dead Giants," filled with photographs of the basin. The book drew attention to non-profit organizations, which are now working to protect the region. The ecosystem has suffered from storms, intrusion of the Mississippi River's water, pollution, and deforestation. However, with the changing seasons, new life continues to emerge. Water levels rise and fall, bringing about constant change.

Features and Tours of the Atchafalaya Basin

Each year, thousands of tourists from around the world flock to see the legendary cypress forests of the Atchafalaya Basin and its swamps, teeming with wildlife, including nearly 300 species of birds and 65 species of reptiles.

Atchafalaya Basin changes its appearance with each new season. In winter, cold morning fog covers the basin's swamp. Spring signals rebirth as lush greenery appears on the trees. The sunrise awakens its creatures, which bask in the sunlight. As the sun sets, a piercing silence hangs until the birds start chirping again in the morning.

Swamp Tours

Swamp tour services can be found all along Henderson Levee Road. Swamp tours attract tourists from around the world, seeking the iconic landscape of southern Louisiana. Locals also love discovering new places in the swampy terrain.

Where to Eat

Jeaux Biff’s Burgers and Beer on Grand Point Avenue is just one of many places where you can grab a bite near the attraction. The menu offers local cuisine for those stopping in the area. They even serve fries shaped like tiny alligators.

Guests can enjoy live music and dance floors with views of places like Pat’s Fisherman’s Wharf and McGree’s Landing, where you can grab a bite.

Interesting Facts about the Atchafalaya Basin

• The swamp is larger than the Everglades.
• It is five times larger than any other river basin in North America.
• About 65 species of reptiles and amphibians, as well as over 250 known species of birds, inhabit the area.
• You can encounter animals like the black bear, nutria, fox, muskrat, beaver, otter, and raccoon.
• The basin has the largest concentration of nesting bald eagles in the south-central USA.
• There are more than 100 different species of fish and aquatic flora and fauna.
• The annual commercial catch in the basin is estimated at 22 million pounds of crawfish.

Additional Information

• Address

  Parish Governing Authority District 8, LA 70517

• Telephone

  +1-337-948-0255

• Cost

  Free

• Mode of operation

  The park is open 7 days a week, 24 hours a day

• Web site

  fws.gov/atchafalaya

Address	Parish Governing Authority District 8, LA 70517
Telephone	+1-337-948-0255
Cost	Free
Mode of operation	The park is open 7 days a week, 24 hours a day
Web site	fws.gov/atchafalaya