Joyce Wildlife Management Area — Swamp Walk

Over 42,000 acres of cypress-tupelo swamp south of Hammond and Ponchatoula, managed by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. The main visitor draw is the handicap-accessible elevated Swamp Walk boardwalk, which threads through the interior swamp canopy and puts you eye-level with herons, wood ducks, and alligators without needing a boat. Nearly 200 bird species have been recorded here. Boat launches at North Pass, Lee's Landing, and Traino Landing provide deeper access for fishing and paddling. Joyce WMA is the closest thing to the Atchafalaya that most North Shore visitors will ever see.