Wild Azalea Trail
Trails louisiana Wild Azalea Trail
louisiana · Rapides County

Wild Azalea Trail

Vibrant spring blooms through pine-hardwood forest and bayous.

Rating
Length
24.0 mi
Difficulty
3
County
Rapides

About This Trail

As Louisiana’s longest trail, this 24-mile route showcases spectacular wild azalea blooms from late March through April. The path winds through mixed pine and hardwood forests, crosses bubbling creeks, and traverses scenic bayou bottomlands. Sections range from easy creek walks to moderate ridge climbs, making it ideal for day hikes or multi-day backpacking adventures. Birders will appreciate the diverse habitat that attracts warblers, woodpeckers, and other forest species.

Location

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Coordinates: 31.3333, -92.6667 Open in Google Maps

Getting There

The southern terminus begins at Woodworth near Valentine Lake Recreation Area off LA-121. For northern access, take LA-28 west from Alexandria to Boyce, then follow signs to Castor Creek trailhead on Forest Road 205. Multiple intermediate access points exist along Forest Roads 279 and 282.

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