Here in Louisiana, you’ll find no shortage of beautiful landscapes. The best way to get out there and explore Louisiana’s natural beauty is to hike through it. Fortunately, you’ll discover trails that are not only easy to access but relatively easy as well. Below we’ve outlined some of the best hikes in Louisiana and we think you’ll find at least a few to pique your interest. So the next time you’re looking for an adventure, check out one of these wonderfully scenic hikes that almost anyone can do. And most importantly, have fun!
- Gorge Run Trail
Marylynn Waddle/Alltrails First up on our list of some of the best hikes in Louisiana is Gorge Run Trail. Located in Bogue Chitto State Park, this trail is just over six miles long and many believe this is one of the best trails in southeastern Louisiana. Along the way, you’ll have some lovely views of the Bogue Chitto River while hiking through the rolling hills. You’ll quickly discover that the Gorge Run Trail is perfect for a quick outdoor outing. Bogue Chitto State Park, 17049 State Park Blvd, Franklinton, LA 70438, USA
- Glenn Emery Trail
Will Butterfield/Alltrails The Glenn Emery Trail is just about four miles long and has beautiful views of Stuart Lake. It’s perfect for those wanting to immerse themselves in the forest. The trail is clearly marked and great for all ages. The next time you’re looking for some peace and quiet, this scenic trail in Louisiana promises to deliver. Glenn Emery Trailhead, Pollock, LA 71467, USA
- Gum Cypress Trail
Sean Hurly/All Trails The Gum Cypress Trail is located within Tickfaw State Park and is an easy half-mile loop that nearly everyone can do. You’ll walk along the boardwalk trail underneath canopies of trees, listening to the birds chirping as sunlight peeks through the leaves. Sounds peaceful, right? If you happen to be traveling with the little ones, it’s also a great kid-friendly trail in Louisiana. 27225 Patterson Rd, Springfield, LA 70462, USA
- Stoner Trail
Christopher Alter/Alltrails Located near Shreveport, this trail is about 2.5 miles and runs along the Red River. It’s a perfect trail for both mountain bikers and casual hikers - just be mindful of each other and share the trails. There’s a lot to love about this gorgeous waterfront trail in Louisiana. 857 E Stoner Ave, Shreveport, LA 71104, USA
- Longleaf Vista Trail
Chris Hassell/AllTrails Nestled within the Kisatchie National Forest, this 1.5-mile loop trail features some amazing rock formations and offers some of the most stunning treetop views in Louisiana. The terrain can be a bit more rugged than what you’re used to in Louisiana, but for these views, it’s well worth it. Learn more about this gorgeous treetop trail in Louisiana that anyone will love. Par Road 830, Par Rd 830, Louisiana, USA
- Bayou Sauvage Ridge Trail
Becky Livaudais/All Trails This trail is just shy of seven miles and is great for all ages. The boardwalk trail allows visitors a glimpse into Louisiana’s wetlands, and it’s also a favorite destination for birdwatchers. You’ll quickly discover that this boardwalk trail has some of the best views in Louisiana. Bayou Sauvage NWR Ridge Trail & Boardwalk, 20876 Chef Menteur Hwy, New Orleans, LA 70129, USA
- Woodlands Trail
Kelly King/All Trails This four-mile trail over in Belle Chasse is perfect for history buffs. At the end of the path, you’ll come across several abandoned ammunition magazines, left over from WWII. Learn more about this isolated hike in Louisiana that takes you through ruins of history. 449 F Edward Hebert Blvd, Belle Chasse, LA 70037, USA
- Northlake Nature Center Trails
Sean Hurly/All Trails There are three trails at the Northlake Nature Center, each one is less than two miles long and offers beautiful scenic views along the way. From views of Savanna Lake to Bayou and marsh, you’ll see it all here. The whole family will love these beautiful Louisiana trails! Northlake Nature Center, 23135 U.S. Hwy 190, Mandeville, LA 70448, USA
- Lake Martin Levee Trail
Danny Lasseigne/All Trails Last but certainly not least on our list of the best hikes in Louisiana is the Lake Martin Levee Trail. This trail is about 5.5 miles and wraps around the beautiful Lake Martin in Breaux Bridge. You’ll have the opportunity to see scores of wildlife - just remember to bring the bug spray! Learn more about this breathtaking loop trail in Louisiana. Lake Martin Levee Road, Lake Martin Levee Rd, Louisiana 70517, USA
Where’s your favorite place to hike in Louisiana? Do you agree that these are some of the best hikes in Louisiana? If we missed any of your favorites, please share them with us in the comments below — we’d love to hear from you! Looking for even more outdoor adventures in the Bayou State? Check out our Ultimate Guide For Louisianans Who Are Obsessed With Nature — there’s something on the list for everyone!
Marylynn Waddle/Alltrails
First up on our list of some of the best hikes in Louisiana is Gorge Run Trail. Located in Bogue Chitto State Park, this trail is just over six miles long and many believe this is one of the best trails in southeastern Louisiana. Along the way, you’ll have some lovely views of the Bogue Chitto River while hiking through the rolling hills. You’ll quickly discover that the Gorge Run Trail is perfect for a quick outdoor outing.
Bogue Chitto State Park, 17049 State Park Blvd, Franklinton, LA 70438, USA
Will Butterfield/Alltrails
The Glenn Emery Trail is just about four miles long and has beautiful views of Stuart Lake. It’s perfect for those wanting to immerse themselves in the forest. The trail is clearly marked and great for all ages. The next time you’re looking for some peace and quiet, this scenic trail in Louisiana promises to deliver.
Glenn Emery Trailhead, Pollock, LA 71467, USA
Sean Hurly/All Trails
The Gum Cypress Trail is located within Tickfaw State Park and is an easy half-mile loop that nearly everyone can do. You’ll walk along the boardwalk trail underneath canopies of trees, listening to the birds chirping as sunlight peeks through the leaves. Sounds peaceful, right? If you happen to be traveling with the little ones, it’s also a great kid-friendly trail in Louisiana.
27225 Patterson Rd, Springfield, LA 70462, USA
Christopher Alter/Alltrails
Located near Shreveport, this trail is about 2.5 miles and runs along the Red River. It’s a perfect trail for both mountain bikers and casual hikers - just be mindful of each other and share the trails. There’s a lot to love about this gorgeous waterfront trail in Louisiana.
857 E Stoner Ave, Shreveport, LA 71104, USA
Chris Hassell/AllTrails
Nestled within the Kisatchie National Forest, this 1.5-mile loop trail features some amazing rock formations and offers some of the most stunning treetop views in Louisiana. The terrain can be a bit more rugged than what you’re used to in Louisiana, but for these views, it’s well worth it. Learn more about this gorgeous treetop trail in Louisiana that anyone will love.
Par Road 830, Par Rd 830, Louisiana, USA
Becky Livaudais/All Trails
This trail is just shy of seven miles and is great for all ages. The boardwalk trail allows visitors a glimpse into Louisiana’s wetlands, and it’s also a favorite destination for birdwatchers. You’ll quickly discover that this boardwalk trail has some of the best views in Louisiana.
Bayou Sauvage NWR Ridge Trail & Boardwalk, 20876 Chef Menteur Hwy, New Orleans, LA 70129, USA
Kelly King/All Trails
This four-mile trail over in Belle Chasse is perfect for history buffs. At the end of the path, you’ll come across several abandoned ammunition magazines, left over from WWII. Learn more about this isolated hike in Louisiana that takes you through ruins of history.
449 F Edward Hebert Blvd, Belle Chasse, LA 70037, USA
There are three trails at the Northlake Nature Center, each one is less than two miles long and offers beautiful scenic views along the way. From views of Savanna Lake to Bayou and marsh, you’ll see it all here. The whole family will love these beautiful Louisiana trails!
Northlake Nature Center, 23135 U.S. Hwy 190, Mandeville, LA 70448, USA
Danny Lasseigne/All Trails
Last but certainly not least on our list of the best hikes in Louisiana is the Lake Martin Levee Trail. This trail is about 5.5 miles and wraps around the beautiful Lake Martin in Breaux Bridge. You’ll have the opportunity to see scores of wildlife - just remember to bring the bug spray! Learn more about this breathtaking loop trail in Louisiana.
Lake Martin Levee Road, Lake Martin Levee Rd, Louisiana 70517, USA
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The OIYS Visitor Center
best hikes in Louisiana April 22, 2022 Beth C. What are the best kid-friendly trails in Louisiana? Hiking in Louisiana is always a good idea, but if you’re traveling with the little ones in tow, you’re probably looking for short-and-sweet trails that also aren’t too strenuous. Well, you’ve come to the right place! We’ve pinpointed several family-friendly trails in Louisiana that even the tiniest explorers will enjoy. Head to Tickfaw State Park in Springfield and take the Cut Through Trail for a scenic hike that only measures one mile. Next up would be the Learning Tree Trail at the LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens. It’s a delightful little loop trail that only measures 0.5 miles and promises to be educational for all ages. Some other kid-friendly trails in Louisiana include the Nature Trail at Fairview Riverside State Park, Walter B. Jacobs Memorial Nature Park in Shreveport, and Barataria Preserve in Marrero. Learn more about some of our favorite kid-friendly trails in Louisiana.
The OIYS Visitor Center
best hikes in Louisiana
April 22, 2022
Beth C.
What are the best kid-friendly trails in Louisiana? Hiking in Louisiana is always a good idea, but if you’re traveling with the little ones in tow, you’re probably looking for short-and-sweet trails that also aren’t too strenuous. Well, you’ve come to the right place! We’ve pinpointed several family-friendly trails in Louisiana that even the tiniest explorers will enjoy. Head to Tickfaw State Park in Springfield and take the Cut Through Trail for a scenic hike that only measures one mile. Next up would be the Learning Tree Trail at the LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens. It’s a delightful little loop trail that only measures 0.5 miles and promises to be educational for all ages. Some other kid-friendly trails in Louisiana include the Nature Trail at Fairview Riverside State Park, Walter B. Jacobs Memorial Nature Park in Shreveport, and Barataria Preserve in Marrero. Learn more about some of our favorite kid-friendly trails in Louisiana.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Hiking in Louisiana is always a good idea, but if you’re traveling with the little ones in tow, you’re probably looking for short-and-sweet trails that also aren’t too strenuous. Well, you’ve come to the right place! We’ve pinpointed several family-friendly trails in Louisiana that even the tiniest explorers will enjoy. Head to Tickfaw State Park in Springfield and take the Cut Through Trail for a scenic hike that only measures one mile. Next up would be the Learning Tree Trail at the LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens. It’s a delightful little loop trail that only measures 0.5 miles and promises to be educational for all ages. Some other kid-friendly trails in Louisiana include the Nature Trail at Fairview Riverside State Park, Walter B. Jacobs Memorial Nature Park in Shreveport, and Barataria Preserve in Marrero. Learn more about some of our favorite kid-friendly trails in Louisiana.
