Atchafalaya National Wildlife Refuge, National wildlife refuge in Cajun Country, Louisiana.

Atchafalaya National Wildlife Refuge covers 15,220 acres of bottomland hardwoods, bald cypress-tupelo swamps, overflow lakes and bayous just east of the Atchafalaya River, about 30 miles west of Baton Rouge. Its 44,000-acre combined area holds four dominant tree associations, including cottonwood and sycamore, and overcup oak with bitter pecan. More than 200 bird species use the basin.

The refuge was established in 1986 as part of efforts to protect important natural areas in the region. This designation reflected growing recognition of the need to safeguard the river ecosystem and its surrounding wetlands.

Hunting and fishing remain central to how local people connect with and use this landscape, reflecting practices passed down through generations. These activities shape the daily relationship between residents and the waterways they depend on.

The refuge is accessible from Interstate 10 via Highway 975, with multiple entry points throughout the area. It helps to know which access point works best for the activity you plan to do.

The refuge holds the nation's largest concentration of American woodcock, and its wooded wetlands are vital nesting habitat for wood ducks. Bald eagles, ospreys, swallow-tailed kites and Mississippi kites are sometimes seen soaring overhead, alongside a small remnant population of Louisiana black bears.