Who knew Louisiana was such a hiking hub? Lots of people!  We have compiled the best trails for you complete with authentic hiker feedback, no matter if you are a family with kids or the hiking professional.

1. Comite Park Trail, Moderate

Comite Park Trail is a 4.9 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The trail is rated as moderate and offers a number of activity options. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.

“I’ve hiked and bike here many times. Excellent for Louisiana! Close to BR. Recommended for a local hike and/or challenging single track mountain biking.” -Clyde F.

2. Bogue Chitto State Park Gorge Run Trail, Moderate

Bogue Chitto State Park Gorge Run Trail is a 6.2 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Franklinton, Louisiana that features a lake and is rated as moderate. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.

“Great hike. I strongly suggest bringing some bug spray. If you’re into fishing: the trail has an abundance of streams and little lakes where you can drop a line. Not all trail markers are easily seen and some intersections are not marked properly so download a map if you can.” -Macy A.

3. Lake Chicot Loop Trail, Moderate

Lake Chicot Loop Trail is a 17.3 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Ville Platte, Louisiana that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as moderate. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from March until October. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.

“Trail is 19 miles. I did the entire loop, camped at #6 overnight. Great place, not too many hikers, but this is August in South Louisiana. Deer flies were the worst. Saw a bunch of Armadillos this time and a cool looking snake, but not much else. Two weeks ago I saw 2 sets of deer, a raccoon and a snake. There are also squirrels every time if you look.
This is a great place, I just wish they had more than 6 camp sites. I also bring all my water. I don’t think I’d filter that lake water unless I was dying.” -Abe D.

4. Wild Azalea Trail, Moderate

Wild Azalea Trail is a 23.9 mile moderately trafficked point-to-point trail located near Woodworth, Louisiana that features a lake and is rated as moderate. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail.

“Very chill trail to unwind. I started at the Valentine Lake rec area and went to the 20 mile marker just past the intersection of Castor Plunge Rd and 212. Mile markers 6-9 have some sweet creeks and so do Mile markers 15-17. Well marked and well traveled so you can go miles without even using the yellow diamonds posted on the trees. Make sure to grab a spider web stick so you aren’t getting a face full of Golden Orb Weavers. Not the prettiest or most exciting but very relaxing and worth the great workout once or twice. I’ve done 24 miles (markers 1-12 and back) one time and 20 miles (markers 11-20.5) another time. I’ve about had my fill of the trail but it would be better with friends of course! My 3L CamelBak lasted about 20 miles in the early August morning because the shade made it a bit cooler. A few good creeks to get water from with my LifeStraw too. Bugs didn’t bother me too bad and it never got super muddy. Low lying veg gets scratchy, narrow in some areas to allow spider webs.  I recommend listening to Astrophysics for People in a Hurry on Audible when you do this hike. It was relaxing and a bit enlightening.” -Chris F.

5. Backbone Trail, Moderate

Backbone Trail is a 9.8 mile lightly trafficked loop trail located near Provencal, Louisiana that offers the chance to see wildlife and is rated as moderate. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.

“There are some areas where it seems a bit overgrown and a few areas where its hard to tell what direction to go. 4G coverage and LTE every once in a while on the trail. I would recommend doing this trail in the cooler months of the year. Mosquitos weren’t a problem but I still brought insect repellent and sunscreen. Walking sticks help a lot on this trail. I started from the northern trail head and ended at the southern trail head. Bring a backpack with plenty of water-at least 3 liters per person, walking sticks, bug spray sunglasses, and do this in cooler temps….not 93 degrees and humid.” -Ashley S.

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