Explore Tunica Hills, Louisiana: An Outdoor Paradise
Tucked into the rolling hills along the Louisiana-Mississippi border, Tunica Hills offers one of the most unexpected and breathtaking outdoor escapes in the South.
Just north of St. Francisville and near the Mississippi River, this region is renowned for its rugged terrain, waterfalls and rich biodiversity — a rare landscape in Louisiana's mostly flat lowlands.
Why Visit Tunica Hills?
The simplicity and glory of the natural world is right outside New Orleans and Baton Rouge. When you want to get away into the peaceful quiet only nature can offer, head to the Tunica Hills Wildlife Management Area, a unique outdoor wonderland of steep ravines, sandstone cliffs and lush hardwood forests — a haven for hikers, birders and nature lovers. Whether you're looking for a day hike or a peaceful weekend retreat, this natural wonderland delivers.
Top Outdoor Activities in Tunica Hills
Hiking Trails
Tunica Hills is a large area of more than 5,000 acres and offers an extraordinary refuge for outdoorsy folks who love hiking. Popular routes like Clark Creek Natural Area, located just across the state line in Mississippi, offer access to dozens of waterfalls, cascading through forested canyons. Louisiana’s WMA trails are slightly more rustic but equally beautiful.
During fall, the vast upland hardwood forests explode in color and are perfect for viewing the changing colors. Stroll on the nature trail with the family or try any of the three different hiking trails to view the scenery.
Birdwatching
Spot migratory warblers, woodpeckers and even bald eagles. The area's diverse elevation and vegetation attract more than 100 species of birds. To visit any of Louisiana’s Wildlife Management Areas, you must complete a Self-Clearing Permit. This can be done either in person at a WMA Self-Clearing Permit Station or on the WMA app. Additional instructions can be found on the Louisiana Wildlife & Fisheries website.
Camping & Wildlife Viewing
Tunica Hills offers outstanding opportunities for outdoor experiences. Primitive campsites are available, where you might encounter white-tailed deer, foxes and even wild turkeys during your stay.
Explore the natural beauty of Tunica Hills.
Primitive hiking trails boast gorgeous greenery.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Check out this Tunica Hills map for boundaries, designated camping areas, self-clearing permit stations and trail locations.
- To visit a Louisiana Wildlife Management Area, all visitors must have a permit to access the property. This includes a WMA access permit, a senior hunting/fishing license, a Louisiana Sportsman’s Paradise license or a lifetime hunting/fishing license. These free access permits can be obtained at self-clearing permit stations throughout the WMA, via the Check-In/Check-Out app or Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) web portal.
- While Tunica Hills is open year-round, WMA access is restricted during certain dates in the hunting season. Cisitors should refer to the WMA guidelines for information and season dates.
Sara Hudson is a Louisiana-based freelance writer and author for New Orleans & Company.
