Fall in Louisiana is unapologetically late to the party. While other states are frolicking in a kaleidoscope of color, we wait patiently for our turn. The leaves in Louisiana tend to turn towards the end of October, so you’ve got some time to pencil in this beautiful fall hike in Louisiana. 

Today’s adventures bring us to Ruston, a city in Northern Louisiana with an epic Greenway that’s been a project since 2016.

The Rock Island Greenway is a 6-mile rail trail that connects Ruston neighborhoods and parks. It was named after the Chicago, Rock Island, and Pacific Railway (aka Rock Island). This railway was one of the reasons Ruston became a thriving town, even after the railway shut down in 1984. 

The greenway was built in three phases. This section of the trail was phase one and officially opened to the public in 2017.

The trail runs for one mile from Woodward Avenue to West Kentucky Avenue. It’s popular for mountain bikers, runners, and hikers and the trail is wide enough for everyone (12 feet!).

If you can time your visit during Louisiana’s peak fall foliage, you’ll be met with a background of yellows, ambers, and crimson colors. It really is a sight to see!

The trail traverses through the forest and alongside a small creek. Keep an eye out for wildlife along the way. You’ll most likely hear the songbirds in the trees, but if you’re extra lucky, you’ll spot some deer! Do you see the deer in this photo? 

Phase two and three of the Rock Island Greenway were completed in 2019 ad 2020, creating a pedestrian walkway that’s perfect for exploring Ruston on foot. Public parking for the Greenway can be found at Cook Park, Duncan Park, and the West Kentucky Substation. If you plan on taking this section of the greenway, I suggest parking at the West Kentucky Substation. 

Overall, it’s about a two-mile out-and-back trail that’s full of beautiful scenery year-round. Once you take this hike in the fall you’ll want to return to see it in every season. 

Check out our previous article for more things to do in the fall in Louisiana. We’ve got all the best fall hikes, viewpoints, road trips, and more! Don’t forget to get an AllTrails+ account for your hiking excursions. You'll get access to features including live trail updates, more detailed maps, access to more than 200 guides, and so much more.