Louisiana
Sportsman's Paradise
There are over 1,000 known hiking and trekking trails in Louisiana
Most popular trails:
Cypress Creek Trail: This 2.4-mile trail in the Kisatchie National Forest winds through a cypress swamp, offering opportunities to see wildlife such as alligators, turtles, and birds.
Northwoods Trail: This 4.4-mile trail in the Kisatchie National Forest takes hikers through a variety of terrain, including forests, meadows, and streams.
Sky Bridge Trail: This 1.2-mile trail in the Natural Bridge State Park leads to a 70-foot-tall suspension bridge that offers stunning views of the surrounding area.
Pinnacle Overlook Trail: This 5.4-mile trail in the Kisatchie National Forest is challenging due to its steep climbs and exposed terrain.
Cumberland Gap Skywalk Trail: This 1.8-mile trail in the Cumberland Gap National Historical Park is challenging due to its steep climbs and narrow paths.
Big South Fork Scenic Trail: This 33-mile trail in the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area is challenging due to its rugged terrain and steep climbs.
Best trails for certain activities:
Hiking: The Cypress Creek Trail, Northwoods Trail, Sky Bridge Trail, Pinnacle Overlook Trail, Cumberland Gap Skywalk Trail, and Big South Fork Scenic Trail are all great options for hiking.
Mountain biking: The Bayou Teche Trace National Scenic Byway is a great option for mountain biking.
Bird watching: The Kisatchie National Forest is a great place to go bird watching.
Wildlife viewing: The Kisatchie National Forest and the Natural Bridge State Park are both great places to go wildlife viewing.
Camping: There are many campgrounds in Louisiana that offer hiking trails nearby.
Most challenging trails:
Pinnacle Overlook Trail: This 5.4-mile trail in the Kisatchie National Forest is challenging due to its steep climbs and exposed terrain.
Cumberland Gap Skywalk Trail: This 1.8-mile trail in the Cumberland Gap National Historical Park is challenging due to its steep climbs and narrow paths.
Big South Fork Scenic Trail: This 33-mile trail in the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area is challenging due to its rugged terrain and steep climbs.
Cypress Creek Trail: This trail is challenging due to its muddy conditions and uneven terrain.
Northwoods Trail: This trail is challenging due to its steep climbs and exposed roots.
Sky Bridge Trail: This trail is challenging due to its narrow paths and steep drop-offs.
Most scenic trails:
Cypress Creek Trail: This trail offers stunning views of a cypress swamp.
Northwoods Trail: This trail takes hikers through a variety of terrain, including forests, meadows, and streams.
Sky Bridge Trail: This trail leads to a 70-foot-tall suspension bridge that offers stunning views of the surrounding area.
Pinnacle Overlook Trail: This trail offers stunning views of the Kisatchie National Forest.
Cumberland Gap Skywalk Trail: This trail offers stunning views of the Cumberland Gap National Historical Park.
Big South Fork Scenic Trail: This trail offers stunning views of the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area.
Most family-friendly trails:
Sky Bridge Trail: This 1.2-mile trail is easy to moderate and offers stunning views of the surrounding area.
Big South Fork Scenic Trail: This 33-mile trail is divided into shorter sections that are perfect for families.
Kincaid Lake Trail: This 3.8-mile trail in the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area is easy and flat, making it a great option for families with young children.
Cypress Creek Trail: This trail is easy to moderate and offers opportunities to see wildlife.
Northwoods Trail: This trail is easy to moderate and takes hikers through a variety of terrain.
Pinnacle Overlook Trail: This trail is moderate and offers stunning views of the Kisatchie National Forest.
Most accessible trails in the state:
Sky Bridge Trail: This trail is paved and wheelchair accessible.
Big South Fork Scenic Trail: This trail has several accessible overlooks.
Cumberland Gap Skywalk Trail: This trail has an accessible viewing platform.
Kincaid Lake Trail: This trail has a paved parking lot and accessible restrooms.
Ouachita National Forest: This forest has several trails that are accessible to wheelchairs and hikers with limited mobility.
Pinnacle Overlook Trail: This trail has a few accessible overlooks.
Where to get permits for trails:
Permits are required for some trails in Louisiana. You can get permits at the following locations:
National forests: At the ranger station.(318) 473-7160
State parks: At the park office.1-888-840-7275
