Louisiana may not have an incredibly rugged terrain with sweeping mountain views, but that doesn’t mean we don’t have beautiful trails for you to explore. There are dozens of trails throughout Louisiana that will show you a completely different side of the state, and you need to check them out. Here are 9 of the most top rated trails in Louisiana to put on your bucket list.
- Barataria Preserve
Coffeespiral/Flickr The boardwalk trails over at Barataria Preserve will lead you on an incredible journey through the swamps and bayous that you wouldn’t be able to get to any other way. All of the trails are less than two miles, and no matter which trail you choose, you’ll be surrounded by amazing views and tons of wildlife.
- Comite Park Trail
Kaylin Amy/All Trails The trail is about 5 miles long, but there are a few shortcut trails you can take to shorten your hike. This trail is primarily a mountain bike trail, so expect some hills along the way, but you can easily hike the trail on foot. There are lovely views of the Comite River and even a little beach you can enjoy. 800 Hooper Road, Baton Rouge, LA 70818.
- Lake Chicot Loop Trail
Zack Daigle/All Trails Chicot State Park covers over 6,400 acres, and the trail completely encircles Lake Chicot so you’ll be surrounded by beautiful veiws. There are several primitive campsites along the way in case you wanted to make a weekend out of it, and the hiking trail allows visitors to view some of the prettiest landscape Louisiana has to offer. 3469 Chicot Park Rd, Ville Platte, LA 70586.
- Bogue Chitto State Park
Aimee D./All Trails This roughly 6 mile loop trail is great for wildlife viewing and offers some beautiful water views. The trail is clearly marked, though you may want to be sure to bring some bug spray. 17049 State Park Blvd, Franklinton, LA 70438.
- Backbone Trail
Jay Miney/All Trails Located in the Kisatchie National Forest, the Backbone Trail is roughly 10 miles and a loop-type trail. You can camp along the trail if you’d like, and the views near the ridge simply have to be seen to be believed.
- Wild Azalea Trail
Etienne Tardy/All Trails Another Kisatchie National Forest trail, the Wild Azalea Trail is an impressive 24 miles long and will lead you through the rolling hills of the forest. Named for the wild azaleas that grow along the way, you’ll be surrounded by wilderness in this epic point-to-point trail.
- Fountainebleau State Park Trails
Marissa Marquez/All Trails Located in St. Tammany Parish, Fountainebleau State Park is right against Lake Pontchartrain, so the trails here give you absolutely breathtaking views of the water. You’ll have the opportunity to see scores of wildlife, and the sunsets over the lake are simply mesmerizing.
- Driskill Mountain Trail
Alex Martin/All Trails That’s right, you can climb to the top of a mountain right here in Louisiana! The trail is just shy of two miles and fairly easy for even beginner hikers. The views at the summit will make you second guess if you’re even in Louisiana anymore.
- Monkey Trail
Topher Haddox/All Trails Monkey Trail is a roughly 6.5 mile loop trail near Keithville. It features lovely wild flowers along the trail and a lovely little spot that overlooks a nearby pond. It’s part of Chimp Haven, a 200-acre chimpanzee sanctuary, so you’ll be able to hear the chimps in the distance which makes for a truly unique hike.
What’s your favorite trail? Let us know in the comments below!
Coffeespiral/Flickr
The boardwalk trails over at Barataria Preserve will lead you on an incredible journey through the swamps and bayous that you wouldn’t be able to get to any other way. All of the trails are less than two miles, and no matter which trail you choose, you’ll be surrounded by amazing views and tons of wildlife.
Kaylin Amy/All Trails
The trail is about 5 miles long, but there are a few shortcut trails you can take to shorten your hike. This trail is primarily a mountain bike trail, so expect some hills along the way, but you can easily hike the trail on foot. There are lovely views of the Comite River and even a little beach you can enjoy. 800 Hooper Road, Baton Rouge, LA 70818.
Zack Daigle/All Trails
Chicot State Park covers over 6,400 acres, and the trail completely encircles Lake Chicot so you’ll be surrounded by beautiful veiws. There are several primitive campsites along the way in case you wanted to make a weekend out of it, and the hiking trail allows visitors to view some of the prettiest landscape Louisiana has to offer. 3469 Chicot Park Rd, Ville Platte, LA 70586.
Aimee D./All Trails
This roughly 6 mile loop trail is great for wildlife viewing and offers some beautiful water views. The trail is clearly marked, though you may want to be sure to bring some bug spray. 17049 State Park Blvd, Franklinton, LA 70438.
Jay Miney/All Trails
Located in the Kisatchie National Forest, the Backbone Trail is roughly 10 miles and a loop-type trail. You can camp along the trail if you’d like, and the views near the ridge simply have to be seen to be believed.
Etienne Tardy/All Trails
Another Kisatchie National Forest trail, the Wild Azalea Trail is an impressive 24 miles long and will lead you through the rolling hills of the forest. Named for the wild azaleas that grow along the way, you’ll be surrounded by wilderness in this epic point-to-point trail.
Marissa Marquez/All Trails
Located in St. Tammany Parish, Fountainebleau State Park is right against Lake Pontchartrain, so the trails here give you absolutely breathtaking views of the water. You’ll have the opportunity to see scores of wildlife, and the sunsets over the lake are simply mesmerizing.
Alex Martin/All Trails
That’s right, you can climb to the top of a mountain right here in Louisiana! The trail is just shy of two miles and fairly easy for even beginner hikers. The views at the summit will make you second guess if you’re even in Louisiana anymore.
Topher Haddox/All Trails
Monkey Trail is a roughly 6.5 mile loop trail near Keithville. It features lovely wild flowers along the trail and a lovely little spot that overlooks a nearby pond. It’s part of Chimp Haven, a 200-acre chimpanzee sanctuary, so you’ll be able to hear the chimps in the distance which makes for a truly unique hike.
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