Just about all of Louisiana’s hiking trails are beautiful in one way or another. But there are some that are extra pretty; maybe they have they best sunsets, maybe they circle around a gorgeous lake, or maybe it’s because of the abundant wildlife you’ll see. Well, if you’re looking for trails that have the best views, look no further! We’ve found some of the most breathtaking trails in Louisiana that’ll make your next nature walk picture perfect.
- Bonnett Carre Spillway Trail
Amanda Knezevich/All Trails This trail is 5.2 miles and perfect for biking. The trail offers beautiful water views and, depending on what time of year you go, several wildflowers lining the trail.
Lower Guide Levee Rd, Norco, LA
- Caroline Dormon Trail
Dave Hopper/All Trails Nestled in the middle of the Kisatchie National Forest, you won’t even believe you’re still in Louisiana while you’re hiking down this 10-mile trail.
Par Rd 830, Natchitoches, LA
- Backbone Trail
Tommie Waters/All Trails Not far from the Caroline Dormon Trail is the Backbone Trail, a roughly 10-mile loop trail in the Kisatchie National Forest. This moderately difficult trail will lead you through a unique rocky terrain and even a surprising amount of elevation change (for Louisiana standards). The lookout point will amaze you with beautiful views of your surroundings!
Montrose Rd, Natchitoches, LA
- Fontainebleau State Park Trails
Sean Hurly/All Trails There are a few different trails at Fontainebleau State park, one for hiking and the other is a nature trail. They’re both beautiful, and you’ll get to see the ruins of the sugar mill that was once operational in the 1800s. One of the trails leads to a beach with lovely scenic views of Lake Pontchartrain.
62883 LA-1089, Mandeville, LA
- Lincoln Parish Park Area Trails
Alfred Rivera/All Trails There are several trail options, great for all skill levels for both hiking and biking. The 10-mile biking trail is actually rated one of the best mountain biking trails in the country! The trails will lead you through some rugged terrain, but also around the beautiful lake for some gorgeous views.
211 Parish Park Rd, Ruston, LA
- Monkey Trail
Vanessa McKnight/All Trails Monkey Trail is about a 7-mile loop trail that features beautiful wild flowers and wide open field views. The trail got its name due to its proximity to Chimp Haven, a sanctuary for retired chimpanzees, and you’ll be able to hear them as you walk the trail.
7835 Caddo Dr, Keithville, LA
- Tammany Trace
Tammany Trace/Facebook The Tammany Trace is 31 miles of paved pathway, perfect for biking, rollerblading, or just walking. The Trace spans five cities: Covington, Abita Springs, Mandeville, Lacombe, and Slidell, so you can jump on and off the trail at any of these trailheads. There’s also an equestrian trail that runs through parts of the Trace!
21490 Koop Drive, Mandeville, LA
- Acadiana Park Nature Station
Zack Daigle/All Trails There are several different trails to choose from at Acadiana Park Nature Station, and each one is prettier than the next. They range from less than a mile to about three miles, so you can mix and match to get the best experience. you’ll be sure to see tons of wildlife here, from alligators to owls, there’s always something to see here.
1205 E. Alexander Street, Lafayette, LA
- Barataria Preserve
Kimberly Navarette/All Trails The boardwalk trails make this place so special because it gives you a chance to go into a part of the swamp that you wouldn’t otherwise be able to (at least not on foot). There are a few different trails here, ranging from half a mile to 2 miles, and they’re all beautiful. There’s one trail that leads to a beautiful overlook of the marsh that’s simply breathtaking.
6588 Barataria Blvd, Marrero, LA
- Toledo Bend
Joe King/All Trails Toledo Bend is so large it’s split up into two state parks: north and south. Both have spectacular nature trails that feature the reservoir in all its beauty. The Toledo Bend Reservoir Loop (featured above) is 1.6 miles and located in South Toledo Bend State Park.
N. Toledo Bend State Park: 2907 N Toledo Park Rd, Zwolle, LA S. Toledo Bend State Park: 120 Bald Eagle, Anacoco, LA
- Sugar Cane Trail
Steve Birmingham/All Trails Another beautiful hike in the Kisatchie National Forest. The Sugar Cane Trail is about 7 miles through the beautiful pine trees and around the Upper Caney Lake.
Forest Service Rd 811, Minden, LA 71055
- Wetland Walkway
Pat L/ Trip Advisor Located in the Sabine National Wildlife Refuge, the Wetland Walkway is part of the Creole Nature Trail. It’s about a 2-mile stretch of boardwalks and trails over freshwater marsh with observation decks for those picture perfect moments. You’re guaranteed to see some wildlife here. Gators, snakes, turtles, and hundreds of species of birds all call the area home.
LA HWY 27, Cameron, LA
Have you been to any of these places? What’s your favorite trail? Share it in the comments below!
Amanda Knezevich/All Trails
This trail is 5.2 miles and perfect for biking. The trail offers beautiful water views and, depending on what time of year you go, several wildflowers lining the trail.
Lower Guide Levee Rd, Norco, LA
Dave Hopper/All Trails
Nestled in the middle of the Kisatchie National Forest, you won’t even believe you’re still in Louisiana while you’re hiking down this 10-mile trail.
Par Rd 830, Natchitoches, LA
Tommie Waters/All Trails
Not far from the Caroline Dormon Trail is the Backbone Trail, a roughly 10-mile loop trail in the Kisatchie National Forest. This moderately difficult trail will lead you through a unique rocky terrain and even a surprising amount of elevation change (for Louisiana standards). The lookout point will amaze you with beautiful views of your surroundings!
Montrose Rd, Natchitoches, LA
Sean Hurly/All Trails
There are a few different trails at Fontainebleau State park, one for hiking and the other is a nature trail. They’re both beautiful, and you’ll get to see the ruins of the sugar mill that was once operational in the 1800s. One of the trails leads to a beach with lovely scenic views of Lake Pontchartrain.
62883 LA-1089, Mandeville, LA
Alfred Rivera/All Trails
There are several trail options, great for all skill levels for both hiking and biking. The 10-mile biking trail is actually rated one of the best mountain biking trails in the country! The trails will lead you through some rugged terrain, but also around the beautiful lake for some gorgeous views.
211 Parish Park Rd, Ruston, LA
Vanessa McKnight/All Trails
Monkey Trail is about a 7-mile loop trail that features beautiful wild flowers and wide open field views. The trail got its name due to its proximity to Chimp Haven, a sanctuary for retired chimpanzees, and you’ll be able to hear them as you walk the trail.
7835 Caddo Dr, Keithville, LA
Tammany Trace/Facebook
The Tammany Trace is 31 miles of paved pathway, perfect for biking, rollerblading, or just walking. The Trace spans five cities: Covington, Abita Springs, Mandeville, Lacombe, and Slidell, so you can jump on and off the trail at any of these trailheads. There’s also an equestrian trail that runs through parts of the Trace!
21490 Koop Drive, Mandeville, LA
Zack Daigle/All Trails
There are several different trails to choose from at Acadiana Park Nature Station, and each one is prettier than the next. They range from less than a mile to about three miles, so you can mix and match to get the best experience. you’ll be sure to see tons of wildlife here, from alligators to owls, there’s always something to see here.
1205 E. Alexander Street, Lafayette, LA
Kimberly Navarette/All Trails
The boardwalk trails make this place so special because it gives you a chance to go into a part of the swamp that you wouldn’t otherwise be able to (at least not on foot). There are a few different trails here, ranging from half a mile to 2 miles, and they’re all beautiful. There’s one trail that leads to a beautiful overlook of the marsh that’s simply breathtaking.
6588 Barataria Blvd, Marrero, LA
Joe King/All Trails
Toledo Bend is so large it’s split up into two state parks: north and south. Both have spectacular nature trails that feature the reservoir in all its beauty. The Toledo Bend Reservoir Loop (featured above) is 1.6 miles and located in South Toledo Bend State Park.
N. Toledo Bend State Park: 2907 N Toledo Park Rd, Zwolle, LA S. Toledo Bend State Park: 120 Bald Eagle, Anacoco, LA
Steve Birmingham/All Trails
Another beautiful hike in the Kisatchie National Forest. The Sugar Cane Trail is about 7 miles through the beautiful pine trees and around the Upper Caney Lake.
Forest Service Rd 811, Minden, LA 71055
Pat L/ Trip Advisor
Located in the Sabine National Wildlife Refuge, the Wetland Walkway is part of the Creole Nature Trail. It’s about a 2-mile stretch of boardwalks and trails over freshwater marsh with observation decks for those picture perfect moments. You’re guaranteed to see some wildlife here. Gators, snakes, turtles, and hundreds of species of birds all call the area home.
LA HWY 27, Cameron, LA
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