Outdoor Activities in Louisiana

Types of Outdoor Activities in Louisiana

Swamp Tours

Cypress trees draped in Spanish moss, alligator eyes glinting just above the water, red-winged blackbirds singing overhead — Louisiana’s swamps are as distinctive as they are mysterious. The best way to crack the case and get to know these ecosystems like a local? Take a swamp tour and see Louisiana up close and personal.

Experience the backcountry bayous of St. Martin Parish on an Atchafalaya Basin Landing Airboat Swamp Tour. You’ll see gators in their natural habitat, hundreds of bird species and other local wildlife (including eccentric Cajun locals) throughout the Atchafalaya Basin. Dr. Wagner’s Honey Island Swamp Tours in Slidell travel deep into the swamp interior and shallow backwater areas, where you might spot otters, beavers and even feral hogs, all while learning about the local history and environment. Jean Lafitte Swamp & Airboat Tours serves visitors out of Marrero, just 25 minutes from New Orleans. Book the Princess Tiana Swamp Experience, which includes a tour and “Princess and the Frog”-themed activities.

Canoeing & Kayaking

Prefer to discover Louisiana’s waterways on your own? Paddle through thousands of miles of rivers, lakes and bayous on a kayak, canoe or stand-up paddle board.

In New Orleans, take a quiet moment away from the excitement along Bayou St. John. It’s a 4-mile, beginner-friendly route perfect for families with kids. You’ll see the city’s iconic, French-inspired architecture and paddle through the beautiful New Orleans City Park.

Cane Bayou sits on the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain and meanders from the highway to the lake, past osprey nests and alligator holes. The easy 1-mile route is great for novice paddlers. Also in Louisiana’s Northshore, Bogue Chitto National Wildlife Reserve features a beautiful trail along the Pearl River. You’re likely to spot an array of wildlife, including deer, hogs, gopher tortoises and hundreds of bird species.

Tickfaw State Park near Baton Rouge features calm waters, minimal currents and no sand or gravel bars. Enjoy a scenic paddle, then explore the park’s Nature Center, which explores the area’s history and wildlife. And Lake Fausse Point State Park in St. Martinville offers a perfect point to explore the natural and cultural heritage of the Atchafalaya Basin firsthand.

In North Louisiana, Lake Bistineau State Park’s 11-mile paddling trail has an average depth of 7 feet, with calm, cool waters for beginners. Need more of a challenge? Try the Bayou DeLoutre trail in Monroe — an adventure for advanced kayakers.

Hiking & Biking

Whether you’re a dedicated mountain biker or just looking for a leisurely afternoon stroll, you’ll find the perfect trail for any speed in Louisiana.

The Wild Azalea Trail in Alexandria is a favorite trail for both hikers and mountain bikers. This National Recreation Trail spans 31 miles and journeys through managed forest areas, clearings and untouched areas.

Chicot State Park’s off-road biking trail winds through a variety of terrains, making it especially difficult in wet conditions. The infamous Beast Trail near Baton Rouge offers a heart-pumping, adrenaline-fueled experience for advanced mountain bikers — it’s difficult, but worth it for the breathtaking views.

The Tammany Trace is perfect for biking, walking and running. The 31-mile asphalt trail travels through five charming communities: Covington, Abita Springs, Mandeville, Lacombe and Slidell. The Mandeville headquarters hosts a cultural interpretive center with restrooms, picnic tables and parking.

Birding & Wildlife Viewing

There’s no bad time to go birding in Louisiana. Our year-round moderate temperatures and position on a major migratory flyway make the state a haven for birds and bird-watchers.

Head to Bossier City to spot more than 200 species of migratory songbirds and shorebirds at Red River National Wildlife Refuge. In Monroe, Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge features a 1,600-acre lake, nature trails and boardwalks, an observation deck and a nature center — perfect for viewing birds and learning more about them.

Louisiana’s Creole Nature Trail winds through Louisiana’s Outback, one of America’s “Last Great Wildernesses.” Drive along the trail and stop at Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuge, which has been known to host more than 45,000 ducks and 10,000 geese during winter months, and Sabine National Wildlife Refuge, which provides a highly diverse habitat for all species of wildlife.

Tunica Hills Wildlife Management Area in St. Francisville is home to year-round birdlife like wood ducks, wild turkeys, tufted titmouse, Carolina wrens and barred owls. In spring, birders can see neotropical migrants passing through, including Mississippi kites, broad-winged hawks and Baltimore orioles.

To see other wildlife, like American alligators, turtles, snakes, frogs, beavers, river otters and even Louisiana black bears, visit the Atchafalaya National Heritage Area. Paddle along the Bayou Teche/Lower Atchafalaya River Trail, bike the Morgan City to White Castle route or explore one of the many nature trails in the area. Zoos and conservation organizations like the Global Wildlife Center in Folsom also offer the chance to see — and even feed — awe-inspiring animals.

Fishing

Fishing is a way of life in Louisiana. Stay awhile, and you’ll learn that fishing is just as important to our culture as zydeco music and gumbo are.

Saltwater fishing in Louisiana is downright phenomenal. Our thousands of miles of coastline, plus inland marshes enriched with nutrients from the Mississippi, Atchafalaya and Calcasieu rivers, give the Bayou State some of the most productive waters in the nation. And of those many waters, anglers agree that Venice is one of the best towns for saltwater fishing. Its prime location — where the Mississippi River flows into the Gulf —  makes it the perfect jumping-off point for some of the finest fishing you could imagine.

And freshwater fishing is legendary in its own right. The 185,000-acre Toledo Bend Reservoir is renowned for its exceptional bass fishing, even named one of the top bass fishing destinations in the United States. Caney Lake in Jackson Parish is also a powerhouse for big bass fishing, especially in mid-to-late spring when the water is warm. Other popular freshwater fishing destinations include Bayou Black near Houma for more bass, Lac Des Allemands for catfish and Baton Rouge’s well-stocked local ponds.

Louisiana State Parks

Did you know that Louisiana is home to nearly two dozen state parks? You’ll find meticulously cared-for parks in every corner of the state, where you can enjoy superb fishing, boating, paddling, biking, hiking, camping and just exploring nature.

In Northern Louisiana, Chemin-A-Haut State Park is a great spot for a family outing, featuring two playgrounds, a wading pool in the swimming complex and 35 family picnic sites with grills and tables. Lake D’Arbonne State Park is an angler’s dream — five fishing piers, a 15,250-acre lake stocked with bass, crappie, catfish and bream, plus kayak rentals by the hour or day.

Chicot State Park in Ville Platte encompasses more than 6,400 acres of rolling hills and cool, clear waters. There’s an extensive hiking/backpacking trail, boat launches, picnic areas and playgrounds, and multiple fishing piers. And in Anacoco, South Toledo Bend State Park is most known for its excellent bass fishing, but it’s also popular for hiking, mountain biking and birding — keep an eye out for bald eagles!

Tickfaw State Park, tucked away in Springfield, invites families to experience the sights and sounds of four ecosystems — a cypress/tupelo swamp, a hardwood forest, a mixed pine and hardwood forest and the Tickfaw River. Wander the mile-long boardwalk, and learn more about the flora and fauna at the Nature Center.

Sweeping Gulf views, abundant wildlife, sun-warmed sand and a charming beach village nearby make Grand Isle State Park worthy of more than a quick day trip. And thanks to South Louisiana’s warm climate, visitors can wade into the water year-round.

Other Things to Do Outdoors

Louisiana’s Audubon Golf Trail is a statewide series of more than a dozen pro-caliber courses where world-class course design meets Southern hospitality, natural beauty and Louisiana’s world-famous joie de vivre. The courses are scattered throughout the state, located in or near every major Louisiana city. Highlights include the Golf Club at Audubon Park in New Orleans, designed by Dennis Griffiths and great for all skill levels; LaTour Golf Club, crafted by PGA Tour champion David Toms and situated on manicured rolling grasslands; and Black Bear Golf Club, with a Bechtol-Russell championship designed and frequented by the course’s elusive namesake.

Equestrian enthusiasts, saddle up for Louisiana’s scenic horse trails. Bogue Chitto State Park, on the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain, has 14 miles of designated horse trails, and Chemin-A-Haut State Park in Bastrop offers 8 miles of hilltop trails surrounding Bayou Bartholomew.

Camping is also a popular outdoor pastime, and whether you prefer kicking back in an RV, roughing it on a backcountry site or sleeping in a luxury cabin, Louisiana’s state parks are the perfect place. Head to South Toledo Bend State Park for tent camping, Fontainebleau State Park for premium pull-through RV sites, Poverty Point Reservoir State Park for luxury cabins and Chicot State Park for all of the above.

Outdoor Activities in Every Season

Wondering when to visit? Louisiana's mild climate allows for outdoor fun in every season, with each bringing a unique experience perfect for your trip:

What to Do During Spring (March – May)

Spring in Louisiana is ideal for biking, hiking, fishing and birding. Mild temperatures and blooming wildflowers make for picturesque adventures at Louisiana state parks.

Spring is also an excellent time to embark on a swamp tour, as wildlife tends to be more active. Alligators, in particular, enjoy the warmer weather — and water. Dr. Wagner’s Honey Island Swamp Tours follows a 20-mile pristine river swamp, where azaleas unfold during the spring. Also consider guided airboat or boat tours through the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve.

It’s prime time for birding in Louisiana. Head to the Cypress Island Preserve at Lake Martin, known for its large mixed-wading bird rookery, where you can see herons, egrets, gulls and terns. For premium spring migration viewing, visit Sabine National Wildlife Refuge, which is stopover grounds for neotropical flycatchers and songbirds like vireos, thrushes, tanagers and others.

Fishing is also rewarding in spring, as species move into shallower zones of Lake Pontchartrain. During spring, you’re likely to find speckled trout, catfish and largemouth bass. Also, Tickfaw State Park offers scenic river fishing along the Tickfaw River, where you’ll find bass, bream and catfish.

What to Do During Summer (June – August)

Summer is great for water activities like paddling, tubing and beach trips. Launch a kayak or canoe in Slidell, a city striped with bayous and waterways, like Lake Pontchartrain and the west and east Pearl Rivers.

Relax under the sun at one of Louisiana’s beaches. Lake Claiborne State Park in North Louisiana features a sandy beach and crystal-clear water for swimming and waterskiing, and Lake Fausse Pointe State Park in St. Martinville offers fishing, boating and canoeing opportunities in the Atchafalaya Basin.

Stargazing is also a popular activity during the summer. Palmetto Island State Park, North and South Toledo Bend State Parks and Lake Fausse Point State Park boast Bortle 3 dark-sky ratings, while the Tensas River National Wildlife Refuge ranks around Bortle 2. Louisiana state parks occasionally host guided astronomy nights, led by expert rangers who know as much about the park at your feet as they do about the skies above your head.

What to Do During the Fall (September – November)

Fall in Louisiana is prime season for birding and hiking. Cooler weather makes it perfect for exploring the outdoors. Lace up your boots and wander the trails at Chicot State Park and Kisatchie National Forest, both of which also offer fantastic leaf peeping.

This season is also an enjoyable time to play through the Audubon Golf Trail, with lower humidity and mild breezes making it easy to perfect your swing.

What to Do During the Winter (December – February)

Winter in Louisiana tends to be mild, with crisp, comfortable days and chillier nights. It’s an excellent time for fishing, golf and long nature hikes. Many species of migratory birds visit Louisiana in winter, which you can view at hot spots like the Red River National Wildlife Refuge, Lake D’Arbonne State Park and Caney Creek Reservoir

Some Louisiana Christmas traditions take place in the great outdoors, including holiday bonfires on the Mississippi River levee. These 20-to-30-foot-high flaming pyramids of burning logs aren’t just a spectacle — they’re a beloved local celebration with food, games, mingling and general Christmas cheer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is there to do outside in Louisiana?

Nicknamed the Sportsman’s Paradise, Louisiana features plenty of outdoor activities and adventures for every interest, age and season. Our lush state parks offer meticulously cared-for hiking and biking trails, plus kayaking and canoeing, fishing and even horseback riding. And Louisiana’s Audubon Golf Trail includes more than a dozen pro-caliber courses designed by architects and pros like Dennis Griffiths and David Toms. Swamp tours offer a different perspective on these mysterious ecosystems. Hop in an airboat and learn about Louisiana from experts on an Atchafalaya Basin Landing Airboat Swamp Tour, or book a family-friendly experience by Jean Lafitte Swamp & Airboat Tours.

What are things to do with kids outdoors in Louisiana?

There are so many outdoor activities for every age, stage and interest in Louisiana. Little ones will love playgrounds and water playgrounds at Bogue Chitto State Park and Chemin-A-Haut State Park, and older kids will enjoy biking the Tammany Trace, a 31-mile paved path through lush forests and charming small towns. The entire family can make a splash in the surf at Grand Isle State Park on Louisiana’s stunning Gulf coast.

Can I take a swamp tour, and what should I expect?

Yes, you can take a swamp tour in Louisiana! You’ll board an airboat, flat-bottom boat or kayak, and an expert guide will lead you through cypress-tupelo wetlands. You’ll likely see alligators, turtles, deer, wild hogs and migratory birds. We recommend bringing light clothing, insect repellent, sunscreen and water shoes.

Where can I launch my boat in Louisiana?

Most state parks feature boat ramps, where you can launch and explore our scenic lakes, bayous and rivers. Check the Louisiana State Parks website for a full list of parks with boat launches.