We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
louisiana
Louisiana, the Bayou State, offers some of the most distinctive and unique hiking experiences in the southeastern United States. Far from typical mountain trails, Louisiana hiking showcases subtropical wetlands, ancient cypress-tupelo swamps, winding bayous, rare loess bluffs, rolling pine forests, and the state’s surprising pockets of elevation in the Kisatchie Hills and Tunica Hills regions.
A few highlights from this state’s most popular hiking trails include:
- Wild Azalea Trail in Kisatchie National Forest – a long, scenic path exploding with pink and purple azalea blooms in spring, winding through mixed pine-hardwood forests, creeks, and bayous
- Caroline Dormon Trail – a peaceful tribute trail along Kisatchie Bayou with pine ridges, hardwood bottoms, swimming holes, and excellent camping opportunities
- Backbone Trail in Kisatchie Hills Wilderness – a rugged ridge hike featuring sandstone bluffs, rocky outcrops, creeks, and panoramic overlooks in Louisiana’s most elevated wilderness area
- Tunica Hills Trail System (Trails A, B, and C) – steep ravines, seasonal waterfalls, loess bluffs, and lush hardwood forests in one of the state’s most topographically dramatic areas
- Driskill Mountain Summit Trail – a short but rewarding climb to Louisiana’s highest natural point at 535 feet, marked by a summit plaque amid piney woods
- Longleaf Vista Interpretive Trail – an accessible loop with stunning views of the Kisatchie Hills “Little Grand Canyon,” sandstone formations, and longleaf pine ecology
- Barataria Preserve Trails (Jean Lafitte National Historical Park) – elevated boardwalks through classic Louisiana cypress swamps, bayous, and marshes teeming with alligators, herons, and egrets
- Bayou Cocodrie National Wildlife Refuge Trails – wetland paths through bottomland hardwoods and bayous, ideal for birdwatching and experiencing the Atchafalaya Basin’s edges
- Fontainebleau State Park Trails – shaded loops under massive live oaks and along Lake Pontchartrain, with historical ruins and coastal breezes
- Chicot State Park Backpack Trail – an 18-mile loop around Lake Chicot through diverse forests, wetlands, and backcountry campsites
Whether you’re seeking an easy, flat boardwalk stroll through swamps and marshes, a moderate pine-forest day hike, or a challenging backpacking adventure with elevation changes rare for Louisiana, the state has trails for every ability. Families enjoy accessible paths like the Longleaf Vista and Barataria Preserve boardwalks, while experienced hikers head to the Kisatchie Hills Wilderness and Tunica Hills for rugged terrain and solitude.
In addition to its natural beauty, Louisiana hiking frequently intertwines with rich cultural and historical layers. Trails at Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Cane River Creole National Historical Park pass through sites tied to Creole and Acadian heritage, plantation history, and early settlement. Many paths also highlight Native American and colonial pasts, as well as the Civilian Conservation Corps legacy in state parks like Chicot and Fontainebleau.
Hiking in Louisiana is an immersive way to connect with the state’s extraordinary ecosystems: vast bottomland hardwood forests, rare longleaf pine savannas, coastal marshes, bayou corridors, and even small upland hills that support unique flora and fauna. You’ll encounter alligators basking on logs, migratory birds, blooming wild azaleas, Spanish moss-draped oaks, and the quiet rhythm of water moving through the landscape. Interpretive trails in Kisatchie National Forest and wildlife refuges provide deeper insights into ecology, conservation, and the delicate balance of Louisiana’s wetlands.
Whether you’re exploring the mystical cypress swamps, chasing spring azalea displays, climbing to unexpected ridge views, or simply soaking in the subtropical serenity, Louisiana delivers one-of-a-kind outdoor adventures and celebrates the wild, watery heart of the Deep South.
Trail Locations in louisiana
Loading map...
Trails in louisiana
Atchafalaya Basin Swamp Trail
St. Martin County
Deep swamp immersion in America's largest river basin.
Atchafalaya NWR Boardwalk
St. Martin County
Elevated swamp experience in the great basin.
Atchafalaya NWR Trail
St. Martin County
Swamp and bayou path in basin.
Backbone Trail
Natchitoches County
Rugged ridge hike with bluffs and wilderness immersion.
Backbone Trail - Central Loop
Natchitoches County
Heart of the wilderness with premier bluffs and creeks.
Backbone Trail - North Extension
Natchitoches County
Northern ridge extension with bluffs.
Backbone Trail - South Extension
Natchitoches County
Southern wilderness section with creeks and bluffs.
Barataria Preserve Bayou Coquille Trail
Jefferson County
Boardwalk extension to scenic bayou overlook.
Barataria Preserve Marsh Overlook Trail
Jefferson County
Short walk to panoramic marsh viewing platform.
Barataria Preserve Ring Levee Trail
Jefferson County
Extended levee loop with panoramic marsh views.
Barataria Preserve Trail
Jefferson County
Boardwalk through Louisiana swamps and marshes.
Bayou Cocodrie Boardwalk
Concordia County
Elevated path through pristine bottomland swamp.
Bayou Cocodrie Refuge Extension
Concordia County
Extended wetland exploration through bottomland forest.
Bayou Cocodrie Trail
Concordia County
Wetland hike through bottomland hardwoods.
Bayou Cocodrie Wildlife Trail
Concordia County
Wildlife-focused extension through prime habitat.
Bayou Sauvage Boardwalk Trail
Orleans County
Elevated marsh experience minutes from downtown.
Bayou Sauvage Levee Trail
Orleans County
Levee-top walk with marsh and city views.
Bayou Sauvage Ridge Trail
Orleans County
Urban wilderness with marshes near New Orleans.
Bayou Sauvage Wetland Trail
Orleans County
Extended exploration beyond the boardwalk.
Cane River Creole Magnolia Trail
Natchitoches County
Historic Magnolia Plantation grounds exploration.
Cane River Creole NHP Trail
Natchitoches County
Historic plantation path along Cane River.
Cane River Creole Oakland Loop
Natchitoches County
Historic plantation grounds with Creole heritage.
Caney Lakes Recreation Trail
Webster County
Lakeside paths with pines.
Caney Lakes Sugar Cane Extension
Webster County
Extended lakeside walk with seasonal wildflowers.
Caney Lakes Upper Lake Trail
Webster County
Peaceful circuit around Upper Caney Lake.
Caroline Dormon Trail
Natchitoches County
Tribute trail along Kisatchie Bayou with camping and scenic bayou views.
Chicot State Park Arboretum Trail
Evangeline County
Botanical loop with labeled trees.
Chicot State Park Backpack Trail
Evangeline County
Backcountry loop around Lake Chicot.
Chicot State Park Lake Loop
Evangeline County
Partial lake circuit with constant water views.
Chicot State Park Nature Trail
Evangeline County
Family-friendly interpretive forest walk.
Cypremort Point Beach Trail
St. Mary County
Sandy beach walk with bay views and shells.
Cypremort Point Marsh Trail
St. Mary County
Marsh grass path extending toward Vermilion Bay.
Cypremort Point State Park Trail
St. Mary County
Coastal marsh path to Vermilion Bay.
Driskill Mountain Summit Trail
Bienville County
Climb Louisiana's highest point at 535 feet.
Fontainebleau State Park Alligator Marsh Trail
St. Tammany County
Marsh trail with frequent alligator sightings.
Fontainebleau State Park Lakefront Trail
St. Tammany County
Breezy shoreline walk along Lake Pontchartrain.
Fontainebleau State Park Oak Grove Trail
St. Tammany County
Loop through ancient oaks and lakefront.
Kisatchie Bayou Campground Trail
Natchitoches County
Short bayou loop from campground.
Kisatchie Bayou Overlook Trail
Natchitoches County
Quick hike to scenic bayou vista point.
Kisatchie Bayou Sandbar Trail
Natchitoches County
Quick access to popular swimming sandbar.
Lacassine NWR Levee Extension
Cameron County
Extended levee walk through prime waterfowl habitat.
Lacassine NWR Observation Tower Trail
Cameron County
Short path to elevated marsh viewing platform.
Lacassine NWR Pool Loop Trail
Cameron County
Levee trail around wildlife pool.
Lake Bistineau Cypress Loop
Webster County
Scenic loop through cypress-lined lakeshore.
Lake Bistineau Nature Trail
Webster County
Educational lakeside path with interpretive signs.
Lake Bistineau State Park Trail
Webster County
Lakeshore and forest loop.
Longleaf Pine Interpretive Loop
Natchitoches County
Educational loop explaining longleaf pine ecology.
Longleaf Scenic Area Trail
Natchitoches County
Paved interpretive path with longleaf pines.
Longleaf Scenic Byway Trail Spur
Natchitoches County
Roadside pullout to quick forest immersion.
Longleaf Vista Interpretive Trail
Natchitoches County
Scenic loop with overlooks of Kisatchie Hills 'Little Grand Canyon'.
North Toledo Bend Overlook Trail
Sabine County
Quick walk to panoramic reservoir views.
North Toledo Bend Piney Loop
Sabine County
Pine forest circuit with gentle rolling terrain.
North Toledo Bend State Park Trail
Sabine County
Hilly loop with Toledo Bend Reservoir views.
Palmetto Island Canoe Trail
Vermilion County
Hikeable edges along scenic paddling route.
Palmetto Island Cypress Trail
Vermilion County
Extension through cypress wetland habitat.
Palmetto Island Nature Trail
Vermilion County
Interpretive path through subtropical palmetto forest.
Palmetto Island State Park Trail
Vermilion County
Loop through palmetto and cypress wetlands.
Sandstone Trail
Natchitoches County
Scenic bluffs and sandstone outcrops in Kisatchie NF.
Sandstone Trail - Connector Spur
Natchitoches County
Short link between Sandstone Trail loops.
Sandstone Trail - North Loop
Natchitoches County
Northern sandstone formations and ravine scenery.
Sandstone Trail - South Loop
Natchitoches County
Southern extension with dramatic sandstone outcrops.
South Toledo Bend Pine Trail
Vernon County
Shaded pine forest path to lakeside views.
South Toledo Bend Reservoir Trail
Vernon County
Waterside trail with fishing access points.
South Toledo Bend State Park Trail
Vernon County
Lakeside path with fishing piers.
Sugar Cane Trail
Webster County
Easy lakeside loop with wildflowers around Caney Lake.
Tunica Hills Connector Spur
West Feliciana County
Streamside link between trail systems.
Tunica Hills Ravine Loop
West Feliciana County
Concentrated ravine scenery with seasonal waterfalls.
Tunica Hills Trail A
West Feliciana County
Ravine and bluff hike with waterfalls in WMA.
Tunica Hills Trail B
West Feliciana County
Extended loop with more ravines and wildlife.
Tunica Hills Trail C
West Feliciana County
Connector trail linking A and B through creek valleys.
Turpentine Trail
Natchitoches County
Connects to Backbone for ridge views in Kisatchie Hills.
Wild Azalea Trail
Rapides County
Vibrant spring blooms through pine-hardwood forest and bayous.
Wild Azalea Trail - Boy Scout Segment
Rapides County
Trail section passing historic scout camp areas.
Wild Azalea Trail - Kincaid Lake Segment
Rapides County
Lake-adjacent section with spring blooms and water views.
Wild Azalea Trail - Valentine Lake Segment
Rapides County
Azalea section near lake with spring blooms.