Southern Swamp Byway
69 miles - One day for a self-guided tour.
The Southern Swamp Byway in southeast Louisiana offers visitors a scenic journey through the state’s bayous, marshes, and wetlands, showcasing the region’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. Starting in Sorrento, travelers can explore the Cajun Village, featuring restored Acadian buildings, boutique shops, and an alligator pond. Along the route, small communities maintain traditional lifestyles of fishing, hunting, and trapping, while local restaurants serve fresh seafood, and roadside stands offer homemade preserves. Tickfaw State Park provides opportunities for hiking, wildlife spotting, and canoeing amidst cypress swamps and bottomland forests, while nearby Springfield boasts a public golf course and scenic views.
As the byway continues, Hammond offers historic sites, parks, and the Tangipahoa African American Heritage Museum, while Ponchatoula charms visitors with its Strawberry Festival, antique shops, and handmade crafts. Further south, the route passes through Manchac, where travelers can see the ruins of historic lighthouses and enjoy catfish at Middendorf’s Restaurant. The journey concludes in LaPlace, renowned for its spicy Cajun andouille sausage, a flavorful end to a drive rich in history, nature, and Louisiana’s unique culture.
- Ascension Parish Tourist Commission
- Bayou Francois
- Cajun Pride Swamp Tours
- Cajun Village Shops
- Carter Plantation Villas & Golf Course
- Joyce Wildlife Management Area
- Livingston Parish Visitors Bureau
- Louisiana Quilt Trail
- Manchac Wildlife Management Area
- Middendorf’s Restaurant
- Ponchatoula: America's Antique City
- Tangipahoa African American Heritage Museum and Black Veterans Archives
- Tangipahoa Parish Visitor Bureau
- The Creole House Museum
- Tickfaw State Park
- Wild Louisiana Tours