There’s no better way to see the Louisiana landscape than on foot, and these are some of the best trails in Louisiana that you’ll want to add to your bucket list. Some are long, some are relatively short, but all of them come with amazing payoffs.
1. Lake Chicot Loop Trail
Chicot State Park, 3469 Chicot Park Rd, Ville Platte, LA 70586, USA
The loop trail over at Chico State Park is a little over 17 miles, but you don’t have to hike the entire thing if you don't have the time. The trail completely encircles the lake and the views along the way are simply breathtaking. Not only is it one of the most 7scenic hikes in Louisiana, but it's fairly kid-friendly, since there are no steep sections or rough terrain.
2. Backbone Trail
Backbone Trail, Montrose Rd, Natchitoches, LA 71457, USA
The Backbone Trail is just one of the dozens of trails that meander through the Kisatchie National Forest. This trail is almost 10 miles long and offers stunning treetop views that’ll make you second guess if you’re still in Louisiana.
3. Acadiana Park Nature Station Trail
Acadiana Park Nature Station, 1205 E Alexander St, Lafayette, LA 70501, USA
With over five miles of hiking trails, you’re sure to have a wonderful experience over at the Acadiana Park Nature Station. Some of the trails wind around the Dan Deballion Canal and offer mesmerizing scenery along the way, and it's one of the most kid-friendly hikes in Louisiana.
4. Tickfaw State Park Trails
Tickfaw State Park, 27225 Patterson Rd, Springfield, LA 70462, USA
There are four trails to choose from over at Tickfaw State Park, with three of them under a mile, which is great for the tiniest of nature lovers. Each one offers absolutely beautiful scenery for anyone looking to immerse themselves in nature.
The trail will take you through Big Branch National Wildlife Refuge, an 18,000 acre nature preserve that's surrounded by beautiful oak trees, a marsh overlook, and tons of wildlife.
6. Woodland Trail
Lake D'Arbonne State Park, 3628 Evergreen Rd, Farmerville, LA 71241, USA
The Woodland Trail is located in Lake D’Arbonne State Park, and this 2.5-mile loop trail has some stunning views of the lake. At sunset, it's easily one of the most beautiful places in the Pelican State!
Driskill Mountain is located near Bienville and is the highest natural summit in the state, clocking in at 535 feet. The trail is just shy of two miles and is a quick and easy hike that’s perfect for an afternoon adventure. Don't forget to sign the guestbook when you reach the summit!
If you’ve never been to Lake Martin, put this trail at the top of your list. The out-and-back trail is about 5.5 miles and offers excellent wildlife viewing. You can even rent a kayak and paddle around the lake for an entirely different perspective.
9. Barataria Preserve
Barataria Preserve, 6588 Barataria Blvd, Marrero, LA 70072, USA
When it comes to the most scenic hikes in Louisiana, Barataria Preserve certainly tops the list. There are dozens of trails over at Barataria Preserve, each under two miles so you can mix and match depending on your schedule. The Bayou Coquille Trail, in particular, will lead you through some of Louisiana’s most beautiful scenery and ends in a stunning marsh overlook where you can see for miles.
How many of these hikes have you been on? Are there other low-key hikes that you love? Let us know in the comments below!
Don’t forget to share your photos from your outdoor adventures on our Louisiana Nature Lovers Facebook group for a chance to see your snapshots featured!
Address: Chicot State Park, 3469 Chicot Park Rd, Ville Platte, LA 70586, USA
Address: Backbone Trail, Montrose Rd, Natchitoches, LA 71457, USA
Address: Acadiana Park Nature Station, 1205 E Alexander St, Lafayette, LA 70501, USA
Address: Tickfaw State Park, 27225 Patterson Rd, Springfield, LA 70462, USA
Address: Boy Scout Road Trail, Lacombe, LA 70445, USA
Address: Lake D'Arbonne State Park, 3628 Evergreen Rd, Farmerville, LA 71241, USA
Address: Driskill Mountain, Louisiana 71275, USA
Address: Lake Martin, Louisiana, Louisiana 70517, USA
Address: Barataria Preserve, 6588 Barataria Blvd, Marrero, LA 70072, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
best trails in Louisiana
May 15, 2022
Jackie Ann
What are the best family-friendly hikes in Louisiana?
Since Louisiana is fairly flat, our hiking trails are generally kid-friendly. Even the trails in the Kisatchie National Forest are easy enough for the youngest of nature lovers, given they don’t mind a mud puddle or two. The trails within the LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens are not only short and sweet, but feature several informative signs along the way to make the outing educational as well as fun.
Can I hike to historical sites in Louisiana?
If you’re a history lover, you should visit Poverty Point, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in northeast Louisiana. The trail is only a mile long and will give you an up-close look at what remains of a mysterious civilization.
What are the best beaches in Louisiana?
One of the best-kept secrets in Louisiana is how many beautiful beaches we have. Even in the northern part of the state, state parks like Lake Claiborne State Park and Jimmie Davis State Park both offer white sandy beaches nestled around a forested setting that’s ideal for a day of summer fun. In the southern part of the state, both Holly Beach and Rutherford Beach offer unparalleled views of the Gulf of Mexico and endless miles of beaches to sink your toes into. Both of these beaches are great for finding seashells, so keep your eyes peeled!
Address: Chicot State Park, 3469 Chicot Park Rd, Ville Platte, LA 70586, USA
Address: Backbone Trail, Montrose Rd, Natchitoches, LA 71457, USA
Address: Acadiana Park Nature Station, 1205 E Alexander St, Lafayette, LA 70501, USA
Address: Tickfaw State Park, 27225 Patterson Rd, Springfield, LA 70462, USA
Address: Boy Scout Road Trail, Lacombe, LA 70445, USA
Address: Lake D'Arbonne State Park, 3628 Evergreen Rd, Farmerville, LA 71241, USA
Address: Driskill Mountain, Louisiana 71275, USA
Address: Lake Martin, Louisiana, Louisiana 70517, USA
Address: Barataria Preserve, 6588 Barataria Blvd, Marrero, LA 70072, USA
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