Posted in Louisiana Nature January 25, 2021 by

These 8 Louisiana Hiking Spots Are Out Of This World

They don’t call Louisiana a Sportsman’s paradise for nothing. What we lack in elevation we make up for in density of flora and fauna. All across the state, there are amazing opportunities to reconnect with nature. From waterfalls to gulf beach vistas, to marsh trails with alligators; Louisiana has everything a nature lover could want. Here are a few of the most beautiful places to hike in Louisiana:

During these uncertain times, please keep safety in mind and consider adding destinations to your bucket list to visit at a later date.
1. Tunica Hills WMA / Clark's Creek, near St. Francisville, LA
Pack and Paddle
Some of the highest bluffs within 3 hours of southern Louisiana, the Tunica Hills wildlife management area offers some of the most beautiful terrain in the state. Cross over the border to Mississippi for a pleasant day hike or explore the miles of trails and camping in the Tunica Hills WMA area.
Learn more about Tunica Hills in our previous article here.
2. Louisiana State Arboretum in Chicot State Park, Ville Platte, LA
Louisiana State Arboretum
The covered walkways and trails through the arboretum offer a unique educational experience for visitors. Wildlife and foliage are identified by clear and informative signs throughout the trails. Perfect for kids!
Learn more about the arboretum in our previous article here.
3. Grand Isle Birding Trail, Grand Isle, LA
Flickr / Billtacular
Home to some of the most spectacular sunsets in the state, Grand Isle is also a favorite stop over point for birds from around the world. Visit during the migratory bird festival to catch beauties like this Indigo Bunting.
Learn more about Grand Isle and all the fun activities you can do in our previous article here.
4. Caroline Dormon Trail, Near Kisatchie National Forest
Flickr/Finchlake2000
The Caroline Dormon Trail near the Kisatchie Hills Wilderness Area is named for the first woman employed in forestry in the United States (1930). Visit here for views of Kisatchie Bayou.
Learn more about this trail in our previous article here.
5. Barataria Preserve Trails, Jean Lafitte National Park
Flickr / Ken Lund
Just minutes away from downtown New Orleans, these covered walkways through the marsh are a perfect way to get a taste of the swamp when visiting the city. Aim for April or May to see the blooming Louisiana Iris. Look out for gators!
Learn more about this incredible preserve in our previous article here.
6. Wild Azalea Trail, Kisatchie National Forest
Pack and Paddle
The longest trail in the state, this 28-mile hike offers a variety of ecosystems. Go in March and April to admire the blooming wild Azaleas that are this trail's namesake.
Learn more about this epic trail in our previous article here.
7. Toledo Bend Reservoir Trails, North Toledo Bend State Park
Flickr / Barclay Nix
The trails at the largest man-made reservoir in the country offer beautiful vistas along with some of the most popular fishing areas in the state. Look out for Bald Eagles!
Learn more about the park and the reservoir in our previous article here.
8. Chicot State Park, Ville Platte, LA
Flickr/jillian.e
One of the longest trails within a state park in Louisiana, the 22-mile hike around Chicot lake offers breathtaking views of Cypress Swamp. Primitive campsites are stationed all along the way--but be sure and bring your own water!
Learn more about all the attractions at Chicot State Park in our previous article here.

Have you ever hiked any of these trails? Have a favorite of the most beautiful places to hike in Louisiana that you don’t see here? Let us know in the comments below, or nominate it for a chance to be featured!

Address: LA-66, St Francisville, LA 70775, USA
Address: Louisiana State Arboretum State Preservation Area, 1300 Sudie Lawton Lane, Ville Platte, LA 70586, USA
Address: Grand Isle, LA, USA
Address: 10, Natchitoches, LA 71457, USA
Address: Barataria Preserve Visitor Center, 6588 Barataria Blvd, Marrero, LA 70072, USA
Address: Wild Azalea Trailhead, 352-398 Castor Plunge Rd, Woodworth, LA 71485, USA
Address: North Toledo Bend State Park, 2907 N Toledo Park Rd, Zwolle, LA 71486, USA
Address: Chicot State Park, 3469 Chicot Park Rd, Ville Platte, LA 70586, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center

Most beautiful places to hike in Louisiana

January 29, 2021
Jackie Ann

What are the best family-friendly hikes in Louisiana?

There are plenty of hikes in Louisiana that the entire family can enjoy. Located in Marrero, Barataria Preserve features 23,000 acres of beautiful swamps, marshes, and forests that all ages will enjoy. The little ones will love getting to spot all of the abundant wildlife and there are interpretive signs along the trail so you can learn more about your surroundings. For a more rugged trail, head into the Kisatchie National Forest, which is full of hundreds of primitive trails that will challenge the whole family (without being too strenuous).

Which hikes in Louisiana are short and sweet?

We love hiking through Louisiana’s beautiful scenery, but we don’t always have all day to get lost in nature. Luckily, Louisiana has plenty of short and sweet hikes that you can knock out in an hour or two without compromising on scenery. Many of the Louisiana State Parks offer trails that are under two miles in length, as well as nature centers like Barataria Preserve, The Louisiana Arboretum, and the Acadiana Nature Center.

Can I hike to historical sites in Louisiana?

You sure can! Both nature lovers and history buffs will thoroughly enjoy visiting Poverty Point, a World Heritage Site in northeast Louisiana. Over 3,000 years old, the site was once a thriving trading hub and living community for the Poverty Point people. In addition to the trail that you can take that will lead you all around the site, you’ll also be able to view all of the artifacts that have been uncovered. If you’re in the southeastern part of the state, check out The Woodlands, where you can take the Bottomland Trail that will lead you to a grouping of ammunition magazines left over from WWII, certainly something you don’t come across every day!

Address: LA-66, St Francisville, LA 70775, USA
Address: Louisiana State Arboretum State Preservation Area, 1300 Sudie Lawton Lane, Ville Platte, LA 70586, USA
Address: Grand Isle, LA, USA
Address: 10, Natchitoches, LA 71457, USA
Address: Barataria Preserve Visitor Center, 6588 Barataria Blvd, Marrero, LA 70072, USA
Address: Wild Azalea Trailhead, 352-398 Castor Plunge Rd, Woodworth, LA 71485, USA
Address: North Toledo Bend State Park, 2907 N Toledo Park Rd, Zwolle, LA 71486, USA
Address: Chicot State Park, 3469 Chicot Park Rd, Ville Platte, LA 70586, USA