Hiking in Louisiana

At a Glance:

Louisiana offers hiking experiences for all skill levels, with trails ranging from short, accessible boardwalks to long, challenging routes through forests and wetlands.
Iconic destinations like Tunica Hills, Driskill Mountain, the Wild Azalea Trail, the Caroline Dormon Trail and the Longleaf Vista Trail showcase ravines, ridges, bayous and other aspects of Louisiana’s natural beauty and diversity.
Families and casual hikers will find plenty of beginner-friendly options, including accessible paths, nature loops and kid-focused interpretive trails, particularly at Louisiana state parks.
Thanks to mild winters and pleasant spring and fall seasons, Louisiana provides excellent year-round hiking conditions and abundant opportunities for wildlife viewing.

Whether you’re an experienced guide or just enjoy a nice stroll, explore Louisiana’s hiking trails for a perfect way to get outside and get some fresh air. From family-friendly interpretive sites to more difficult treks, every hiker will find a journey that suits them. So lace up your boots, grab a bottle of water and hit the trails.

Best Louisiana Hiking Trails

Louisiana State Parks Hiking Trails

Bogue Chitto State Park Hiking Trail | 7 miles | Moderate | Franklinton

In Franklinton, less than an hour north of Covington, Bogue Chitto State Park is known for its diversity of natural habitats, including small streams, cypress-tupelo swamps, a hardwood forest and even a naturally formed gorge with stunning sandstone spires. Discover these biomes on foot through a 7-mile nature trail. The quarter-mile accessible trail is also kid-friendly and features interactive, animal-themed art pieces.

Chicot State Park Hiking Trail | 20 miles | Difficult | Ville Platte

Anglers and hikers alike flock to Chicot State Park in Ville Platte, which spans more than 6,400 acres across South-Central Louisiana. Advanced explorers can attempt the 20-mile hiking trail that completely encircles Lake Chicot. The trail is dotted with primitive campsites — perfect for backpackers completing the trek.

Fontainebleau State Park Hiking Trails | 1.25 miles or 4.8 miles | Easy, Moderate | Mandeville

Looking for something beginner-friendly? Fontainebleau State Park in Mandeville features two trails suitable for newbie hikers. The 1.25-mile nature trail is great for spotting more than 400 species of birds and other animals, and the 4.8-mile hiking trail gets you close to three waterways — Lake Pontchartrain, Bayou Cane and Bayou Castine.

Lake Bistineau State Park Hiking Trails | 0.5 to 3.8 miles | Easy | Doyline

Lake Bistineau State Park’s enchanting tupelo-cypress forest provides the perfect backdrop for outdoor exploits. Choose from five hiking trails ranging from less than a mile to 3.8 miles, including a half-mile Discovery Circle trail for the kiddos.

Lake Claiborne State Park Hiking Trails | 0.5 to 6 miles | Easy, Difficult | Homer

Hikers of all levels will enjoy what’s on offer at Lake Claiborne State Park. The 6-mile White Tail Hiking Trail is a great challenge, while the half-mile Scenic Overlook Path is a short stroll to a picturesque viewing spot. Other trails include the half-mile Muscadine Hiking Trail and the nearly half-mile King of the Mountain Nature Trail.

Sam Houston Jones State Park Hiking Trails | 0.5 to 3.5 miles | Easy | Lake Charles

Sam Houston Jones State Park, named for a Texas folk hero and a former Louisiana governor, features four hiking trails. The Old Stagecoach Road is a favorite for its unique history — it’s rumored to have been used by adventurer Sam Houston himself.

Tickfaw State Park Hiking Trails | 3 miles | Moderate | Springfield

At Tickfaw State Park, visitors can explore four ecosystems — a cypress-tupelo swamp, a bottomland hardwood forest, a mixed pine/hardwood forest and the Tickfaw River. More than a mile of boardwalks will get you closer to the action, but intrepid hikers might want to venture out on the 3-mile River Trail.

This list isn’t exhaustive, and many more Louisiana state parks are home to well-loved hiking and nature trails. Check the Louisiana State Parks website for more information.