Top 5 LOUISIANA Hikes That Can Be Done In One Day
Louisiana has many trails that can be tackled in one day! So weather you are the type that wants to leave out early and finish before the sun is fully up, or the type that wants to end the day with a hike these trails are for you!
Bogue Chitto State Park Gorge Run Trail
This is about a 5.5 mile loop hike that has numerous bathroom breaks along the trail. The trail has various elevation changes with lots of wildlife. Water is abundant here whether it's in the gorge, ponds, or the Bogue Chitto river you can easily find the sounds of running water. If the mood strikes you can also enjoy the beach area. It's connected to the picnic area along the trail. Take a moment to take a dip and cool off before you finish the round trip.
LSU Lakes Trial
Not far from LSU campus are two man made lakes. The trail officially starts at Milford Wampold Memorial Park. This is also the area with the most convenient parking spots because it is at a light. Fair warning: the parking lot fills up fast in the mornings but usually thin out the later the day goes on. The trail is a minimum 3.9 mile loop. There are two main trails, one is a big loop around both lakes and the second cuts between the two lakes. Overall the trail is all paved which is nice but you will not be alone on the trail. I love this trail because it's easy to complete in a morning and if you go early enough you can see a lot of wildlife.
Kisatchie National Forest Longleaf Vista Interpretive Trail
This trail offers great views but it is a bit of a drive from Baton Rouge. The trail is only about 1.5 miles but is a great introduction to the national forest. Both the trail and even the parking lot offer stunning views. The trail does feature a good bit of elevation changes (two of them are optional) but be prepared. We recommend sturdy shoes and maybe even trekking poles if you're a bit unstable on your feet. You will see some wildlife and smell a lot of pine if you go during the spring. If you enjoy the area and the short trail isn't challenging enough, you can tackle the longer trails that range from 10 to 27 miles long.
Mt. Driskill Mountain Trail
Did you know Louisiana has a mountain? Well we do! It isn't all that tall, you won't even see above the treetops but there is a nice trail that can easily be tackled on a day trip. The trail is in north Louisiana and is only about 1.8 miles, which is mostly a gradual climb. The summit is a nice spot where you can enjoy some amazing sunrises or sunsets. You can also record your name and a personal note at the summit in a guest book that is kept up there.
J.C. “Sonny” Gilbert WMA St. Mary’s Falls Trail
Louisiana also has a hidden waterfall just outside a small town known as Sicily Island. The trail can easily be done in an afternoon and is just over one mile. This trail is best to visit after heavy rain, that is your best chance of the waterfall being more of a fall than a trickle. Overall you should totally check this one out and you will not regret it. Who doesn't love chasing waterfalls.
***Bonus Trail***
A beautiful boardwalk trail over the swampland is hiding on the edge of West Monroe, Louisiana. The trail is marked by a giant metal egret that you can see from the interstate. It is nestled between two hotels and is only about 1.5 miles. I don't want to spoil too much about this trail because I want you to check this one out. If you do want more information then check out my blog post here!
