A Bit Of An Unexpected Natural Wonder, Few People Know There Are Waterfalls Hiding In Louisiana

Considering nearly 50% of Louisiana is below sea level, you wouldn't think that the state would have any waterfalls like so many other states, but you'd be wrong! One of Louisiana's most unexpected natural wonders can be found in the J.C. "Sonny" Gilbert Wildlife Management Area, a 7,500-acre wildlife preserve in Catahoula Parish. This hidden gem is where you'll find not one, not two, but three waterfalls in Louisiana, and you can easily hike to them.

The first waterfall is St. Mary’s Falls, a 10-foot waterfall located on the northern side of the WMA.

The St. Mary Falls Trail is roughly a one-mile loop through the mixed pine hardwoods. It’ll take you about 30 minutes to an hour to complete, but of course, you’ll want to carve out some time to stop and admire the waterfall.

For a longer trek, take the seven-mile Big Creek Trail.

Following the trail’s namesake, Big Creek, this loop trail is considered moderately challenging, especially for Louisiana hiking trail standards, so be sure you’re wearing the proper gear (boots, pants, etc.) and have some water handy before you hit this trail.

Depending on recent weather, you could see some mini cascades along the creek.

It's also important to reiterate the importance of proper footwear if you're going to explore this area. The rugged terrain will have you scrambling a bit, and these are primitive trails where you won't have the luxury of a handrail or a level boardwalk. This is pure nature.

Also, five of the seven venomous snakes in Louisiana live in this WMA, so keep the flip-flops in the car and wear some good hiking boots.

The Sandy Bayou waterfall is one of the lesser-known waterfalls here, since it’s not on one of the three main trails here.

From the Big Creek Trail parking lot on the northern side, you can walk down the road for a bit until you see the trail to the waterfall on your left.

The last waterfall is Rock Falls, the tallest waterfall in Louisiana.

Rock Falls clocks in at 17 feet which is pretty impressive for Louisiana!

To see these falls in all of their cascading glory, you'll want to time your visit after a rainfall.

You can even walk behind Rock Falls! Just be careful, it can be pretty slippery back there.

Visit the J.C. "Sonny" Gilbert WMA's official website to learn more.

If you thought waterfalls in Louisiana were unheard of, how about Louisiana's cave? Another quick and easy hike into the woods and you'll be at Wolf Rock Cave, just one of the many hidden gems in the Kisatchie National Forest.