Now that we’re officially into fall, it’s time to start spending your weekends outside exploring this beautiful state of ours. Even though the weather hasn’t quite caught up to typical fall temperatures, we have some great trails that are perfect for the weekend warrior. Whether you want to make an adventure out of it and camp outside or just spend a few relaxing hours surrounded by nature, these trails are picture-perfect.
- Chicot State Park
Richard May/Flickr The 20-mile hiking trail over at Chico State Park is perfect for the weekend warrior looking to spend some time surrounded by Louisiana’s beautiful natural landscape. The trail completely encircles Lake Chicot and includes several primitive campsites along the way. Address: 3469 Chicot Park Rd., Ville Platte, LA 70586
- St. Tammany Trace
Rob/All Trails This epic trail is 31 miles long and spans over five cities across St. Tammany. The paved trail will take you through Covington, Mandeville, Abita Springs, Lacombe, and Slidell, and along the way, you’ll encounter everything from bayous to downtown boutiques.
- Sam Houston Jones State Park Trails
Sam Houston Jones State Park/Facebook This 1,087-acre park is filled with beautiful lagoons and abundant wildlife. There are several hiking trails in the park that offer splendid views of the lagoons and the Calcasieu River. Be sure to keep an eye out for bald eagles, as they are frequently spotted in the area! Address: 107 Sutherland Rd., Lake Charles, LA 70611
- White Tail Trail
Cheri Holbrook/All Trails The White Tail Hiking Trail is about six miles long and located in Lake Claiborne State Park. Named for the many deer that call the area home, keep your eyes peeled for wildlife-watching opportunities. Address: 225 State Park Rd., Homer, LA 71040
- Backbone Trail
Jay Miney/All Trails Nestled in the Kisatchie National Forest, this trail is roughly 10 miles long and offers some of the most beautiful scenery around. The terrain can be challenging and there are a few steep spots, but it’s absolutely worth it.
- Gum Cypress Trail
Sean Hurly/All Trails Located in the Tickfaw State Park, this half-mile loop can be easily knocked out in an afternoon. The boardwalk trail is easy to navigate and will take you through some of the most beautiful terrain in the area. Address: 27225 Patterson Rd., Springfield, LA 70462
- Lake D’Arbonne State Park
Lake D’Arbonne State Park/Facebook There are four trails in this northern Louisiana State Park, three of which are a mile or less, and then the White Trail clocks in at around four miles. Address: 3628 Evergreen Rd., Farmerville, LA 71222
- Sugar Cane Trail
Stephen Ashcraft/All Trails The Sugar Cane Trail is about six miles long and located near Minden in the Kisatchie National Forest. This loop trail is great for an afternoon outing and features gorgeous views of Upper Caney Lake.
- Bonnet Carre Spillway Trail
Sarah Nale/All Trails Located near Laplace, this beautiful out-and-back trail is roughly five miles long and offers lots of shade and excellent water views.
- Barataria Preserve
Coffeespiral/Flickr Perhaps the most picture-perfect trail on this list, Barataria Preserve is an excellent outdoor adventure that’s fun for the whole family. You’ll have the opportunity to see scores of wildlife and absolutely breathtaking views of the marshes and swamps. Address: 6588 Barataria Blvd., Marrero, LA 70072
Where’s your favorite hiking trail? Let us know in the comments below!
Richard May/Flickr
The 20-mile hiking trail over at Chico State Park is perfect for the weekend warrior looking to spend some time surrounded by Louisiana’s beautiful natural landscape. The trail completely encircles Lake Chicot and includes several primitive campsites along the way. Address: 3469 Chicot Park Rd., Ville Platte, LA 70586
Rob/All Trails
This epic trail is 31 miles long and spans over five cities across St. Tammany. The paved trail will take you through Covington, Mandeville, Abita Springs, Lacombe, and Slidell, and along the way, you’ll encounter everything from bayous to downtown boutiques.
Sam Houston Jones State Park/Facebook
This 1,087-acre park is filled with beautiful lagoons and abundant wildlife. There are several hiking trails in the park that offer splendid views of the lagoons and the Calcasieu River. Be sure to keep an eye out for bald eagles, as they are frequently spotted in the area! Address: 107 Sutherland Rd., Lake Charles, LA 70611
Cheri Holbrook/All Trails
The White Tail Hiking Trail is about six miles long and located in Lake Claiborne State Park. Named for the many deer that call the area home, keep your eyes peeled for wildlife-watching opportunities. Address: 225 State Park Rd., Homer, LA 71040
Jay Miney/All Trails
Nestled in the Kisatchie National Forest, this trail is roughly 10 miles long and offers some of the most beautiful scenery around. The terrain can be challenging and there are a few steep spots, but it’s absolutely worth it.
Sean Hurly/All Trails
Located in the Tickfaw State Park, this half-mile loop can be easily knocked out in an afternoon. The boardwalk trail is easy to navigate and will take you through some of the most beautiful terrain in the area. Address: 27225 Patterson Rd., Springfield, LA 70462
Lake D’Arbonne State Park/Facebook
There are four trails in this northern Louisiana State Park, three of which are a mile or less, and then the White Trail clocks in at around four miles. Address: 3628 Evergreen Rd., Farmerville, LA 71222
Stephen Ashcraft/All Trails
The Sugar Cane Trail is about six miles long and located near Minden in the Kisatchie National Forest. This loop trail is great for an afternoon outing and features gorgeous views of Upper Caney Lake.
Sarah Nale/All Trails
Located near Laplace, this beautiful out-and-back trail is roughly five miles long and offers lots of shade and excellent water views.
Coffeespiral/Flickr
Perhaps the most picture-perfect trail on this list, Barataria Preserve is an excellent outdoor adventure that’s fun for the whole family. You’ll have the opportunity to see scores of wildlife and absolutely breathtaking views of the marshes and swamps. Address: 6588 Barataria Blvd., Marrero, LA 70072
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