Posted in Louisiana Nature April 24, 2016 by

10 Incredible Hikes Under 5 Miles Everyone In Louisiana Should Take

Are you ready to explore nature? We still have a few weeks in Louisiana before the heat becomes oppressive. You should get out there. Here are some amazing short hikes in Louisiana. They are all under five miles—OK, one is 5.7 miles. But they are all well worth the journey. Bring a loved one, bring the kids and let’s explore this beautiful nature:

During these uncertain times, please keep safety in mind and consider adding destinations to your bucket list to visit at a later date.
1. River Trail, Tickfaw State Park, Springfield, LA
Flickr.com / Louisiana Sea Grant College Program
The 3 mile trail here is a great way to spend an afternoon, wandering along the waters here and soaking up all of the beautiful nature.
2. Sugar Cane National Recreation Trail, Kisatchie National Forest, Caney Ranger District
Flickr.com / Finchlake2000
Ok, so this trail is technically 5.7 miles, making it the perfect length for a leisurely day hike. You will loop around Caney Lake, viewing a diverse ecosystem including boggy hardwoods and hillside pines.
3. White Trail, Lake D’Arbonne State Park, Farmerville, LA
Facebook.com / Debi Clark Anding
This is a 4 mile trail that offers nature lovers plenty of gorgeous piney forest to explore. There are also plenty of stops along the way to enjoy the views and check out the plentiful wildlife.
4. Willis Homestead Trail, Lake Bistineau State Park, Doyline, LA
Facebook.com / Jeanette Puppe
There are a number of trails at this amazing state park, but the 3.8-mile Willis Homestead Trail is probably the most beautiful.
5. Louisiana State Arboretum Trail, Chicot State Park, Ville Platte, LA
Facebook.com / Renee Hansen Curtis
After stopping by the beautiful museum here, you will love the informative signs that point out the relevant flora and fauna in the area and the beautiful boardwalks give you a sense of truly floating through the swamp.
6. Bayou Segnette State Park, Nature Trail, Westwego, LA
facebook.com/BayouSegnette/
The 1-mile nature trail here offers plenty of amazing vegetation and wildlife viewing opportunities. The birds are particularly abundant here and very beautiful.
7. High Ridge Trail, Kisatchie Hills Wilderness Area, Kisatchie Ranger District
Flickr.com / Justin Meissen
The heart of the Louisiana wilderness, the Backbone Trail of 7 miles is extremely popular but if you’re looking for something a bit shorter with awesome views, the High Ridge trail in this area is totally beautiful.
8. Bobcat Trail, Chemin-A-Haut State Park, Bastrop, LA
Facebook.com / Rodney Hayes
This 1.1-mile trail along Bayou Bartholomew offers views of the water from the bluff that runs throughout this park. This park is especially great for kids, with two playgrounds as well as a swimming pool available after your hike.
9. Jean Lafitte National Park, Marrero, LA
Facebook.com / Devon Baldwin
The boardwalk trails here are well worn and simply gorgeous as you are sure to spot blooming irises, Louisiana alligators, and countless gorgeous birds surround you.
10. Grand Isle Nature Trail, Grand Isle State Park, Grand Isle
Facebook.com / GayeMarie Troxclair
This 2.5-mile beachside trail walks you through the dunes and grasses that grow closest to the shore of the Gulf of Mexico. And of course, the sunsets here are amazing.

Don’t these hikes look amazing? These short hikes in Louisiana are sure to make for a beautiful afternoon for you and your loved one. Let us know if you’ve ever been on one of these hikes! We’d love to hear how your hike went!