Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge
The largest urban refuge in the country sits inside New Orleans city limits, with gators regularly seen from the Ridge Trail boardwalk and along Highway 90 through the marsh. Warmer months bring the most gator activity out on the banks. It's an easy add-on if you're already in the city and want a wild marsh view without driving far. Keep to the boardwalk and don't approach the water's edge on foot.
Know before you go
| Fee | Free |
|---|---|
| Parking | Pullouts along Hwy 90 and the Ridge Trail trailhead |
| Water | — |
| Toilets | — |
| Access | Ridge Trail boardwalk and roadside marsh views |
| Surface | — |
| Hours | — |
| Operator | U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service |
| Website | fws.gov/refuge/bayou-sauvage |
Map
Hand-curated by Gator Atlas from public park and refuge operator information, not pulled from a database.
Last verified: July 21, 2026. See our methodology for how we check listings.