:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/57015009/DeSoto_National_Forest.0.jpg)
While there are plenty of walking paths in New Orleans, including its expansive Mississippi River trails, there aren’t many places to hike in the city. However, several gorgeous hiking paths and trails are waiting just a short drive away.
Spring and summer months are great times to explore the diverse wildlife refuges and parks found throughout the Gulf Coast. Here are nine adventurous hiking trails, from short trails in the city’s backyard to giant hikes in a national forest.
Read MoreThree diverse walking trails snake through swamp and forest in the middle of New Orleans East. There’s a mile-long hike along a boardwalk and two mile-long secluded winding trails, all returning to the recently reopened Nature Center campus. Trails are free and open daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The 60-acre forest is City Park’s hidden gem and a favorite spot for birders—the forest is home to more than 40 species of birds. It’s also home to New Orleans’ highest point of elevation (a breathtaking 43 feet above sea level).
Roughly 30 minutes from New Orleans, you’ll find this giant park and its 4-mile boardwalk trail. It has gorgeous southern scenery, including native wild flowers, swamps, live oaks, native floating marshes, and, if you’re into wildlife, alligators.
New Orleans has two Mississippi River trails, one on each bank. The West Bank’s trail spans 5.3 miles of the Mississippi River, while the East Bank’s trail starts at Audubon Park and runs west for 60 miles. Both offer gorgeous views and unobstructed cycling and jogging paths.
Despite being nearly three hours from New Orleans, this 4.1-mile trail is one of the few on this list that features a waterfall. Its gravel walking paths are wide, being at least 6 feet across at its narrowest. Its several creeks, tall trees, and steep-but-manageable paths make it a worthwhile trip.
Another three-hour trip from New Orleans, Kisatchie is the only national forest in the state, and its more than 600,000 acres support a diverse ecosystem touching several parishes and supporting rare plant and animal species. Campers, birders, and nature lovers will want to head to Calcasieu’s area of the park.
This Plaquemines Parish conservancy is one of Louisiana’s last bottomland hardwood forests. It has three separate looping trails that all lead into one another, totaling well over 5 miles. Its Woodlands Trail serves as an educational and historical account of Louisiana’s few remaining coastal forests.
If you appreciate an occasional alligator, or a break to birdwatch on your hiking trail, then you should check out this national wildlife refuge. Its trail passes through its Madere Marsh, lagoons, and pleasant green spaces. While its boardwalk only spans .75 miles, its Ridge trail is a one-way, 6.8-mile path.
One of the longest mentioned, this beautiful Mississippi trail spans nearly 42 miles long, with several camp sites along the way. Roughly two hours from New Orleans, this trail has a well-distinguished path, tall trees, river views, and a handful of creek-accessible areas.
Three diverse walking trails snake through swamp and forest in the middle of New Orleans East. There’s a mile-long hike along a boardwalk and two mile-long secluded winding trails, all returning to the recently reopened Nature Center campus. Trails are free and open daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The 60-acre forest is City Park’s hidden gem and a favorite spot for birders—the forest is home to more than 40 species of birds. It’s also home to New Orleans’ highest point of elevation (a breathtaking 43 feet above sea level).
Roughly 30 minutes from New Orleans, you’ll find this giant park and its 4-mile boardwalk trail. It has gorgeous southern scenery, including native wild flowers, swamps, live oaks, native floating marshes, and, if you’re into wildlife, alligators.
New Orleans has two Mississippi River trails, one on each bank. The West Bank’s trail spans 5.3 miles of the Mississippi River, while the East Bank’s trail starts at Audubon Park and runs west for 60 miles. Both offer gorgeous views and unobstructed cycling and jogging paths.
Despite being nearly three hours from New Orleans, this 4.1-mile trail is one of the few on this list that features a waterfall. Its gravel walking paths are wide, being at least 6 feet across at its narrowest. Its several creeks, tall trees, and steep-but-manageable paths make it a worthwhile trip.
Another three-hour trip from New Orleans, Kisatchie is the only national forest in the state, and its more than 600,000 acres support a diverse ecosystem touching several parishes and supporting rare plant and animal species. Campers, birders, and nature lovers will want to head to Calcasieu’s area of the park.
This Plaquemines Parish conservancy is one of Louisiana’s last bottomland hardwood forests. It has three separate looping trails that all lead into one another, totaling well over 5 miles. Its Woodlands Trail serves as an educational and historical account of Louisiana’s few remaining coastal forests.
If you appreciate an occasional alligator, or a break to birdwatch on your hiking trail, then you should check out this national wildlife refuge. Its trail passes through its Madere Marsh, lagoons, and pleasant green spaces. While its boardwalk only spans .75 miles, its Ridge trail is a one-way, 6.8-mile path.
One of the longest mentioned, this beautiful Mississippi trail spans nearly 42 miles long, with several camp sites along the way. Roughly two hours from New Orleans, this trail has a well-distinguished path, tall trees, river views, and a handful of creek-accessible areas.
