Hiking at the Woodlands Conservancy Trail in Belle Chasse, Louisiana
New Orleans is known for a lot of things, but hiking isn’t one of them. While we’re renowned for our delicious food, our lively history, and our party scene, locals know better. We know where to find the lesser-known spots -- the spots that take you away from the hubbub and let you enjoy some time in nature.
Whether it’s your first time in New Orleans or you’re just looking for somewhere new to explore, these hiking trails will give you a peek into the natural world around us! If you are looking for an experienced guide to lead a trip for your small group, check out LOOP NOLA for more info.
For more information on what to bring on a day hike, check out our Day Hiker’s Checklist for must-pack items
The top 9 hiking trails near New Orleans
All of the locations on this list are either in the city of New Orleans or are within about an hour’s drive. Enjoy your time exploring the trails!
Difficulty levels:
Easy: Has mulched, paved, or boardwalk trails. Under two-miles long.
Medium: Also has dirt trails or muddy terrain. Under five-miles long.
Hard: Can have muddy or challenging terrain. Over five-miles long.
1. Couturie Forest
Location: 1009 Harrison Ave, New Orleans, LA 70124
Difficulty: Easy
Good for: Kids, dogs, bird watching, fishing
Bridge from the parking lot to the trails in Couturie Forest
Located in City Park, Couturie Forest is one of the easiest and most scenic hiking trails to get to. Its paths meander through oaks and sycamore trees along the lagoons in City Park. On a quiet day, you can catch a glimpse of various songbirds and waterfowl as they hunt for fish.
If you’re looking for a little elevation, you can even climb the tallest point in New Orleans: LaBorde Mountain. At 42-feet above elevation, you don’t get much higher than that!
2. Audubon Nature Center
Location: 11000 Lake Forest Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70127
Difficult: Easy & Medium
Good for: wheelchair accessible, kids, educational activities
The Audubon Nature Center is located in New Orleans East next to Joe Brown Park. It was closed for over a dozen years after Hurricane Katrina, but it has been reopened with new and improved hiking trails and an up-to-date nature center.
The trails vary in length and design, so you can find the type of hiking experience that best suits your group. Paths include dirt, mulch, and boardwalk flooring. If it’s been raining a lot right before your hike, the boardwalk trails might be a better bet.
You can also visit the indoor nature center to learn more about the plants and animals that live in the area. If you go at the right time of day, you can spend some time in the planetarium or attend one of the “Ranger Chats” to get more info from a professional staff member or volunteer.
3. Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge, Ridge Trail and Boardwalk
Location: 20876 Chef Menteur Hwy, New Orleans, LA 70129
Difficulty: Easy
Good for: wheelchair accessible, kids, dogs, bird watching, educational activities
Bayou Sauvage NWR Ridge Trail Boardwalk
The Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge Ridge Trail and Boardwalk is a great spot to spend an afternoon exploring. Located in New Orleans East, the Ridge Trail is perfect for a picnic or a field trip. It has a ¾-mile boardwalk trail that overlooks two marsh locations, and it has a covered shelter perfect for lunch or outdoor educational activities.
Park rangers and volunteers have spent countless hours working at the refuge to help it recover from Hurricane Katrina. The refuge was severely damaged during the storm, and many migratory birds had to change their path since their stop-over locations were destroyed. The dedication of the staff and volunteers have gotten the refuge back to a state that encourages bird migration once again!
4. Brechtel Park
Location: 4401 Lennox Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70131
Difficulty: Easy & Medium
Good for: kids, dogs, fishing, bird watching, educational activities
Fishing lagoons near hiking trail at Brechtel Park
Brechtel Park is located on the west bank of New Orleans in the Algiers neighborhood. It is part of the Parks and Parkways system, so it does have a small entrance fee ($1 if you’re from Orleans Parish, $2 if you’re not).
The Park was renovated within the past two years, so the trails are fresh and up-to-date. There are a variety of trail lengths and complexities, so you should be able to find a path that will meet your needs.
NOTE: There aren’t a lot of signs in the park to tell you about the trail lengths, so take a look at a map before you go. It’s pretty easy to get turned around if you’re not paying attention. But the park is pretty small, so you’re unlikely to actually get “lost.”
5. Woodlands Conservancy Trail
Location: 449 F Edward Hebert Blvd, Belle Chasse, LA 70037
Difficulty: Medium & Hard
Good for: dogs, horses, bird watching, educational activities
WWII ammunition magazine at Woodlands Conservancy Trail
The Woodlands Conservancy Trail in Belle Chasse is most known for its meandering trails and its historical use. In the back of the Bottomland Trail, you’ll find 10 ammunition magazines leftover from WWII. From time to time, the conservancy hosts a history tour led by a trained staff member or volunteer. The magazines add a really unique feature to the local trail options near New Orleans.
The trails vary in length and difficulty, but there aren’t any especially easy trails. All of the paths are dirt, so they can get a little sloppy if it’s been raining. When you head out to this trail system, were some clothes and shoes that you won’t mind getting dirty. Since some of these trails are a little longer than the others, so plan accordingly when it comes to water, snacks, sunblock, etc.
6. Jean Lafitte National Historic Park and Preserve, Barataria Preserve
Location: 1419, Marrero, LA 70072
Difficulty: Easy, Medium, & Hard
Good for: wheelchair accessible, kids, bird watching, educational activities, photography
Boardwalk trail at Jean Lafitte National Historic Park and Preserve, Barataria Preserve
The Jean Lafitte Barataria Preserve is a great historical site to walk through and learn about the natural and societal history of the area. The park is named after a heroic pirate who helped save the city of New Orleans in the War of 1812. The magnificent things about this park only start with its naming story -- it goes on from there!
There are numerous trails with varying difficulty levels throughout the park. There is a boardwalk trail next to the Visitor’s Center (which also has some great educational activities), and there are numerous dirt trails. No matter which trail you take, make sure you’ve got your camera with you. You are likely to see wildlife from songbirds and waterfowl to snakes and alligators.
DO NOT APPROACH THE WILDLIFE!
Just take pictures of them and enjoy seeing them.
7. Fontainebleau State Park
Location: 62883 LA-1089, Mandeville, LA 70448
Difficulty: Easy & Medium
Good for: kids, dogs, bird watching, biking
Beach with fishing pier near the hiking trails at Fontainebleau State Park
The Fontainebleau State Park trail system is small but scenic. The trails wind through bottomland hardwood trees like oaks and bald cypress with a few stops along the way. You can wander out to the marsh overlook to check out some songbirds and waterfowl. Or you can pause at the old Sugar Mill site and learn more about the history of the area.
Overall, the park is a great spot for overnight camping or a day trip with family and friends. There’s a beach onto Lake Pontchartrain that’s great for swimming and wading in spring and fall months. If you bring your bikes, you could also take the paved Tammany Trace bike trail all the way to Abita Springs or Slidell.
Since this is a state park, there is an entry fee (about $5) to get into the park. However, there’s a lot to do once you’re inside!
8. Northlake Nature Center
Location: 23135 U.S. Hwy 190, Mandeville, LA 70448
Difficulty: Easy, Medium, & Hard
Good for: wheelchair accessible, kids, dogs, bird watching, educational activities, biking
The Northlake Nature Center is located on the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain across from Fontainebleau State Park. It has numerous trails of varying difficulty -- ranging from boardwalks with plaques to identify the various trees to dirt trails great for offroad hiking or biking.
This is a great spot to spend a few hours exploring, bring a small group for outdoor education, or just bring a picnic to eat under the covered pavilion. You can often spot some wildlife hanging around and see a variety of local trees and plants.
Staff and volunteers work to maintain the nature center and host classes throughout the month. The classes range in topic and appeal so you can find everything from outdoor yoga to educational talks from local professors to introductory canoeing and biking activities. There’s typically a small fee (about $5-$10) for the activities, but it’s well worth it!
9. Tickfaw State Park
Location: 27225 Patterson Rd, Springfield, LA 70462
Difficulty: Easy & Medium
Good for: wheelchair accessible, kids, dogs, bird watching, fishing, educational activities
Suspension bridge along trail at Tickfaw State Park
Located in Livingston Parish, Tickfaw State Park has a lot to offer. It has several well-marked trails of varying difficulty. There’s a nice, easy boardwalk trail near a covered amphitheater that’s perfect for a stroll through the woods our an outdoor class. Stemming from the boardwalk trail, you can cross a scenic suspension bridge and follow dirt paths through the woods along streams and rivers.
Since the trail system connects well, you can choose your own adventure in how far you’d like to walk. Just be aware: if it’s rained a lot lately, the trails will be muddy. Only wear clothes you won’t mind getting messy if you go on the dirt trails.
Since this is a state park, there is an entry fee (about $5) to get into the park. However, there’s a lot to do once you’re inside. From overnight camping to fishing and canoeing, there are plenty of options for an adventure!
Tips for hiking near New Orleans
No matter which site you decide to visit, remember a few key tips about hiking near New Orleans:
Dress for the weather.
The weather can change pretty quickly here, so double-check the forecast before you head out and pack accordingly.
Bring water!
Dehydration is no fun, and it can turn an otherwise great day into a trudge-fest. Make sure you’ve got enough water.
Dress for the outdoors.
Keep in mind that you might encounter mud, water, sun, plants, and/or bugs along these trails. Use sunblock and bug spray. If you’re allergic to poison ivy, wear long pants or long sleeves.
Leave nothing but footprints. Take nothing but pictures. Kill nothing but time.
The staff and volunteers who work to maintain all of these trails need your help! Fortunately, it’s really easy to help. Just follow the basic Leave No Trace principals to keep the areas looking as good as possible, and you’ll help the parks and preserves last well into the future.
Enjoy your adventure!
