Discover the Beauty of Spring Hikes in Louisiana
Are you looking for some perfect spring hikes in Louisiana? If so, you came to the right place! Here, we’ve put together a list of four truly picture-perfect nature trails in Louisiana that you’re sure to love. If you’re itching to breathe in some fresh spring air, view colorful wildflowers, and stretch your legs in a beautiful setting, then try one or all of these options below. There’s something for everyone among them. Don’t delay – get out there and start exploring today!
What Makes These Trails Perfect for Spring
Spring is the perfect time of year for all of us to get outdoors and experience the natural beauty all around us. If you’re someone who has been hibernating for the past few months, then taking a hike will get you in the spirit of the coming summer. All four of these trails are known for being full of wildflowers and wildlife, so take your time, notice the details, and really take it all in. Whether you’re near Baton Rouge, Slidell, Franklinton, or Natchitoches, one of these four trails is just a short drive away.
Four Picture-Perfect Nature Trails in Louisiana for a Spring Hike
1. Barton Arboretum Loop – Easy – LSU Botanical Gardens Steele Forest
Have you ever visited the Barton Arboretum in Baton Rouge? This quiet, beautiful property is part of LSU Botanical Gardens Steele Forest, which is full of spruce pine, live oak, a pond, specialty gardens, woodlands, wetlands, university research facilities, and more, as well as the incredible Rural Life Museum. There’s so much to see and explore in this area.
The Barton Arboretum Loop is a perfect spring trail. It’s a 2.3-mile loop that’s very easy; hikers will experience only 16 feet of elevation gain along the way, and it will take about an hour to complete. The arboretum is very well-maintained and full of diverse plant life that will burst with vibrant, fresh beauty in the springtime. This trail is kid-friendly, and leashed dogs are welcome, too.
2. Boy Scout Road – Easy – Big Branch Marsh National Wildlife Refuge
Everyone loves the Big Branch Marsh National Wildlife Refuge near Slidell. This vast protective area for animals covers over 18,000 acres and is full of freshwater and brackish marsh, hardwood forests, bayous, pine savannah, and cypress forest. It’s home to countless waterfowl and songbirds that flock here to live and raise their young.
The Boy Scout Road Trail is a great way to explore this spectacular area. The trail is part boardwalk and part gravel roadway and is only open to hikers and mountain bikers. Along its five-mile length out-and-back, it passes through woods, swamps, and marshes, and hikers are sure to see abundant wildlife on their journey. This trail is rated easy and will take about two hours to complete in its entirety.
3. Bogue Chitto Gorge Run Trail – Moderate – Bogue Chitto State Park
Bogue Chitto State Park is a relatively new addition to the Louisiana State Park system; it was established in 2010. If you haven’t visited it yet, there’s no better time than this spring to do so! The park’s name means big creek in Choctaw. The 2,593-acre site includes a large creek, along with many small streams, forests, swamps, and more.
The Bogue Chitto Gorge Run Trail is a 4.9-mile loop trail rated moderate. It does include a little bit of elevation gain, but the small climb is worth it – the views of the gorge and surrounding forest scenery are noteworthy. Hikers will likely see birds and other small critters on their journey; you might want to bring some bug spray to combat the mosquitoes.
4. Backbone Trail – Moderate – Kisatchie National Forest
There are dozens of incredible trails in Louisiana’s Kisatchie National Forest, but the Backbone Trail is a standout. This 14.8-mile, out-and-back trail is long, certainly, but you can do as much or as little of it as you’d like this spring. If you do choose to hike the whole thing, it will take most hikers about six hours, so start early if you plan to hike it end to end. If you bring two cars, you can park one at the end of the trail and one at the beginning, cutting the distance exactly in half.
Along this route, hikers will follow a narrow trail through the woods for most of the hike, with a few occasional lookout points along the way. The terrain and forested areas are diverse and are full of birds and other animals. It can be slippery in some areas, so be sure to wear sturdy shoes. In the spring, you’re sure to see some wildflowers peeking out as well.
Tips for Planning a Spring Hike in Louisiana
When planning a spring hike in Louisiana, you should be prepared for a variety of different types of weather. A cool morning can quickly become warm, so be sure to dress in layers; rain can start at any moment, so bring a raincoat along as well. For any hike, it’s crucial that you bring water and let someone at home know where you’re headed. Of course, it’s always wise to bring a camera, too, so you can take photos to help you remember today’s hike forever.
Springtime is a wonderful time to head out on the trails and to take in all the beautiful landscapes that Louisiana has to offer. Some people find the hot, humid summer days in Louisiana too hot and sticky for hiking, so it’s smart to get out there while you can and enjoy The Pelican State’s natural spaces while it’s still relatively cool and breezy. The animals and wildflowers on all four of these trails await you! Happy trails to you!
