This Louisiana Hiking Trail Is One Of The Best Places To View Summer Wildflowers
By Jackie Ann|Published June 27, 2023
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Jackie Ann
Author
Louisiana native and LSU Alum (Geaux Tigers!), Jackie has lived in Louisiana for over three decades and currently lives in New Orleans. She's been writing for OnlyInYourState since 2016 and can often be found with a coffee at her side, dreaming of her next adventure.
Even though summers in Louisiana can be rather brutal, it’s important to get outside and enjoy the great outdoors, despite how comfortable the air conditioners in our homes are. Deep in the Kisatchie National Forest, there’s one special spot that’s just dreamy this time of year, and you should check it out! Known for its abundance of wildflowers, this hiking trail is one of the best places to see wildflowers in Louisiana, and you’re going to love it. Grab your best hiking gear, because this trail is one for the books!
There are several different access points to the Wild Azalea Trail, but the easiest is Valentine Lake.
There’s a parking lot, restrooms, and a campground at Valentine Lake, which is great if you decide to make a weekend out of it. There’s also a hiking trail that runs along the lake before heading into the woods, and this trail is also peppered with beautiful blooms, but today we’re focusing on the Wild Azalea Trail.
Dogs are welcome to join in on the fun, just keep them on a leash.
Although you can if you’re feeling ambitious! You can pitch a tent and camp along any of the trails within the Kisatchie National Forest, just make sure you’re completely off the trail and pack everything out when you’re ready to go.
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As the name suggests, the trail is known for its abundance of wild azaleas that grow along the trail.
They’re just beautiful when in bloom! These beauties typically bloom in the spring, but they’ve been known to bloom all the way into June. Just depends on the weather!
There are some parts that are more open than others, and sometimes you're in the thick of it, but overall the trail is very easy with little elevation, so feel free to bring the kids along for the adventure.
You’ll see all sorts of beautiful wildflowers along the trail.
