The Epic 24-Mile Wild Azalea Trail In Louisiana Will Bring Out The Explorer In You
By Jackie Ann|Published March 28, 2020
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Jackie Ann
Author
Louisiana native and LSU Alum (Geaux Tigers!), Jackie has lived in Louisiana for over three decades and currently lives in New Orleans. She's been writing for OnlyInYourState since 2016 and can often be found with a coffee at her side, dreaming of her next adventure.
Who’s ready for an adventure? The Kisatchie National Forest, Louisiana’s only national forest, is a massive 600,000+ acres of pure natural beauty just waiting to be explored. Broken up into five Ranger Districts across seven parishes in central and northern Louisiana, the trails within this forest will lead you through some of Louisiana’s most diverse terrain. If you’re really looking to test your outdoor skills, then you need to check out the Wild Azalea Trail, it’s one of the most epic trails in Louisiana.
Clocking in at just shy of 24 miles in length, the Wild Azalea Trail is the longest primitive hiking trail in Louisiana.
You’ll traverse some of Louisiana’s most diverse topography. Beautiful creeks, rolling hills, and towering pine trees all fill the landscape for one of the most amazing hikes in the state.
The endpoints of the trail are the Valentine Lake Recreation Area and the Woodworth Town Hall. You can park at either of these locations and start your journey from either point.
They’re different than the typical azalea bushes you see in your towns. These beautiful flowers will bloom in early spring and hang out for a couple of weeks and sometimes even through late summer, depending on how the weather is.