Sometimes, you just need to escape and recharge your batteries. Luckily, Louisiana has a ton of bayous and swamps that you can retreat to when you need a pretty view to clear your mind. Fall in love with Louisiana all over again with these wonderful places where you have the prettiest bayou and swamp views in the world.

1. Cypress Island Preserve

Lake Martin is the preserve’s main attraction, and you can either drive down Rookery Road for some drive by scenery, or get out on foot and explore some of the trails on the boardwalk. The preserve is about 9,500 acres of cypress and tupelo swamp and bottomland hardwood forest, and is home to the usual suspects that typically live in the swamps and bayous. The lake includes a massive bird rookery, so you can count on some impressive birdwatching. (1209 Rookery Rd, Breaux Bridge, LA 70517)

2. Bayou St. John

If you’re in the New Orleans area, Bayou St. John is a nice alternative when you can’t get out to the Atchafalaya or further into Bayou Country. This lazy little bayou begins in mid-city and goes on for about three miles until it meets up with Lake Pontchartrain. Bayou St. John is perfect for canoeing or kayaking down, taking in the beautiful scenery.

3. Bayou Segnette State Park

Not only does Bayou Segnette State Park offer , but you can rent one of their cabins for the weekend, overlooking the bayou. Who wouldn’t want to wake up to views like this? (7777 Westbank Expy, Westwego, Louisiana 70094)

4. Honey Island Swamp

Is there anything prettier than Spanish Moss draped over a cypress tree, blowing in the wind? Honey Island Swamp in St. Tammany Parish includes nearly 70,000 acres of protected wildlife, and you absolutely should take a swamp tour of this beautiful area. You’ll be surrounded by all the beauty Louisiana could possibly throw at you.

5. Barataria Preserve

The series of boardwalk trails over at Barataria Preserve make this place a perfect spot to go to when you’re needing to escape to the bayous and swamps. The preserve’s 23,000 acres include bayous, swamps, and marshes and a ton of wildlife. Keep an eye out for gators, turtles basking in the sun, snakes, raccoons, egrets, and so much more. (6588 Barataria Blvd.Marrero, LA 70073)

6. Atchafalaya River Basin

Clocking in at almost one million acres, the Atchafalaya is the largest swamp in the country. Come take a swamp tour from one of the many knowledgeable tour guides in the area, and they’ll explain all about this beautiful swamp that is the source of nearly 22 million pounds of crawfish a year.

7. Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge

Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge includes a mile-long nature trail that’ll lead you through bottomland hardwood forests and cypress swamps before reaching a pier that extends over the lake so you can that perfect picture. There’s also an observation deck further down that offers equally stunning views. (480 Richland PlaceMonroe, LA 71203)

Where's your favorite bayou or swamp in Louisiana? Let us know in the comments below!