12 Scenic Trails To Explore In Louisiana, One For Each Month Of The Year
Whether you have a goal to be more active or just want to see more of the Pelican State, these 12 scenic trails in Louisiana will show you some of the most beautiful natural landscapes in the state. These trails will show you everything from marshes to ammunition magazines and everything in between, so grab your boots and get ready for an adventure!
During these uncertain times, please keep safety in mind and consider adding destinations to your bucket list to visit at a later date.
Eddie D Jones Park, 8400 Mike Clark Rd, Keithville, LA 71047, USA
Open from dawn 'til dusk every day, the Monkey Trail will take you on a wild ride through the 800+ acres of the forested terrain at Eddie D. Jones Park in Shreveport. One of the most unique aspects of the 10-mile loop trail isn’t what you see, but what you hear. The trail is close to Chimp Haven, a rescue facility that’s home to over 300 chimpanzees, and you’ll be able to hear them during your hike!
Comite River Park - Kerry Stamey Mountain Bike Trails, 8680 Hooper Rd, Baton Rouge, LA 70811, USA
This 5.5-mile trail in Baton Rouge journeys through 100 acres of beautiful views, including sweeping views of the Comite River. It’s a popular trail for mountain biking, too, so feel free to bring your bike for a new challenge.
Poverty Point World Heritage Site, 6859 LA-577, Pioneer, LA 71266, USA
History buffs and nature lovers alike will have a blast along this 2.7-mile trail at Poverty Point World Heritage Site. Poverty Point is a fascinating historical site that’s over 3,000 years old and gives us a glimpse at some of the earliest residents of northern Louisiana. Because the trail doesn't offer much shade, we recommend tackling this trail during the cooler spring months.
Wild Azalea Trailhead, 352-398 Castor Plunge Rd, Woodworth, LA 71485, USA
Clocking in at just under 24 miles, the Wild Azalea Trail is the longest primitive trail in the state. Located deep within the Kisatchie National Forest, this point-to-point trail takes you on a journey through the forest, and if you time it right, your path will be illuminated by the namesake wild azaleas along the trail. These beautiful flowers typically bloom in March and April, so mark your calendars!
Driskill Mountain, Louisiana 71275, USA
If heights are your thing, make this trail a must. The Driskill Mountain Trail is just shy of two miles, but the bragging rights come at the very top, where you’ll be standing at the highest natural summit in Louisiana. With an elevation of 535 feet, you’ll have some breathtaking treetop views to look forward to. Don’t forget to sign the guest book before you leave!
Lake Martin, Louisiana, Louisiana 70517, USA
This five-mile loop trail is great for all skill levels and is ideal for wildlife viewing. The lake is home to countless alligators, wading birds, and your usual swamp critters, so keep an eye out while you walk and you’re bound to spot something!
MaryAnn Brown Nature Preserve, 13515 LA-965, St Francisville, LA 70775, USA
Don’t let the steep terrain fool you, this two-mile trail may be rated as moderate, but it’s still a fairly easy trail by Louisiana standards. For those days you just want to get away from it all and immerse yourself in a more natural setting, this is the spot for you.
Woodlands Conservancy’s Woodlands Trail, 449 F Edward Hebert Blvd, Belle Chasse, LA 70037, USA
Located within the Woodlands Conservancy, this 5.4-mile trail might be one of the most unique trails in Louisiana. At the end of the trail, you’ll come across several World War II-era ammunition magazines, relics from when the government used the area. It's not something you normally see on a casual stroll through the woods here in Louisiana, that’s for sure!
Barataria Preserve Visitor Center, 6588 Barataria Blvd, Marrero, LA 70072, USA
If you’ve never visited Barataria Preserve, you’re in for a real treat. There are dozens of trails that will take you through the preserves 20,000 acres, each one more beautiful than the next. Our favorite is the Bayou Coquille Trail, a two-mile trail that will take you over the swamps and marshes and leads you to a mesmerizing marsh overlook. Due to a combination of storms and alligator nesting habits, these trails tend to close often, so visit its website before you head over. You wouldn’t want to find yourself between a protective mother and her eggs!
Tammany Trace Bike Trail, Covington, LA, USA
While the Wild Azalea Trail is the longest primitive trail in the state, the Tammany Trace Trail is the state’s longest rail-trail, coming in at 31 miles. The trail takes you through five towns in St. Tammany Parish, Abita Springs, Mandeville, Covington, Lacombe, and Slidell. There are trailheads at the east town, so you can park and meander down the trail for as long as you’d like before heading back to the car.
Acadiana Park Nature Station, 1205 E Alexander St, Lafayette, LA 70501, USA
Enjoy 1.8 miles of beautiful boardwalks along this kid-friendly trail. Informative signs along the way make this trail both educational and exciting. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife like frogs, snakes, raccoons, and more!
Kiroli Park, 820 Kiroli Rd, West Monroe, LA 71291, USA
Located with West Monroe’s Kiroli Park, this lovely little loop trail is great for those moments where you just need a change of scenery. You’ll journey through dense forest underneath the shade of towering pines, and along the way, you’ll catch glimpses of the lakes and the beautiful landscaping found all throughout the park.
How many of these trails have you hiked? Are any on your list for this year? Let us know in the comments below!
Address: Louisiana, USA
Address: Eddie D Jones Park, 8400 Mike Clark Rd, Keithville, LA 71047, USA
Address: Comite River Park - Kerry Stamey Mountain Bike Trails, 8680 Hooper Rd, Baton Rouge, LA 70811, USA
Address: Poverty Point World Heritage Site, 6859 LA-577, Pioneer, LA 71266, USA
Address: Wild Azalea Trailhead, 352-398 Castor Plunge Rd, Woodworth, LA 71485, USA
Address: Driskill Mountain, Louisiana 71275, USA
Address: Lake Martin, Louisiana, Louisiana 70517, USA
Address: MaryAnn Brown Nature Preserve, 13515 LA-965, St Francisville, LA 70775, USA
Address: Woodlands Conservancy’s Woodlands Trail, 449 F Edward Hebert Blvd, Belle Chasse, LA 70037, USA
Address: Barataria Preserve Visitor Center, 6588 Barataria Blvd, Marrero, LA 70072, USA
Address: Tammany Trace Bike Trail, Covington, LA, USA
Address: Acadiana Park Nature Station, 1205 E Alexander St, Lafayette, LA 70501, USA
Address: Kiroli Park, 820 Kiroli Rd, West Monroe, LA 71291, USA
