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The 6 Best Bayou Hikes in Louisiana with Peaceful Trails, Rich Wildlife, and Beautiful Swamps


Louisiana’s Most Spectacular Wetland Trails

Louisiana’s network of bayou trails offers some of the South’s most unique hiking experiences. From elevated boardwalks through ancient cypress swamps to rugged forest paths, these six spots showcase the best wild wetlands in 2025.

Bayou Coquille Trail – Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve

  • Address: 6588 Barataria Boulevard, Marrero, LA 70072 
  • Main Trails: Bayou Coquille Trail (0.5 miles), Palmetto Trail (0.7 miles), Marsh Overlook Trail (0.4 miles), Ring Levee Trail (1.6 miles), Old Barataria Trail (2.5 miles)

The Bayou Coquille Trail is a 0.5-mile boardwalk and packed gravel trail located in the Barataria Preserve of Jean Lafitte National Historical Park.

It serves as the preserve’s main artery, connecting to all four other trails via well-marked intersections. This wheelchair and stroller-accessible trail starts at the Barataria Preserve Visitor Center and winds through three distinct ecosystems.

The first 0.2 miles feature a hardwood forest, transitioning to marsh views at the quarter-mile mark, before reaching the ancient cypress grove. The trail ends at the Ring Levee Trail junction, where you can extend your hike or loop back.

Highlights:

  • Giant live oaks
  • Ancient American Indian shell mound
  • The “Monarch of the Swamp” (600-year-old bald cypress tree)
  • Seasonal wildflowers
  • Excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, including alligators and various bird species

Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge

  • Address: 61389 Highway 434, Lacombe, LA 70445 
  • Main Trails: Ridge Trail Boardwalk (1.0 mile), Maxent Canal Levee Trail (3.0 miles), Madere Marsh Walk (0.25 miles)

Bayou Sauvage is the largest urban wildlife refuge in the United States, located within the city limits of New Orleans.

Your hike will take you through a variety of habitats including fresh and brackish marshes, bottomland hardwoods, lagoons, canals, and natural bayous.

One of the best hiking routes here is the Ridge Trail, a 2/3-mile interpretive boardwalk loop providing views of bottomland hardwood forest and marsh habitats.

Highlights:

  • Prime alligator viewing from February to October
  • Seasonal waterfowl migrations peak November-January
  • Photography blinds available at three locations
  • Fishing platforms along Maxent Canal
  • Night hiking is permitted during full moon events (reservation required)

Bogue Chitto State Park

  • Address: 17049 State Park Boulevard, Franklinton, LA 70438 
  • Main Trails: Gorge Run Trail (5.5 miles), River Trail (1.2 miles), Bottomland Trail (0.8 miles), Upland Trail (2.3 miles)

Bogue Chitto State Park is a 1,786-acre park located near Franklinton, Louisiana, about 70 miles north of New Orleans. You get to explore classic Louisiana landscapes like the cypress-tupelo swamps, upland forests, and the Bogue Chitto River.

The park’s flagship Gorge Run Trail offers Louisiana’s most challenging elevation changes, climbing 200 feet through pine forests and along river bluffs. The main loop connects all side trails and features mile markers every 0.25 miles.

Bogue Chitto State Park is also home to Fricke’s Cave, a gorge with delicate sandstone formations.

Highlights:

  • 11 fishing lakes stocked with bass and catfish
  • Overnight camping is available at 70+ improved sites
  • Seasonal creek swimming at the water playground
  • Rock climbing permitted at Fricke’s Cave (permit required)
  • Canoe and kayak rentals available March-November

Longleaf Trail – Kisatchie National Forest

  • Address: 2500 Longleaf Trail Scenic Byway, Provencal, LA 71468 
  • Main Trails: Longleaf Vista Trail (1.5 miles), Backbone Trail (7.6 miles), Caroline Dormon Trail (10.5 miles)

The Longleaf Trail is located in Kisatchie National Forest, Louisiana’s only national forest, covering over 600,000 acres across seven central and northern parishes.

The trail showcases some of the state’s most rugged terrain, with elevations up to 400 feet. Part of Longleaf Trail Scenic Byway, this 1.5-mile interpretive loop is a beautiful blend of longleaf pine forests, mixed pine-hardwood forests, and bottomland hardwoods.

As you hike, trail markers appear every 0.5 miles and four primitive campsites dot the route. The Longleaf Trail also gives you access to the 8,700-acre Kisatchie Hills Wilderness.

Highlights:

  • Rock climbing is permitted at Backbone Rock (registration required)
  • Backcountry camping is allowed with a free permit
  • Mountain biking on designated trails
  • Home to endangered red-cockaded woodpeckers
  • Scenic drives along the forest byway

Comite River Park

  • Address: 8900 Hooper Road, Baton Rouge, LA 70818 
  • Main Trails: River Loop (2.8 miles), Cypress Trail (1.2 miles), Bluff Walk (1.0 mile)

The 100-acre Comite River Park is located near Baton Rouge and features a 5.5-mile trail primarily designed for mountain biking but also popular with hikers.

The trail runs along the banks of the Comite River and Cypress Bayou, which treats you to scenic views with beech, magnolia, and cypress trees.

The main parking area provides access to all three interconnected trails, with secondary parking available at the Hooper Road entrance.

Highlights:

  • Mountain bike rentals are available on weekends
  • Covered picnic areas with grills
  • Bird-watching station with identification guides
  • Access to river swimming spots (seasonal)
  • Monthly guided nature walks (free with admission)

Cane Bayou – Fontainebleau State Park

  • Address: 62883 Highway 1089, Mandeville, LA 70471 
  • Main Trails: Bayou Cane Trail (3.7 miles), Alligator Marsh Boardwalk (1.2 miles), Sugar Mill Trail (0.9 miles)

Cane Bayou is situated between Fontainebleau State Park and Big Branch Marsh National Wildlife Refuge, about 40 miles north of New Orleans.

Fontainebleau State Park itself covers 2,800 acres on the shore of Lake Pontchartrain and features diverse ecosystems including bottomland hardwood forests, marshes, and cypress swamps.

The park is rich in history, once being the site of a sugar cane plantation owned by Bernard de Marigny. At Cane Bayou, you can hike along the 4.4-mile out-and-back trail rated easy to moderate.

The trail surface alternates between packed dirt and elevated boardwalks, with rest benches every half mile. Start at the visitor center parking lot, where updated trail maps show seasonal flooding areas and wildlife hotspots.

Highlights:

  • Guided kayak tours are available daily 
  • Beach access and swimming area
  • Historic sugar mill ruins
  • Over 400 documented wildlife species
  • Cabins and camping sites are available year-round

The post The 6 Best Bayou Hikes in Louisiana with Peaceful Trails, Rich Wildlife, and Beautiful Swamps appeared first on When In Your State.



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