5 Hikes With the Best Sunset Views in Louisiana

Sunset hikes in Louisiana are the perfect way to end the day. Nothing compares to watching the sky erupt in a stunning display of color as the world quiets down for the evening. I'm always searching for good sunset spots in Louisiana, and I've compiled a list of some of my favorites. These are some of my favorite trails in the Pelican State for catching a gorgeous sunset, and I promise you'll love them, too.

1. Lake Martin Levee Trail, Breaux Bridge

Lake Martin Levee Trail is a 5-mile loop located in the beautiful Cypress Island Preserve in Breaux Bridge. It’s one of the best birdwatching destinations in Louisiana, hosting large congregations of egrets, roseate spoonbills, herons, and cormorants during spring and early summer. You’ll feel like you’re in a fairytale as you walk through the forest landscape and traverse wooden footbridges. As the sun sets over Lake Martin behind the mystical cypress trees, the trail is bathed in an ethereal glow that can only be described as awe-inspiring. You're almost guaranteed to see alligators and turtles soaking in that last bit of sun.

2. Mandeville Lakefront Trail, Mandeville

The beautiful Lake Pontchartrain is right beside you when you stroll along the Mandeville Lakefront Trail. It’s a leisurely journey, spanning just over three miles of paved trail with no elevation gain. The route is lined with majestic oak trees whose leaves softly rustle in the gentle lake breeze, and there are benches and swings along the way for visitors to relax while taking in the views. The sunsets here are unparalleled — you can watch the sun until it disappears below the horizon, painting the sky in a brilliant display of warm hues. Even though this is one of the most popular places to watch the sunset in Louisiana, it's such a long area that you're sure to find a little spot of your own.

3. Boardwalk Park Path, Lake Charles

Nothing beats a waterfront sunset, and the Boardwalk Park Path in Lake Charles has some of the best views in the state. The easy, 1.5-mile trail overlooks the lake and is the perfect spot for a quiet evening stroll. Along with the picture-perfect sunsets, you’ll also see birds flying overhead and lots of benches for resting or having a picnic. Put your camera on a tripod for those dreamy long exposure shots.

4. Backbone Trail, Cloutierville

Located in Kisatchie National Forest, Louisiana’s only national forest, the Backbone Trail is nearly 15 miles long — but you don’t have to hike the whole thing to enjoy the views. The trail has an elevation gain of over 1,000 feet and features several scenic overlooks, making it perfect for watching the sunset through the trees. Pitch a tent and spend a night under the stars! There are plenty of primitive campsites peppered throughout the Kisatchie.

5. French Quarter River Walk Trail, New Orleans

Sunsets on the Mississippi just hit different, and the French Quarter River Walk Trail is my favorite way to watch them. It’s a relaxing, mile-long path along the river that offers lovely views of the water and downtown and the Crescent City Bridge. Marvel at the setting sun before grabbing dinner in the French Quarter or checking out the nightlife on Bourbon Street. 

Have you taken any of these sunset hikes in Louisiana? Which one is your favorite? Don’t forget to sign up for AllTrails+ to transform the way you hike. The perks like offline map access and wrong-turn alerts really come in handy. Try planning your own trip using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.