In 2021, Take These 12 Incredible Louisiana Hikes, One For Each Month Of The Year
Alright, let’s do this. We may not know what this year has in store for us, but we can certainly start it off on the right foot by exploring some of the most beautiful places in Louisiana. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just getting into the hobby, here are 12 of the best hikes in Louisiana that are worth checking out.
1. January: Bogue Chitto State Park Gorge Run Trail
Bogue Chitto State Park, 17049 State Park Blvd, Franklinton, LA 70438, USA
Located in Franklinton, the Gorge Run Trail is just over five miles, and while great year-round, you can escape a few of the bugs if you explore this trail in the cooler months. You’ll have some mesmerizing views of the river along the way. We're sure you'll agree that is among the most scenic hikes in Louisiana.
Read more about Bogue Chitto State Park.
2. February: Lake Chicot Loop Trail
Chicot State Park, 3469 Chicot Park Rd, Ville Platte, LA 70586, USA
This 17-mile trail will certainly take your hiking skills to the next level. Located within Chicot State Park, this boardwalk/gravel trail will take you all around Lake Chicot and the surrounding marsh and swamps. This is another hike that is beautiful year-round, but do yourself a favor and spare yourself the mosquitos and go in February.
Learn more about Chicot State Park.
3. March: Lakeshore Mountain Bike Trail
Lakeshore Mountain Bike Trail, 3301 St Matthias Dr, Shreveport, LA 71119, USA
March is a great time of year to be outdoors. If you’re a cyclist, you’ll love the Lakeshore Mountain Bike trail in Shreveport. Just shy of five miles, this lovely loop trail is great for bikers and hikers alike, and can be a bit of a challenge for either - but nothing too strenuous.
Check out more about Lakeshore Mountain Bike Trail.
Now that you’ve tackled a 17-mile trail, a 24-mile trail should be a cakewalk. Nestled within the Kisatchie National Forest, the Wild Azalea Trail is the longest primitive trail in the state, clocking in at roughly 23.9 miles. Named for the plethora of wild azaleas found along the trail, this is one hike you’ll want to plan around their blooming season, which can be from early March to May, but usually peaks in April. It may not be one of the easy hikes in Louisiana, but it sure is a pretty one!
Find out more about the Wild Azalea Trail.
5. May: Bayou Coquille & Marsh Overlook Trails
Barataria Preserve Visitor Center, 6588 Barataria Blvd, Marrero, LA 70072, USA
You could spend an entire weekend exploring the trails at Barataria Preserve, but if you’re short on time, definitely knock out these two trails. It’s about two miles out and back, and you’ll be immersed in some of the most beautiful swampy scenery in Louisiana. At the end of the Bayou Coquille Trail, you’ll hit the Marsh Overlook Trail, where you’ll be met with endless views of the canal and the marsh.
See more about Bayou Coquille and Marsh Overlook Trails.
June can be tricky. We’re creeping into summer, but it’s still not unbearably hot, and that’s why we picked the Bottomland Trail. You’ll have the shade from the towering pine trees above you, plus the symphony of sounds from the songbirds nearby. At the end of the Bottomland Trail, you’ll come across a series of WWII Ammunition Bunkers - not something you see every day!
Read more about Bottomland Trail.
7. July: Monkey Trail
Eddie D Jones Park, 8400 Mike Clark Rd, Keithville, LA 71047, USA
Ready to feel like you’re in the jungle? Head on over to Eddie D. Jones Park in Keithville where you’ll find this 6.5-mile loop trail. It’s located near Chimp Haven, which is home to over 300 rescued chimpanzees, and you’ll be able to hear them in the distance along your hike. It adds a very unique soundtrack to your outing!
Learn more about Monkey Trail.
August is undoubtedly the hardest month to be outside in Louisiana, so you’re going to want to pick trails that are well shaded. For this month’s hike, we’re diving back into the piney hills of the Kisatchie National Forest to explore the 1.5-mile Longleaf Vista Interpretive Trail. Get ready for some show-stopping views on this hike. Because it's not too long, this is a great choice if you're looking for kid-friendly hikes in Louisiana.
Check out more about Longleaf Vista Interpretive Trail.
9. September: Indian Creek Reservoir Loop
Indian Creek Recreation Area, 100 Camp Ground Rd, Woodworth, LA 71485, USA
Staying in the Kisatchie for another month, this scenic little loop trail clocks in at 3.5 miles, making it the perfect afternoon outing. You’ll have both the shade of the trees and lovely water views along the way.
Find out more about Indian Creek Reservoir.
10. October: Walter B. Jacobs Memorial Nature Park Trails
Walter B Jacobs Memorial Nature Park, 8012 Par Rd 4, Shreveport, LA 71107, USA
If you can time your hike with the colors of the leaves changing, you’re in for a real treat. There are five miles of trails that will have you exploring the 160-acre pine-oak-hickory forest. During peak fall foliage, it’s simply mesmerizing.
Find out more about Walter Jacobs Memorial Nature Park.
Over in West Monroe, the Restoration Park Trail is an easy 1.5-mile loop trail that just about anyone can tackle. The scenery is stunning year-round, but when those leaves begin to change, the trail takes on a whole new light.
See more about Restoration Park Trail.
12. December: Lake Fausse Pointe State Park Trail
Lake Fausse Pointe State Park, Lake Fausse Pointe State Pk, Louisiana 70582, USA
Rounding out the list of some of the best hikes in Louisiana, we head over to Lake Fausse Pointe State Park to hike this scenic trail. The boardwalk/gravel loop trail comes in at just over four miles and has just about everything you’re looking for in a hike: beautiful greenery, lovely water views, and ample wildlife watching opportunities.
Read more about Lake Fausse Pointe State Park.
And there you have it! A year’s worth of wonderful hikes to look forward to. We think these are the best hikes in Louisiana. Have you ever hiked any of these trails? Which one is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below!
Address: Bogue Chitto State Park, 17049 State Park Blvd, Franklinton, LA 70438, USA
Address: Chicot State Park, 3469 Chicot Park Rd, Ville Platte, LA 70586, USA
Address: Lakeshore Mountain Bike Trail, 3301 St Matthias Dr, Shreveport, LA 71119, USA
Address: Kisatchie National Forest, Louisiana 71433, USA
Address: Barataria Preserve Visitor Center, 6588 Barataria Blvd, Marrero, LA 70072, USA
Address: Belle Chasse, LA, USA
Address: Eddie D Jones Park, 8400 Mike Clark Rd, Keithville, LA 71047, USA
Address: Par Road 830, Par Rd 830, Louisiana, USA
Address: Indian Creek Recreation Area, 100 Camp Ground Rd, Woodworth, LA 71485, USA
Address: Walter B Jacobs Memorial Nature Park, 8012 Par Rd 4, Shreveport, LA 71107, USA
Address: West Monroe, LA, USA
Address: Lake Fausse Pointe State Park, Lake Fausse Pointe State Pk, Louisiana 70582, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Hikes in Louisiana
June 16, 2022
Danielle Schwartz
What is the best waterfall hike in Louisiana?
In our opinion, the best waterfall hike in Louisiana is found in the J.C. “Sonny” Gilbert Wildlife Management Area. You’ll actually get to see two waterfalls here, which is enticing all on its own. In addition to that, you will experience the incredible natural environment and get away from the city, surrounding yourself with trees. The trail is just a mile and a half long, so it’s not too difficult and is even good for bringing the whole family — kids included!
What are the best wildflower hikes in Louisiana?
Louisiana is known for its endless greenery, but you can also enjoy some truly gorgeous and cheerful colors on these lovely wildflower hikes in Louisiana. If you’re hoping for a tropical feel, head to Jungle Gardens on Avery Island. There you’ll see striking colors that will really show you that you’re on an island. Wildflower Fields at City Park in New Orleans is the perfect spot to see literal flower fields! It’s so idyllic that you’ll feel like you’re in a storybook.
What are the most beautiful hikes in Louisiana?
It’s tough to pick just a few hikes in our magnificent state, but we’ve listed some of our favorites out of all the most beautiful hikes in Louisiana. Acadiana Park Nature Station is a great choice if you’d like to bring the kids along on your hiking adventure. It’s a nice and easy hike and features amazing views of the Dan Deballion Canal. Another kid-friendly hike is found at Tickfaw State Park, where there are several options that don’t even run for a full mile. Even though they are on the short side, the experience is just fantastic and will make you feel at peace in nature.
Address: Bogue Chitto State Park, 17049 State Park Blvd, Franklinton, LA 70438, USA
Address: Chicot State Park, 3469 Chicot Park Rd, Ville Platte, LA 70586, USA
Address: Lakeshore Mountain Bike Trail, 3301 St Matthias Dr, Shreveport, LA 71119, USA
Address: Kisatchie National Forest, Louisiana 71433, USA
Address: Barataria Preserve Visitor Center, 6588 Barataria Blvd, Marrero, LA 70072, USA
Address: Belle Chasse, LA, USA
Address: Eddie D Jones Park, 8400 Mike Clark Rd, Keithville, LA 71047, USA
Address: Par Road 830, Par Rd 830, Louisiana, USA
Address: Indian Creek Recreation Area, 100 Camp Ground Rd, Woodworth, LA 71485, USA
Address: Walter B Jacobs Memorial Nature Park, 8012 Par Rd 4, Shreveport, LA 71107, USA
Address: West Monroe, LA, USA
Address: Lake Fausse Pointe State Park, Lake Fausse Pointe State Pk, Louisiana 70582, USA
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