Louisiana is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful states in the country. While we like to believe we’ve explored quite a bit of it, there’s always more to see. Whether you have a goal to be more active or just want to check out more of the Pelican State, these scenic hikes in Louisiana will show you some of the most beautiful natural landscapes in the state. These trails will show you everything from marshes to ammunition magazines and everything in between, so grab your boots and get ready for an adventure!
- Monkey Trail, Shreveport
Terrell Methvin/All Trails Open from dawn ’til dusk every day, the Monkey Trail will take you on a wild ride through 800+ acres of the forested terrain at Eddie D. Jones Park in Shreveport. One of the most unique aspects of the 10-mile loop trail isn’t what you see, but what you hear. The trail is close to Chimp Haven, a rescue facility that’s home to over 300 chimpanzees, and you’ll be able to hear them during your hike! Eddie D Jones Park, 8400 Mike Clark Rd, Keithville, LA 71047, USA
- Comite Park Trail, Baton Rouge
Katherine Alexander Kelly/All Trails This 5.5-mile trail in Baton Rouge journeys through 100 acres of beautiful views, including sweeping views of the Comite River. Additionally, it’s also a popular trail for mountain biking, so feel free to bring your bike for a new challenge. As one of the most scenic hikes in Louisiana you’ll remember this one for a long time. Comite River Park - Kerry Stamey Mountain Bike Trails, 8680 Hooper Rd, Baton Rouge, LA 70811, USA
- Poverty Point, Pioneer
Michael McDonald/All Trails History buffs and nature lovers alike will have a blast along this 2.7-mile trail at Poverty Point World Heritage Site. Poverty Point is a fascinating historical site that’s over 3,000 years old and gives us a glimpse of some of the earliest residents of northern Louisiana. Because the trail doesn’t offer much shade, we recommend tackling this trail during the cooler spring months. Poverty Point World Heritage Site, 6859 LA-577, Pioneer, LA 71266, USA
- Wild Azalea Trail, Woodworth
CC/All Trails Clocking in at just under 24 miles, the Wild Azalea Trail is the longest primitive trail in the state. Located deep within the Kisatchie National Forest, this point-to-point trail takes you on a journey through the forest. And, if you time it right, your path will be illuminated by the namesake wild azaleas along the trail. These beautiful flowers typically bloom in March and April, so mark your calendars! Wild Azalea Trailhead, 352-398 Castor Plunge Rd, Woodworth, LA 71485, USA
- Driskill Mountain Trail, Driskill Mountain
Josh Portie/All Trails If heights are your thing, make this trail a must. The Driskill Mountain Trail is just shy of two miles, but the bragging rights come at the very top, where you’ll be standing at the highest natural summit in Louisiana. With an elevation of 535 feet, you’ll have some breathtaking treetop views to look forward to. Don’t forget to sign the guest book before you leave! Driskill Mountain, Louisiana 71275, USA
- Lake Martin Levee Trail, Lake Martin
Julie McCall/All Trails This five-mile loop trail is great for all skill levels and is ideal for wildlife viewing. The lake is home to countless alligators, wading birds, and your usual swamp critters, so keep an eye out while you walk and you’re bound to spot something! It’s certainly one of the best trails in Louisiana. Lake Martin, Louisiana, Louisiana 70517, USA
- Mary Ann Brown Nature Walk, Francisville
Billy Grigg/All Trails Don’t let the steep terrain fool you, this two-mile trail may be rated as moderate, but it’s still a fairly easy trail by Louisiana standards. For those days you just want to get away from it all and immerse yourself in a more natural setting, this is the spot for you. It’s quiet, peaceful and perfect for some self-reflection. MaryAnn Brown Nature Preserve, 13515 LA-965, St Francisville, LA 70775, USA
- Bottomland Trail, Belle Chasse
Sally Masica/All Trails Located within the Woodlands Conservancy, this 5.4-mile trail might be one of the most unique trails in Louisiana. At the end of the trail, you’ll come across several World War II-era ammunition magazines, relics from when the government used the area. It’s not something you normally see on a casual stroll through the woods here in Louisiana, that’s for sure! Woodlands Conservancy’s Woodlands Trail, 449 F Edward Hebert Blvd, Belle Chasse, LA 70037, USA
- Bayou Coquille Trail, Marrero
Chelsea Baker/All Trails If you’ve never visited Barataria Preserve, you’re in for a real treat. There are dozens of trails that will take you through the preserves 20,000 acres, each one more beautiful than the next. Our favorite is the Bayou Coquille Trail, a two-mile trail that will take you over the swamps and marshes and leads you to a mesmerizing marsh overlook. Due to a combination of storms and alligator nesting habits, these trails tend to close often, so visit its website before you head over. You wouldn’t want to find yourself between a protective mother and her eggs! Barataria Preserve Visitor Center, 6588 Barataria Blvd, Marrero, LA 70072, USA
- Tammany Trace, Covington
John Hazlett/All Trails While the Wild Azalea Trail is the longest primitive trail in the state, the Tammany Trace Trail is the state’s longest rail-trail, coming in at 31 miles. The trail takes you through five towns in St. Tammany Parish, Abita Springs, Mandeville, Covington, Lacombe, and Slidell. There are trailheads at the east town, so you can park and meander down the trail for as long as you’d like before heading back to the car. Tammany Trace Bike Trail, Covington, LA, USA
- Acadiana Nature Station Loop, Lafayette
Katie Gromlovtis/All Trails Enjoy 1.8 miles of beautiful boardwalks along this kid-friendly trail. Informative signs along the way make this trail both educational and exciting. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife like frogs, snakes, raccoons, and more! Acadiana Park Nature Station, 1205 E Alexander St, Lafayette, LA 70501, USA
- Kiroli Park Loop, West Monroe
Donald Hodge/All Trails Located within West Monroe’s Kiroli Park, this lovely little loop trail is great for those moments where you just need a change of scenery. You’ll journey through dense forest underneath the shade of towering pines, and along the way, you’ll catch glimpses of the lakes and the beautiful landscaping found all throughout the park. Kiroli Park, 820 Kiroli Rd, West Monroe, LA 71291, USA
These scenic hikes in Louisiana are sure to keep you busy this year! How many of these trails have you hiked? Are any already on your list? If you’re familiar with them, we’d love to hear your tips and tricks to making the most of our time there. Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
Terrell Methvin/All Trails
Open from dawn ’til dusk every day, the Monkey Trail will take you on a wild ride through 800+ acres of the forested terrain at Eddie D. Jones Park in Shreveport. One of the most unique aspects of the 10-mile loop trail isn’t what you see, but what you hear. The trail is close to Chimp Haven, a rescue facility that’s home to over 300 chimpanzees, and you’ll be able to hear them during your hike!
Eddie D Jones Park, 8400 Mike Clark Rd, Keithville, LA 71047, USA
Katherine Alexander Kelly/All Trails
This 5.5-mile trail in Baton Rouge journeys through 100 acres of beautiful views, including sweeping views of the Comite River. Additionally, it’s also a popular trail for mountain biking, so feel free to bring your bike for a new challenge. As one of the most scenic hikes in Louisiana you’ll remember this one for a long time.
Comite River Park - Kerry Stamey Mountain Bike Trails, 8680 Hooper Rd, Baton Rouge, LA 70811, USA
Michael McDonald/All Trails
History buffs and nature lovers alike will have a blast along this 2.7-mile trail at Poverty Point World Heritage Site. Poverty Point is a fascinating historical site that’s over 3,000 years old and gives us a glimpse of some of the earliest residents of northern Louisiana. Because the trail doesn’t offer much shade, we recommend tackling this trail during the cooler spring months.
Poverty Point World Heritage Site, 6859 LA-577, Pioneer, LA 71266, USA
CC/All Trails
Clocking in at just under 24 miles, the Wild Azalea Trail is the longest primitive trail in the state. Located deep within the Kisatchie National Forest, this point-to-point trail takes you on a journey through the forest. And, if you time it right, your path will be illuminated by the namesake wild azaleas along the trail. These beautiful flowers typically bloom in March and April, so mark your calendars!
Wild Azalea Trailhead, 352-398 Castor Plunge Rd, Woodworth, LA 71485, USA
Josh Portie/All Trails
If heights are your thing, make this trail a must. The Driskill Mountain Trail is just shy of two miles, but the bragging rights come at the very top, where you’ll be standing at the highest natural summit in Louisiana. With an elevation of 535 feet, you’ll have some breathtaking treetop views to look forward to. Don’t forget to sign the guest book before you leave!
Driskill Mountain, Louisiana 71275, USA
Julie McCall/All Trails
This five-mile loop trail is great for all skill levels and is ideal for wildlife viewing. The lake is home to countless alligators, wading birds, and your usual swamp critters, so keep an eye out while you walk and you’re bound to spot something! It’s certainly one of the best trails in Louisiana.
Lake Martin, Louisiana, Louisiana 70517, USA
Billy Grigg/All Trails
Don’t let the steep terrain fool you, this two-mile trail may be rated as moderate, but it’s still a fairly easy trail by Louisiana standards. For those days you just want to get away from it all and immerse yourself in a more natural setting, this is the spot for you. It’s quiet, peaceful and perfect for some self-reflection.
MaryAnn Brown Nature Preserve, 13515 LA-965, St Francisville, LA 70775, USA
Sally Masica/All Trails
Located within the Woodlands Conservancy, this 5.4-mile trail might be one of the most unique trails in Louisiana. At the end of the trail, you’ll come across several World War II-era ammunition magazines, relics from when the government used the area. It’s not something you normally see on a casual stroll through the woods here in Louisiana, that’s for sure!
Woodlands Conservancy’s Woodlands Trail, 449 F Edward Hebert Blvd, Belle Chasse, LA 70037, USA
Chelsea Baker/All Trails
If you’ve never visited Barataria Preserve, you’re in for a real treat. There are dozens of trails that will take you through the preserves 20,000 acres, each one more beautiful than the next. Our favorite is the Bayou Coquille Trail, a two-mile trail that will take you over the swamps and marshes and leads you to a mesmerizing marsh overlook. Due to a combination of storms and alligator nesting habits, these trails tend to close often, so visit its website before you head over. You wouldn’t want to find yourself between a protective mother and her eggs!
Barataria Preserve Visitor Center, 6588 Barataria Blvd, Marrero, LA 70072, USA
John Hazlett/All Trails
While the Wild Azalea Trail is the longest primitive trail in the state, the Tammany Trace Trail is the state’s longest rail-trail, coming in at 31 miles. The trail takes you through five towns in St. Tammany Parish, Abita Springs, Mandeville, Covington, Lacombe, and Slidell. There are trailheads at the east town, so you can park and meander down the trail for as long as you’d like before heading back to the car.
Tammany Trace Bike Trail, Covington, LA, USA
Katie Gromlovtis/All Trails
Enjoy 1.8 miles of beautiful boardwalks along this kid-friendly trail. Informative signs along the way make this trail both educational and exciting. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife like frogs, snakes, raccoons, and more!
Acadiana Park Nature Station, 1205 E Alexander St, Lafayette, LA 70501, USA
Donald Hodge/All Trails
Located within West Monroe’s Kiroli Park, this lovely little loop trail is great for those moments where you just need a change of scenery. You’ll journey through dense forest underneath the shade of towering pines, and along the way, you’ll catch glimpses of the lakes and the beautiful landscaping found all throughout the park.
Kiroli Park, 820 Kiroli Rd, West Monroe, LA 71291, USA
First, be sure to check out these hikes. Then, consider exploring a little known cave in Louisiana for a whole different type of outdoor activity.
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Hiking in Louisiana December 30, 2022 Michelle S. What are the best hikes with a view in Louisiana? The best hikes with a view in Louisiana are:
The Driskill Mountain Trail on Driskill Mountain The Backbone Trail within the Kisatchie National Forest The Longleaf Vista Interpretive Trail in the Kisatchie National Forest
While these are some of our favorites, you can also find great views on any of these low-key hikes in Louisiana! What are the best waterfall hikes in Louisiana? The best waterfall hikes in Louisiana lead to some of the best natural attractions in the state. You’re sure to enjoy the Rock Falls Trail found within the J.C. “Sonny” Gilbert Wildlife Management Area. While a bit challenging it leads to Rock Falls, one of the most lovely in the state. In the same area is a beautiful waterfall called St. Mary’s Falls which you can find by hiking the St. Mary Falls Trail. And, to make a fun adventure out of your explorations be sure to check out the magical waterfall campground in Tunica Falls near St. Francisville.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Hiking in Louisiana
December 30, 2022
Michelle S.
What are the best hikes with a view in Louisiana? The best hikes with a view in Louisiana are:
The Driskill Mountain Trail on Driskill Mountain The Backbone Trail within the Kisatchie National Forest The Longleaf Vista Interpretive Trail in the Kisatchie National Forest
While these are some of our favorites, you can also find great views on any of these low-key hikes in Louisiana! What are the best waterfall hikes in Louisiana? The best waterfall hikes in Louisiana lead to some of the best natural attractions in the state. You’re sure to enjoy the Rock Falls Trail found within the J.C. “Sonny” Gilbert Wildlife Management Area. While a bit challenging it leads to Rock Falls, one of the most lovely in the state. In the same area is a beautiful waterfall called St. Mary’s Falls which you can find by hiking the St. Mary Falls Trail. And, to make a fun adventure out of your explorations be sure to check out the magical waterfall campground in Tunica Falls near St. Francisville.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
The best hikes with a view in Louisiana are:
- The Driskill Mountain Trail on Driskill Mountain
- The Backbone Trail within the Kisatchie National Forest
- The Longleaf Vista Interpretive Trail in the Kisatchie National Forest
While these are some of our favorites, you can also find great views on any of these low-key hikes in Louisiana!
What are the best waterfall hikes in Louisiana?
The best waterfall hikes in Louisiana lead to some of the best natural attractions in the state. You’re sure to enjoy the Rock Falls Trail found within the J.C. “Sonny” Gilbert Wildlife Management Area. While a bit challenging it leads to Rock Falls, one of the most lovely in the state. In the same area is a beautiful waterfall called St. Mary’s Falls which you can find by hiking the St. Mary Falls Trail. And, to make a fun adventure out of your explorations be sure to check out the magical waterfall campground in Tunica Falls near St. Francisville.
