Hiking in Louisiana

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.

Tunica Hills

The 6,500-acre Tunica Hills Wildlife Management Area is located just north of St. Francisville. It’s a popular hiking destination from a few major cities — just over an hour from Baton Rouge and less than three hours from New Orleans. The North Tract runs along the Mississippi border, and the South Tract follows the Mississippi River, bisected by Old Tunica Trace.

Tunica Hills Hiking Trails | 3.5 to 5.7 miles | Easy to Difficult | St. Francisville

The North Tract hiking trail is a moderately challenging 5.7-mile loop through thick forest. You’ll spot resident and migratory bird species on your trek, including the worm-eating warbler and Coopers hawk. Look out for Louisiana black bear tracks, too!

The South Tract features three trails. Trail A runs just over 4 miles through deep woods and mysterious bayous. Trail B is slightly shorter, at around 3.5 miles, with a short nature trail included in the distance. As you hike, look out for native plants marked by handwritten wooden signs. Trail C encompasses just over 3.5 miles and is well-marked with orange blazes..

If you’re planning on hiking in Tunica Hills, you’ll need a self-clearing permit. You can check in and check out with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries app or website, or use one of the permit stations at the park. Get a map of Tunica Hills Wildlife Management Area.

Hiking Trails in Kisatchie National Forest

If you ask a Louisiana local about the best hiking trails, they’ll probably mention Kisatchie National Forest. This natural beauty is spread across seven parishes in Central and North Louisiana. With more than 320 miles of designated hiking trails, both experienced and novice hikers will find the perfect trek.

Caroline Dormon Trail | 10 miles | Difficult | Natchitoches Parish

The Caroline Dormon Trail, named for Louisiana’s pioneer conservationist and Kisatchie National Forest co-founder, runs just over 10 miles point-to-point. It’s moderately challenging, with some climbs and sometimes rugged conditions, and be ready to share the trail with cyclists and horseback riders!

Wild Azalea Trail | 31 miles | Difficult | Alexandria Area

Whether you’re searching for the beautiful wild azalea or planning an overnight (or two) backpacking trip, the Wild Azalea Trail is a stunning 31-mile destination for bikers and hikers. Enjoy scenic vistas of pine-laden hills and hardwood bottoms, and in the spring, the trail is drenched in pink and white, thanks to its namesake.

Valentine Lake Trails | 1.2 to 1.6 miles | Easy | Rapides Parish

Looking for something less intimidating? The Valentine Lake trails are less than 2 miles each, with gorgeous lakeside views and easy access from the Recreation Complex. The 1.6-mile Valentine Lake Loop Trail starts along the north shore of Valentine Lake, then circles through a variety of ecosystems, and the Valentine Lakeshore Trail is an easy 1.2-mile out-and-back along the southern lakeshore.

Longleaf Vista Interpretive Trail | 1.5 miles | Easy | Natchitoches

The Longleaf Vista Interpretive Trail is a family favorite, traversing 1.5 miles from meadows to bottomland hardwoods, high mesas and shallow creeks. The trail is fairly easy, with a couple of hills, and the views of Kisatchie alone are worth the trek.

Before you hit the trails, check the U.S. Forest Service website for important information, including alerts and fire danger status. Get a map of Kisatchie National Forest.

Other Hiking Trails in Louisiana

Driskill Mountain Trail | 2 miles | Moderate | Bienville Parish

Did you know there’s a mountain in Louisiana? It’s not the tallest or largest — in fact, there are at least two buildings in New Orleans taller than Driskill’s summit. This little mountain is small but mighty, and hikers travel from around the state to reach its highest point. The summit is 535 feet above sea level, and the trail is slightly less than 2 miles long. Learn more about Driskill Mountain.

Moon Seed Loop | 4 miles | Moderate | Lafayette

Tucked away in the forested greenspace of Acadiana Park is a hidden-gem hiking trail with a near-mystical quality. Moon Seed Loop offers just over 4 miles of boardwalks, off-road and gravel trails. While you’re at the park, explore the Nature Station, which features hands-on exhibits about local flora and fauna.

Accessible Hiking Trails in Louisiana

At Fairview-Riverside State Park in Madisonville, everyone can enjoy scenic views of the Tchefuncte River thanks to the quarter-mile accessible nature trail. Bring the kids to the playground, then enjoy lunch at a picnic table under a canopy of oak trees.

Bogue Chitto State Park’s quarter-mile accessible trail is geared toward the little ones, with interactive art pieces scattered throughout to promote hands-on learning. The best part? It’s paved and stroller-friendly. And if you’re visiting during the summer, don’t miss the kid-favorite water playground. 

The half-mile Gum Cypress Trail at Tickfaw State Park is also accessible, with forest and swamp views. Stop by the Nature Center to view the 800-gallon aquarium stocked with local fish found in the Tickfaw River, as well as displays about the area’s history and culture.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hiking in Louisiana

Are there hiking trails in Louisiana?

Yes, Louisiana has several hiking trails throughout the state, including many in our state parks. Bogue Chitto State Park is home to a 7-mile nature trail and a quarter-mile accessible trail, while Fontainebleau State Park features two trails — a 1.25-mile nature trail and a 4.8-mile hiking trail. Tunica Hills Wildlife Management Area has many trails, from beginner-friendly short hikes to longer, more difficult uphill treks, and Kisatchie National Forest offers more than 320 miles of designated trails for both experienced and novice hikers.

What are the best hiking trails in Louisiana?

From family-friendly interpretive sites to more difficult treks, every hiker will find a trail that suits them in Louisiana. A few favorites include Trails A, B and C at Tunica Hills Wildlife Management Area in St. Francisville, each of which offers scenic views of deep woods, steep ravines and native plants. Kisatchie National Forest has more than 320 miles of designated hiking trails, including the 31-mile Wild Azalea Trail and the 10-mile Caroline Dormon Trail. Driskill Mountain Trail is slightly less than 2 miles long, climbing 535 feet above sea level.

Which hiking trails are good for families?

Louisiana offers hiking trails that are perfect for families! At Fairview-Riverside State Park in Madisonville, the quarter-mile accessible nature trail winds around the Tchefuncte River, and Bogue Chitto State Park’s quarter-mile accessible trail features interactive art pieces that promote hands-on exploration. A longer family favorite is the Longleaf Vista Interpretive Trail, which traverses 1.5 miles through Kisatchie National Forest.

When is the best time to hike in Louisiana?

It’s always a good time to hike in Louisiana, thanks to our mild winter and temperate spring and fall. The spring season brings temperatures from the mid-60s to mid-70s Fahrenheit, with excellent bird-watching and wildlife-viewing opportunities. Summer temperatures can climb into the 90s with high humidity, but the weather cools off during the early morning and evening — perfect for short hikes. Fall is prime time for outdoor recreation, with limited humidity and moderate temperatures, plus beautiful foliage in the northern part of the state. During the winter, the weather cools off, with fantastic winter birding and comfortable hiking conditions.