Exploring State Park In Louisiana Is The Definition Of An Underrated Adventure

With 6,400 acres to explore, you could easily spend an entire week enjoying Chicot State Park. Louisiana's largest state park is easily one of my favorite state parks in Louisiana because there are so many things to do. While most visitors will stick to land and enjoy the hiking trails at Chicot State Park, I'd encourage you to take the path less traveled and take to the water. Chicot State Park has some of the best canoeing and kayaking in Louisiana, and it's so underrated! Let's check it out:

Lake Chicot is popular with fishermen hoping to reel in freshwater catches of largemouth bass, crappie, and bluegill, but there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy this beautiful lake in Louisiana.

There is an eight-mile canoe trail that will show you an entirely new perspective of the park, and it’s a great activity that the entire family can enjoy.

You can bring your own vessel or rent a canoe from the state park for $25 per day. Each canoe rental includes two paddles and three life jackets.

Once you drop in, enjoy the scenery as you make your way around the lake.

The paddle trail at Chicot State Park is easy to follow. Keep an eye out for these signs that are posted on the trees.

You'll pass by some of the waterfront cabins, which are the perfect spot to call home if you want to make a long weekend out of it.

The cabins at Chicot State Park are very spacious and are located right over the water. There are huge windows in the living room that give you glorious views of the lake!

I'd highly recommend taking a detour and paddling into the little alcoves around the lake.

Not only is there much less of a current and an easier paddle trip, but the views are just mesmerizing.

Wildlife is aplenty here at Chicot State Park, and that includes alligators!

It's pretty safe to assume that every body of water in Louisiana has alligators in it. Generally speaking, they won't bother you if you don't bother them! Just admire these creatures from afar and paddle right past them.

The paddle trail is open year-round, but you probably won't see many alligators if you're visiting during colder months. In the summer they can be seen sunbathing on just about anything they can climb on!

While alligators are certainly the star of the show, they're not the only wildlife you may encounter. Turtles are often seen sunbathing, and plenty of birds, too! Egrets, anhingas, herons, and a variety of songbirds are just a few of the critters that call this lake home.

Visit the official website for Chicot State Park to learn more.

Read on to learn more about all of the things to do at Chicot State Park. If you're planning on hitting any of the hiking trails, an AllTrails+ account is always a good idea.