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The 10 Best Hiking Trails in Louisiana, United States
Louisiana tourism is centered on New Orleans and the North Shore region in the southeastern corner of the state near the Florida border. West of New Orleans is the Great River Road, with the I-10 running to the Mississippi River port capital city of Baton Rogue. West of New Orleans along the Gulf of Mexico, the I-10 cuts through Lafayette and Lake Charles on its way past Abbeville to Texas. Central Louisiana is Lake Country, and home to cities like Alexandria and Natchitoches. In northern Louisiana, the I-20 runs west from Monroe to Bossier City, Shreveport, and East Texas. Unless Louisiana is very familiar and frequent territory, New Orleans will be the top choice for a Louisiana vacation. Though Mardi Gras, music, and the winning ways of the New Orleans Saints football team get the spotlight, there is much more to explore in New Orleans. Within New Orleans choose among Bourbon Street, Royal Street, the Upper and Lower French Quarters, the Warehouse and Central Business District, the Garden District and Uptown, and Mid-City. With street car lines linking the French Quarter to the Garden District, Convention Center, and everywhere else, it is easy for the whole family to get around. If long walks are your exercise, explore the scenic city on foot. An easy two-hour drive from New Orleans brings you to Baton Rogue, Natchitoches and Lake Country. Explore old Beauregard Town in downtown Baton Rogue, the historic homes of the Baton Rogue Garden District, and tour one or several working plantations. Walk the 33-block Historic Landmark District and tour the historic homes and churches of Natchitoches. Relive Spanish Empire history in Louisiana at Fort St. Jean Baptiste State Historic Site. Heading west from New Orleans is Cajun Country and Lafayette with its mix of French, French Canadian (Acadian), Spanish, and Caribbean cultures. Besides Cajun and Creole cookery, explore the Civil War heritage at the Lafayette Museum. Stop by Abbeville to view the courthouse designed by Hayes Town, St. Mary Magdalen Church, and have a seafood meal. With 75 annual festivals Lake Charles is Louisiana's Festival City, and home to the Creole Nature Trail Scenic Byway. Shreveport and Bossier City in northwest Louisiana are casino and entertainment centers. Shreveport is renowned for hosting the Louisiana State Fair in the fall. Plus floral centers, art galleries, and museums. Monroe in the northeast also has notable gardens.
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1. Kincaid Recreation Area
2. Cane River National Heritage Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 152 reviews
Cane River National Heritage Area in northwestern Louisiana is a largely rural, agricultural landscape known for its historic plantations, its distinctive Creole architecture, and its multi-cultural legacy. Historically this region lay at the intersection of French and Spanish realms in the New World. Today it is home to a unique blend of cultures, including American Indian, French, Spanish, African, and Creole. The central corridor of the heritage area begins just south of Natchitoches, the oldest permanent settlement in the Louisiana Purchase, and extends along both sides of Cane River Lake for approximately 35 miles. The heritage area includes Cane River Creole National Historical Park, seven National Historic Landmarks, three State Historic Sites, and many other historic plantations, homes, and churches. What is a National Heritage Area? A National Heritage Area is a place recognized by the United States Congress for its unique contribution to the American experience. In a national heritage area, natural, cultural, historical, and recreational resources combine to form a cohesive, nationally distinctive landscape arising from patterns of human activity shaped by geography. These patterns make national heritage areas representative of the national experience through the physical features that remain and the traditions that have evolved in the areas. Continued use of the national heritage areas by people whose traditions helped to shape the landscapes enhances their significance. The Cane River National Heritage Area is one of forty-nine National Heritage Areas recognized by Congress for their significant contributions to the American experience. In partnership with the National Park Service, CRNHA, Inc. celebrates the nationally significant history of the Cane River region, preserving it for the benefit of current and future generations.
Reviewed By VIEQUESBEACHBUM - Sugar Land, United States
This was a great day trip heading from Natchitoches south along the Cain river. We visited the national park which was a great couple of hours and then traveled south to other plantation estates, Magnolia and Melrose. Pay attention to the signs as Hwy 119 is washed out just on the North side of Magnolia plantation ( For a very long time) so you must travel down Hwy 1 to pick up 119 in Derry. Worth the visit
3. Kisatchie National Forest
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13 reviews
Reviewed By 713aubreyb
We hiked the Backbone Trail in the Kisatchie Hills Wilderness Area. A great 7.5 mile hike through some rocky/hilly terrain. This is one of three USFS designated wilderness areas in the state, the only one that is a forest. If you are traveling down I-49 it is worth the detour.
4. Mandeville Trailhead Cultural Interpretive Center
5. Northlake Nature Center
6. Tammany Trace
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 57 reviews
Reviewed By Kevinjohnson725 - Covington, United States
A great place to exercise and meditate. Sometimes I bike it, sometimes I walk it. Usually, I pack a lunch and stop at a shelter for a mini-picnic. Occasionally, I have had a rabbit cross my path. A great way to enjoy nature. Kevin
7. Creole Nature Trail Adventure Point
8. Tammany Trace
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 27 reviews
Reviewed By susanlT3958KH - Sarasota, United States
Our goal was to ride once again on the Tammany Trace when we visited New Orleans. We stayed overnight in Slidell and embarked on our ride by 10am at the trailhead (with clean restrooms). Beautiful trail, well maintained, and rural so it's very quiet as you bike. We only biked 5 miles each way, but we've biked other sections in the past, and it's all great!
9. Camp Salmen Nature Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 20 reviews
10. Grand Cote National Wildlife Refuge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By trouthook69 - Belton, United States
Unfortunately it was winter so wildlife was sparse. Nice trail and boardwalk to observation area. Still some birds to see along the trail. We enjoyed our stroll but wish center had been open. I'm sure in the right season it's full of birds. Parking available but restrooms closed
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