Time to lace up those boots and put your best foot forward! These cool and calming hikes in Louisiana are perfect for peace, quiet, and a bit of reflection. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or simply craving some time amidst wildlife, you’ll be glad you checked out our list of some of the very best hikes in Louisiana. Ready to get started? Let’s go — adventure awaits!
- Arboretum Loop at the Louisiana State Arboretum
Chris Byard/Google Our list of the best hikes in Louisiana starts off at the Louisiana State Arboretum. Located within the Chicot State Park, this easy loop trail is just shy of four miles and is well marked and well maintained. You’ll be surrounded by a symphony of sounds from the ample wildlife in the area and have a front-row seat to some truly stunning scenery. It’s one of the most popular outdoor destinations in Louisiana among nature lovers. Louisiana State Arboretum State Preservation Area, 1300 Sudie Lawton Lane, Ville Platte, LA 70586, USA
- Monkey Trail in Keithville
Michael DiGrazia/All Trails Monkey Trail is a 6.5-mile loop trail just outside of Shreveport that’s great for all skill levels and bicyclists. One of the most unique parts about this trail is that its proximity to Chimp Haven gives visitors the opportunity to hear all the Chimpanzees nearby, making you feel like you’ve been transported to an exotic jungle. It’s safe to say that all ages will enjoy experiencing this one-of-a-kind wildlife trail in Louisiana. Keithville, LA 71047, USA
- Kiroli Park Loop
Mark Gwatney/Google There’s a lot to love about this special West Monroe park, and the trails are just one of them. The outer trail loop is just under two miles and will bring you all around the perimeter of the park, through the forests, and surround you with beautiful water views. Without a doubt, Kiroli Park Loop is one of the most beautiful parks in Louisiana. Kiroli Park, 820 Kiroli Rd, West Monroe, LA 71291, USA
- Nature Center Trail Loop at Tickfaw State Park
Sean Hurly/Google At just under a mile, the Nature Center Trail at Tickfaw State Park is perfect for families with little ones. The boardwalk and gravel trail gives visitors a front-row seat to the beautiful scenery, and you can always add on any of the other trails to make a longer day of it. It’s easy to see why Tickfaw State Park is one of the most popular state parks in Louisiana. Tickfaw State Park, 27225 Patterson Rd, Springfield, LA 70462, USA
- Mandalay Nature Trail
Trinity Bourque/All Trails The Mandalay Nature Trail is about a mile long and great for wildlife viewing. The out and back trail will take you through the wildlife reserve and you’ll have the opportunity to see all your favorite swamp critters including gators, snakes, turtles, and more. It’s a great option if you’re looking for hiking trails near New Orleans. Mandalay Nature Trail, Rue De La Manson, Houma, LA 70360, USA
- Comite Park Trail
Eileen Eichenauer/All Trails At five miles in length, the Comite Park Loop Trail is one of the most hidden gem trails in Louisiana. Featuring beautiful water views, the trail is popular for both hikers and bikers and is a moderately rated trail with a few little beaches you can stop off at and take in the views. Comite River Park - Kerry Stamey Mountain Bike Trails, 8680 Hooper Rd, Baton Rouge, LA 70811, USA
- Northlake Nature Center
Justin Redman/Google When it comes to cool and calming trails in Louisiana, the trails at the Northlake Nature Center should be at the top of your list. All of the trails at the nature center are under two miles long, so you can mix and match to fit your schedule, and you’ll be immersed in an emerald city of beautiful swamps, bayous, and forests that will rejuvenate you in the best way.
Have you ever hiked any of these trails? Do you agree that these are some of the best hikes in Louisiana? Let us know in the comments below — we would love to hear from you! Looking for some related content? Check out our list of some of the most interesting hiking trails in Louisiana. They’re out of this world!
Chris Byard/Google
Our list of the best hikes in Louisiana starts off at the Louisiana State Arboretum. Located within the Chicot State Park, this easy loop trail is just shy of four miles and is well marked and well maintained. You’ll be surrounded by a symphony of sounds from the ample wildlife in the area and have a front-row seat to some truly stunning scenery. It’s one of the most popular outdoor destinations in Louisiana among nature lovers.
Louisiana State Arboretum State Preservation Area, 1300 Sudie Lawton Lane, Ville Platte, LA 70586, USA
Michael DiGrazia/All Trails
Monkey Trail is a 6.5-mile loop trail just outside of Shreveport that’s great for all skill levels and bicyclists. One of the most unique parts about this trail is that its proximity to Chimp Haven gives visitors the opportunity to hear all the Chimpanzees nearby, making you feel like you’ve been transported to an exotic jungle. It’s safe to say that all ages will enjoy experiencing this one-of-a-kind wildlife trail in Louisiana.
Keithville, LA 71047, USA
Mark Gwatney/Google
There’s a lot to love about this special West Monroe park, and the trails are just one of them. The outer trail loop is just under two miles and will bring you all around the perimeter of the park, through the forests, and surround you with beautiful water views. Without a doubt, Kiroli Park Loop is one of the most beautiful parks in Louisiana.
Kiroli Park, 820 Kiroli Rd, West Monroe, LA 71291, USA
Sean Hurly/Google
At just under a mile, the Nature Center Trail at Tickfaw State Park is perfect for families with little ones. The boardwalk and gravel trail gives visitors a front-row seat to the beautiful scenery, and you can always add on any of the other trails to make a longer day of it. It’s easy to see why Tickfaw State Park is one of the most popular state parks in Louisiana.
Tickfaw State Park, 27225 Patterson Rd, Springfield, LA 70462, USA
Trinity Bourque/All Trails
The Mandalay Nature Trail is about a mile long and great for wildlife viewing. The out and back trail will take you through the wildlife reserve and you’ll have the opportunity to see all your favorite swamp critters including gators, snakes, turtles, and more. It’s a great option if you’re looking for hiking trails near New Orleans.
Mandalay Nature Trail, Rue De La Manson, Houma, LA 70360, USA
Eileen Eichenauer/All Trails
At five miles in length, the Comite Park Loop Trail is one of the most hidden gem trails in Louisiana. Featuring beautiful water views, the trail is popular for both hikers and bikers and is a moderately rated trail with a few little beaches you can stop off at and take in the views.
Comite River Park - Kerry Stamey Mountain Bike Trails, 8680 Hooper Rd, Baton Rouge, LA 70811, USA
Justin Redman/Google
When it comes to cool and calming trails in Louisiana, the trails at the Northlake Nature Center should be at the top of your list. All of the trails at the nature center are under two miles long, so you can mix and match to fit your schedule, and you’ll be immersed in an emerald city of beautiful swamps, bayous, and forests that will rejuvenate you in the best way.
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Address: Kiroli Rd, West Monroe, LA 71291, USAAddress: Louisiana State Arboretum State Preservation Area, 1300 Sudie Lawton Lane, Ville Platte, LA 70586, USAAddress: Tickfaw State Park, 27225 Patterson Rd, Springfield, LA 70462, USAAddress: Comite Dr, Baker, LA 70714, USAAddress: Northlake Nature Center, 23135 U.S. Hwy 190, Mandeville, LA 70448, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
best hikes in Louisiana April 22, 2022 Beth C. What are the most beautiful trails in Louisiana? Louisiana is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream. With breathtaking, otherworldly landscapes, the Bayou State lends itself perfectly to quality time in nature. If you’re looking for some of the most beautiful trails in Louisiana, you’ll find that the options are nearly endless! One of our favorite recommendations is the Grand Isle Birding Trail. Not only does this place offer an incredible array of birdwatching opportunities, but it’s also the place to watch a breathtaking sunset. If you happen to visit during the migratory bird festival, you may even spot majestic species such as the Indigo Bunting. Some other trails worth adding to your list include Tunica Hills WMA near St. Francisville, the Caroline Dormon Trail near Kisatchie National Forest, and Barataria Preserve Trails in Jean Lafitte National Park.
The OIYS Visitor Center
best hikes in Louisiana
April 22, 2022
Beth C.
What are the most beautiful trails in Louisiana? Louisiana is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream. With breathtaking, otherworldly landscapes, the Bayou State lends itself perfectly to quality time in nature. If you’re looking for some of the most beautiful trails in Louisiana, you’ll find that the options are nearly endless! One of our favorite recommendations is the Grand Isle Birding Trail. Not only does this place offer an incredible array of birdwatching opportunities, but it’s also the place to watch a breathtaking sunset. If you happen to visit during the migratory bird festival, you may even spot majestic species such as the Indigo Bunting. Some other trails worth adding to your list include Tunica Hills WMA near St. Francisville, the Caroline Dormon Trail near Kisatchie National Forest, and Barataria Preserve Trails in Jean Lafitte National Park.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Louisiana is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream. With breathtaking, otherworldly landscapes, the Bayou State lends itself perfectly to quality time in nature. If you’re looking for some of the most beautiful trails in Louisiana, you’ll find that the options are nearly endless! One of our favorite recommendations is the Grand Isle Birding Trail. Not only does this place offer an incredible array of birdwatching opportunities, but it’s also the place to watch a breathtaking sunset. If you happen to visit during the migratory bird festival, you may even spot majestic species such as the Indigo Bunting. Some other trails worth adding to your list include Tunica Hills WMA near St. Francisville, the Caroline Dormon Trail near Kisatchie National Forest, and Barataria Preserve Trails in Jean Lafitte National Park.
