Hiking is the perfect way to spend your day and get some fresh air, and Louisiana has some amazing trails to explore. Since we don’t experience drastic seasonal climates like other states, you can explore these trails pretty much any time of the year. Here are some of our favorites:
- Louisiana State Arboretum
Louisiana State Arboretum/Facebook Established in 1961, it’s the oldest state-supported arboretum in the country. Explore 600 acres of forest and 5.5 miles of hiking trails. It’s a great place to learn about Louisiana’s native vegetation. Located at 1300 Sudie Lawton Ln Ville Platte, Louisiana
- Bogue Chitto State Park
Getting Lost in Louisiana/Facebook Hike down the Gorge Run Trail, a lovely 7 mile trail that features streams, wildlife, and Frickes Cave, a fascinating gorge with deep Native American roots. Located at 17049 State Park Blvd Franklinton, Louisiana
- Wild Azalea Trail
Justin Meissen/Flickr There are several trails in the Kisatchie National Forest, but at 28 miles, the Wild Azalea is the longest trail in the state. While the trail is useable all year, March and April are the best times to view all of the wild Azaleas. The trail starts at Woodworth, just south of Alexandria, and end ends at Valentine Lake. Kisatchie National Forest is located at 2500 Shreveport Hwy, Pineville, LA 71360
- Lake Martin
Upwrite/Trip Advisor Lake Martin is the perfect place to go bird-watching. Thousands of birds migrate to this swamp-lake every year to raise their young. Alligators, turtles, snakes and more also call this place home so it’s the perfect place to spot wildlife.
- Sam Houston Jones State Park
LAH28/Trip Advisor There are three different trails at this park to choose from, and they each explore a different park of the 1,000 acres of lakes, trees, and rivers at this State Park. Located at 107 Sutherland Road, Lake Charles, LA 70611
- Woodlands Trail and Park
Woodlands Conservatory/Facebook Two trails to choose from here, the 6 mile Bottomland Trail and the Upland Trail, a 1 mile loop. Perfect for bird watching and photography. Located at 449 F Edward Hebert Blvd Belle Chasse, Louisiana
- Camp Ridge Trail
Buz B./Yelp Located in Camp Salmen Nature park, this trail will lead you through gardens of indigenous plants and trees that are found along the banks of Bayou Liberty. There are three other trails located within the park, each highlighting different features of the landscape. Located at 35122 Parish Parkway Slidell, Louisiana
- Tammany Trace
Trailsnet/Trip Advisor The Tammany Trace makes it’s way through Covington, Abita Springs, Lacombe, Mandeville, and Slidell. There are multiple places to jump on and off the 28-mile trail. Trailhead location: 21490 Koop Drive Mandeville, LA
- Lakeview Nature Trail
NicoleMD2014 Lakeview Nature Trail in the South Toledo Bend State Park is a great place to take in some amazing scenery, and snap some great photographs. Keep your eyes peeled, as Bald Eagles have been sighted around the area! Located at 120 Bald Eagle Road in Anacoco, Louisiana.
- Bayou Coquille Trail
Alan B./Yelp Just outside New Orleans you’ll find the Barataria Preserve Trails, part of Jean Lafitte National Park. These trails will lead you through a maze of boardwalks over the swamps under a canopy of Spanish moss. If you’re looking for wildlife, this is where you’ll find it. Alligators, turtles, birds, rabbits and other critters all call this area home. 6588 Barataria Blvd Marrero, LA 70073
- Lake Fausse Point State Park
Lake Fausse Pointe State Park/Facebook There are three trails at Lake Fausse Point State Park, Armadillo Ridge (less than a mile), Cardinal Run (1.5 miles) and Barred Owl Trek (3 miles). Cardinal run is a beautiful hike and includes a scenic overlook onto Lake Fausse Point. 5400 Levee Rd Saint Martinville, Louisiana
What’s your favorite trail? Let us know in the comments below.
Louisiana State Arboretum/Facebook
Established in 1961, it’s the oldest state-supported arboretum in the country. Explore 600 acres of forest and 5.5 miles of hiking trails. It’s a great place to learn about Louisiana’s native vegetation. Located at 1300 Sudie Lawton Ln Ville Platte, Louisiana
Getting Lost in Louisiana/Facebook
Hike down the Gorge Run Trail, a lovely 7 mile trail that features streams, wildlife, and Frickes Cave, a fascinating gorge with deep Native American roots. Located at 17049 State Park Blvd Franklinton, Louisiana
Justin Meissen/Flickr
There are several trails in the Kisatchie National Forest, but at 28 miles, the Wild Azalea is the longest trail in the state. While the trail is useable all year, March and April are the best times to view all of the wild Azaleas. The trail starts at Woodworth, just south of Alexandria, and end ends at Valentine Lake. Kisatchie National Forest is located at 2500 Shreveport Hwy, Pineville, LA 71360
Upwrite/Trip Advisor
Lake Martin is the perfect place to go bird-watching. Thousands of birds migrate to this swamp-lake every year to raise their young. Alligators, turtles, snakes and more also call this place home so it’s the perfect place to spot wildlife.
LAH28/Trip Advisor
There are three different trails at this park to choose from, and they each explore a different park of the 1,000 acres of lakes, trees, and rivers at this State Park. Located at 107 Sutherland Road, Lake Charles, LA 70611
Woodlands Conservatory/Facebook
Two trails to choose from here, the 6 mile Bottomland Trail and the Upland Trail, a 1 mile loop. Perfect for bird watching and photography. Located at 449 F Edward Hebert Blvd Belle Chasse, Louisiana
Buz B./Yelp
Located in Camp Salmen Nature park, this trail will lead you through gardens of indigenous plants and trees that are found along the banks of Bayou Liberty. There are three other trails located within the park, each highlighting different features of the landscape. Located at 35122 Parish Parkway Slidell, Louisiana
Trailsnet/Trip Advisor
The Tammany Trace makes it’s way through Covington, Abita Springs, Lacombe, Mandeville, and Slidell. There are multiple places to jump on and off the 28-mile trail. Trailhead location: 21490 Koop Drive Mandeville, LA
NicoleMD2014
Lakeview Nature Trail in the South Toledo Bend State Park is a great place to take in some amazing scenery, and snap some great photographs. Keep your eyes peeled, as Bald Eagles have been sighted around the area! Located at 120 Bald Eagle Road in Anacoco, Louisiana.
Alan B./Yelp
Just outside New Orleans you’ll find the Barataria Preserve Trails, part of Jean Lafitte National Park. These trails will lead you through a maze of boardwalks over the swamps under a canopy of Spanish moss. If you’re looking for wildlife, this is where you’ll find it. Alligators, turtles, birds, rabbits and other critters all call this area home. 6588 Barataria Blvd Marrero, LA 70073
Lake Fausse Pointe State Park/Facebook
There are three trails at Lake Fausse Point State Park, Armadillo Ridge (less than a mile), Cardinal Run (1.5 miles) and Barred Owl Trek (3 miles). Cardinal run is a beautiful hike and includes a scenic overlook onto Lake Fausse Point. 5400 Levee Rd Saint Martinville, Louisiana
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