Posted in Louisiana Hiking, Nature March 11, 2022 by

5 Totally Kid-Friendly Hikes In Louisiana That Are 1 Mile And Under

Cajun Country is too beautiful to be spending your entire weekend indoors. We’ve got the ability to hike year-round, so there’s no reason to stay shut up inside if the weather is nice. There are hundreds of trails in Louisiana that the entire family can enjoy. We are blessed to have many kid-friendly hikes in Louisiana. Why not pack up a lunch, grab the kids, and head out to some of these kid-friendly trails? They’re all under a mile in length and provide a great opportunity to bond with your kids while getting some exercise.

 

1. Cut Through Trail in Tickfaw State Park: 27225 Patterson Rd, Springfield, LA 70462
Tickfaw State Park, 27225 Patterson Rd, Springfield, LA 70462, USA
Louisiana Hikes/All Trails
This scenic hike in Louisiana measures just under a mile. If you visit in the spring, you'll see beautiful wildflowers in bloom. The forest setting feels like you've stepped into a story book. It's a connecting trail between the Nature Center and the Gum Cypress Trail, meaning that if you want to do even more exploring, other trails are easily accessed. This 1,200-acre state park has miles of wonderful trails to enjoy.
2. Learning Tree Trail at LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens: 4560 Essen Ln, Baton Rouge, LA 70809
LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens, 4560 Essen Ln, Baton Rouge, LA 70809, USA
Bill Jones/All Trails
LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens is a fantastic fun and educational outing for kids of any age. This delightful little loop trail is just half a mile long, so even the littlest of kids can manage it.
3. The Nature Trail at Fairview Riverside State Park: 119 Fairview Dr, Madisonville, LA 70447
Fairview Riverside State Park, Fairview Riverside State Pk, Louisiana 70447, USA
Fairview Riverside State Park/Facebook
Fairview Riverside State Park is one of Louisiana's best hidden gems. It features several trails, including this 0.2-mile hike. It's the shortest on the list, but don't let it deter you! It's a lovely boardwalk trail that features amazing views of the Tchefuncte River. Many animals live in the park's 99 acres, so the little ones may even get to see birds, turtles, or otters!
4. Walter B Jacobs Memorial Nature Park: 8012 Par Rd 4, Shreveport, LA 71107
Walter B Jacobs Memorial Nature Park, 8012 Par Rd 4, Shreveport, LA 71107, USA
Walter B Jacobs Memorial Nature Park/Facebook
Kids will absolutely love this nature park that seems tailor made for them. There are over five miles of trails to explore, plus picnic areas, an herb garden, and an outdoor aviary. Make sure to check out the interpretive building: it's got three rooms of live animals and exhibits! From the tiniest tot to the oldest adult, everyone is sure to have a blast here.
5. Barataria Preserve: 6588 Barataria Blvd, Marrero, LA 70072
Barataria Preserve Visitor Center, 6588 Barataria Blvd, Marrero, LA 70072, USA
Grumpy Pirate/All Trails
The Barataria Preserve has several trails within its boundaries. You can mix and match up different hikes based on your little one's energy levels. Kids will love the boardwalk trails, not to mention the chance to see turtles, alligators, and birds in the wild! With 23,000 acres, there's a lot to explore here.

Did we miss your favorite kid-friendly hike in Louisiana? Share your favorite family trails in the comments!

Address: Tickfaw State Park, 27225 Patterson Rd, Springfield, LA 70462, USA
Address: LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens, 4560 Essen Ln, Baton Rouge, LA 70809, USA
Address: Fairview Riverside State Park, Fairview Riverside State Pk, Louisiana 70447, USA
Address: Walter B Jacobs Memorial Nature Park, 8012 Par Rd 4, Shreveport, LA 71107, USA
Address: Barataria Preserve Visitor Center, 6588 Barataria Blvd, Marrero, LA 70072, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center

Best Hikes in Louisiana

March 16, 2022
Lisa Sammons

What are some more kid-friendly hikes around Louisiana?

We are lucky to have plenty of shorter hikes in Louisiana that are great for the little ones. If you’re wanting to check out some great hikes around New Orleans that are all shorter than a mile, we’ve got a list for you. There are plenty of trails in Louisiana that may be on the longer side, but you can always just hike a small portion to make it more kid and beginner-friendly.

What are some of the best parks in Louisiana for hiking?

Did you know we have an incredible 21 state parks in Louisiana? With that may to explore, there’s plenty to check out! Here are 11 of them that are a little on the small side, but still worth a visit. Grand Isle State Park was severely damaged by Hurricane Ida, but we can’t wait for it to reopen. It’s got plenty of wonderful amenities and great scenery.

Are there any hikes with waterfalls in Louisiana?

We’ve got a lot of beauty in Louisiana, but sadly there are not too many waterfalls in Cajun Country. If you’re looking to hike a trail with a beautiful waterfall, we do have a few though. Check out this secluded trail in the Gilbert Wildlife Management Area.

 

Address: Tickfaw State Park, 27225 Patterson Rd, Springfield, LA 70462, USA
Address: LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens, 4560 Essen Ln, Baton Rouge, LA 70809, USA
Address: Fairview Riverside State Park, Fairview Riverside State Pk, Louisiana 70447, USA
Address: Walter B Jacobs Memorial Nature Park, 8012 Par Rd 4, Shreveport, LA 71107, USA
Address: Barataria Preserve Visitor Center, 6588 Barataria Blvd, Marrero, LA 70072, USA