Take This Scenic Route And Drive Through 5 Louisiana State Parks In One Day

There are 21 state parks in Louisiana, and many of them are close enough that you can visit several within one day. This scenic route will take you to five Louisiana State Parks in the northern part of the state. Whether you're looking to enjoy some peaceful scenery or spend some time traversing the trails, these state parks in Louisiana are a wonderful day trip destination.

From point to point, you’re looking at about a five-hour drive. Of course, you’ll want to stop off at each park and see the sights, so you’ll want to get on the road early so you have plenty of time to explore each park. Here’s an interactive map you can use to customize your journey to make it uniquely yours.

1. Lake D’Arbonne State Park

Starting the day off strong with a visit to Lake D’Arbonne State Park, a 655-acre park nestled along the beautiful Lake D'Arbonne. From fishing to nature trails, there's a lot to love about this underrated state park.

2. Jimmie Davis State Park

Jimmie Davis State Park is a popular park during the warmer months, especially for anyone looking to sink their toes in the sand and enjoy the park's beautiful beach. But this 294-acre state park in Louisiana is beautiful year-round, and really shines during the fall.

3. Lake Bruin State Park

This tiny but mighty state park might be the most underrated state park in Louisiana, but we promise it's worth a visit. Clocking in at 53 acres, Lake Bruin State Park is Louisiana's smallest state park, but don't let the size fool you: there's beautiful scenery everywhere you look.

4. Poverty Point Reservoir State Park

If you love the water, you'll love Poverty Point Reservoir State Park. The 2,700-acre reservoir is a popular fishing spot, so bring your rod and reel. There are waterfront cabins (pictured above) if you'd like to turn your day trip into a weekend getaway, which sounds lovely, right? One thing to note about this state park is that there is a heavy black bear presence here, and you'll see the signs posted around the park. Not the wildlife you were expecting, right? Louisiana does have a decent population of black bears, especially in this part of the state. Something to keep in mind as you're cleaning your fish!

5. Chem-A-Haut State Park

Overlooking the beautiful Bayou Bartholomew, Chem-A-Haut State Park is truly a nature lover's paradise. The hiking trails are a popular spot for horseback riding, but the real hidden gem here is the Castle Tree, one of the oldest cypress trees in the state. Measuring over 20 feet in diameter, you can't miss it. The tree is estimated to be anywhere from 800-1,000 years old!

Have you visited any of these Louisiana State Parks? Share your experience with us in the comments below!