If you’re looking for an adventure that’s not too taxing, then Louisiana is the perfect place to explore. Home to 33 of the best hike trails in America, these are just a few of the reasons why this state should be at the top of your list.
Acadian Forest
The Acadian forest offers more than 18 miles of hiking trails with scenic views overlooking Lake Martin. There are also plenty of opportunities for fishing and hunting as well as bird watching.
Blackwater River State Park
This 8,500-acre park has 12 different hikes ranging from easy to moderately tricky, with breathtaking views along the way, including cypress swamps and limestone bluffs. – Kisatchie National Forest: With over 300 miles worth of hiking trails, there’s always a new adventure just around the corner. There are also plenty of camping and fishing spots along with picnic areas and playgrounds.
Kisatchie Hills Wilderness
This area features over 80 miles of challenging yet rewarding hiking trails. The views overlooking the pine forest are more than enough to make the trek worthwhile.
Lincoln Parish Park:
Lincoln Park offers nearly 12 miles of hiking trails with a great deal of diversity, including streams, rivers, and forests to explore. There’s also a lake where boating and fishing are available, including playgrounds, picnic areas, and camping sites.
Martin Jr. State Park
With over 14 miles worth of trails, there’s plenty for you to see as you hike through the 540-acre park, as well as abundant opportunities for fishing along the water. This is also one of the best places within Louisiana for bird watching!
Swamp Adventures Hiking Trail
This local favorite provides visitors with an opportunity to take a drive through Pass Manchac, which is considered one of the Seven Natural Wonders Of Louisiana.
Jean Lafitte National Historical Park & Preserve:
This is the nation’s only National Park that is dedicated to both history and recreation. With over 12 miles worth of trails, there are plenty of hiking and bird watching opportunities.
Bogue Chitto State Park
Home to six different trails offering views overlooking ponds, rivers, and wildlife, including deer, ducks, eagles, etc… There are also plenty of picnic areas available in addition to campsites.
Cypremort Point State Park
More than 6 miles of nature-filled paths await you as you hike through Cypremort Point where you’ll encounter views overlooking creeks and waterfalls along with abundant wildlife throughout.
North Toledo Bend State Park
This park features 18 miles worth of hiking trails that are sure to take you on a scenic adventure. You’ll also have access to plenty of opportunities for fishing, boating, camping, and picnicking.
Poverty Point State Park
One of the most fascinating areas in Louisiana is home to seven different trails offering views overlooking the many wonders within this historical landmark site. Visitors will be able to see more than half-dozen ancient mounds along with two major birdwatching shelters while exploring these trails!
Mallard Island Boat Dock/Hiking Trail
Visitors can explore over eight miles worth of paths while taking in views overlooking marshes, wetlands, woodlands, ponds, a wide variety of bird species.
Holy Toledo Properties
For those looking for a challenging hike, Holy Toledo Properties offers visitors the opportunity to explore more than 10 miles of scenic trails as well as plenty of opportunities for fishing and hunting. Visitors can access the trails from a variety of entry points which makes exploring fun and effortless!
Toledo Bend Lake Country Birding Trails
Visitors can explore the most popular trails in the area including Indian Creek Trail, Pickens Lake Loop Trail, and Big Ellick Bayou.
Louisiana State Arboretum State Preservation Area
The Louisiana State Arboretum State Preservation Area offers visitors over 7 miles of hiking trails with a great deal to see and explore. There are also picnic areas, playgrounds, and campsites available for guests.
Kisatchie National Forest – Caney Ranger District
There are more than 200 miles of trails within the Kisatchie National Forest, but there are some that visitors may find particularly interesting. These include the Big Branch Trail, Oakville Indian Mound Trail, Old Jackson Trace Historic Road, and Texas Creek Gristmill Interpretive Trail.
Walter B. Jacobs Memorial Nature Park
This is an excellent park for visitors of all ages. The park features a wide variety of trails including ADA-accessible paths, self-guided trails, and multi-use trails. There’s also a nature center in the park where you can learn more about the history and natural wildlife in this area.
Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge
With an area covering more than 38,000 acres, there is plenty of space for visitors to take a hike and explore what this wildlife refuge has to offer. Visitors may want to check out the Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center where they can learn more about what types of wildlife are living in this area as well as the history
Palmetto Island State Park
Visitors to Palmetto Island State Park can explore more than 8 miles of hiking trails. Along with seeing abundant wildlife, you’ll also be able to take in views overlooking the mighty Mississippi River.
Los Adaes State Historic Site
This park is one of the best places to take a hike or go birding. Visitors can explore more than 5 miles worth of trails while taking in views overlooking the many historical monuments throughout this area.
Rebel State Historic Site
The best place to start your hike at the Rebel State Historic Site is with a visit to the interpretive center which will allow you to learn more about this area’s rich history. From there, visitors can explore over 5 miles of trails that are located throughout this site.
Poverty Point Reservoir State Park
This park offers over 12 miles of trails for visitors to enjoy. There are also plenty of picnic areas, fishing piers, and campsites for your convenience.
Cane Bayou Trail, Fontainebleau State Park
Fontainebleau State Park offers visitors the opportunity to explore the Cane Bayou Trail which is over 9 miles long. Visitors may park at various locations along the trail and easily access it from there.
Mandeville
The Mandeville Trail is another great option for visitors to explore. This area features more than 8 miles of trails that wind through the forests within the park and offer gorgeous views of surrounding communities.
Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve
This trail is one of the most popular in the area. The River Loop Trail in Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve is approximately 3 miles long, but there are plenty of ways to access it along the way.
Tickfaw State Park
The Tickfaw State Park offers up over 7 miles of trails. Visitors can access them from several different locations throughout the park.
Plantation State Historic Site
Springfield Plantation State Historic Site offers visitors over 5 miles of trails to explore. There are also picnic areas, campsites, and other facilities located throughout the site that can be used by visitors.
Barataria Preserve
The trails within this preserve range from easy to moderate levels. Visitors can enjoy greater than 8 miles of hiking, biking, or horseback riding through this area.
Kisatchie National Forest trails
There are plenty of opportunities for visitors to explore this forest with over 100 miles of trails still available. There’s also a variety of wildlife located throughout this area including wild boar, beavers, alligators, black bears, deer, elk, and bobcats.
Marrero Hiking Trails
Visitors to this area are invited to explore the 7.2 miles of trails within Marrero. These trails are great for hiking, biking, jogging, or walking your dog.
Wetland Walkway
The Wetland Walkway is great for visitors who are looking to learn more about what types of wildlife can be found in this area. This trail goes through the wetlands located at the Audubon Zoo.
Audubon Park Trails
Those who visit Audubon Park have access to several different trails totaling over 3 miles. Visitors will enjoy walking, jogging, and biking through this area while taking in views of the Mississippi River.
Sabine National Wildlife Refuge
The trails within Sabine National Wildlife Refuge are great for visitors who want to experience the outdoors and take in views of beautiful Sabine Lake. Trails range from being beginner-friendly to moderately challenging depending on what you’re looking for.
Prairie National Wildlife Refuge
This is one of the most popular attractions in Louisiana and offers visitors over 10 miles of trails. Visitors may access these trails from various points throughout the area.
