Posted in Louisiana
January 27, 2021
In 2021, Take These 12 Incredible Louisiana Hikes, One For Each Month Of The Year
Alright, 2021, 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 incredible Louisiana hikes that are worth checking out.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
Rounding out the year, 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.
And there you have it! A year’s worth of wonderful hikes to look forward to.
Have you ever hiked any of these trails? Which one is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below!
Address: 17049 State Park Blvd, Franklinton, LA 70438, USA
Address: 5400 Levee Rd, St Martinville, LA 70582, USA
Address: Lake Chicot, Louisiana, USA
Address: 3301 St Matthias Dr, Shreveport, LA 71119, USA
Address: 352-398 Castor Plunge Rd, Woodworth, LA 71485, USA
Address: 6588 Barataria Blvd, Marrero, LA 70072, USA
Address: Belle Chasse, LA 70037, USA
Address: 8400 Mike Clark Rd, Keithville, LA 71047, USA
Address: Unnamed Road, Natchitoches, LA 71457, USA
Address: 100 Camp Ground Rd, Woodworth, LA 71485, USA
Address: 8012 Par Rd 4, Shreveport, LA 71107, USA
Address: 700 Downing Pines Rd, West Monroe, LA 71292, USA
