Some of the most stunning landscapes in Louisiana can be found hiding in the south-central part of the state. This is where you’ll find the beginning of the Kisatchie National Forest (Louisiana’s only national forest), Chicot State Park, and the Louisiana State Arboretum. In my opinion, this area has some of the most beautiful trails in Louisiana. You get the best of both worlds: the swamps and marshes paired with rugged, primitive trails that will take you through some of Louisiana’s most underrated landscapes.
The path we’re following today combines a few different trails: the Bald Cypress Trail, Walker Branch Trail, Wetland Trail, and the Backbone Ridge Trail.
You can park your car at the Louisiana State Arboretum, where the journey begins. The Arboretum is technically part of Chicot State Park, though they do have two separate entrances. Fun fact: the Louisiana State Arboretum is the oldest state-supported arboretum in the country!
Take a look at this map from our Friends of the Louisiana State Arboretum:
You can always mix and match the trails to fit your schedule, which is always a nice perk. Since these trails are on protected land, you’ll have to leave your dog at home for this adventure.
The entire loop-trail clocks in just shy of four miles.
The whole trail system is well-marked, but I’d recommend getting an AllTrails+ account if you can. The premium version unlocks tons of special features including wrong-turn directions plus the ability to download maps offline.
The trails are a mixture of primitive, gravel, and boardwalk, and fairly easy as far as Louisiana hiking trails are concerned.
No scrambling down here! Although I’d recommend checking the weather a few days before you go. If you’re tackling this trail system after a hard rain, you’re in for a muddy adventure.
As you wander through the arboretum you’ll have a front-row seat to view some very distinct habitats.
This is where the Delta’s bottomland hardwood forest, the Cajun Prairie, and the pine Savanah habitats meet.
It makes for a gumbo-style ecosystem where over 100 species of trees, wildflowers, and wildlife can thrive.
Informative placards are placed around a good chunk of the trail, so you can learn a little something while you wander!
The trails are kid-friendly and open year-round.
Winter is my favorite time of year to explore these trails. If you plan on exploring this area in the summer, make sure you bring some bug spray! The skeeters tend to be a bit overzealous during the summer.
Ready for more beautiful trails in Louisiana? Plan an entire weekend around some of our favorite things to do in Ville Platte, Louisiana.
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