Here’s The Ultimate Bucket List For Louisianians Who Are Obsessed With Nature
By Jackie Ann
|
Published April 30, 2020
For those that love getting outside and exploring the great outdoors, Louisiana is a nature lover’s paradise. Whether you’re looking for an epic adventure through the forest or a leisurely stroll through the swamps, Louisiana offers a little something for everyone. If you’re searching for some delightfully scenic nature-based adventures, we’ve got the perfect bucket list for you.
1. Hike Louisiana’s longest primitive trail.
Clocking in at just shy of 24 miles, the
Wild Azalea Trail is located in the Evangeline Unit of the Calcasieu Ranger District, just a bit southwest of Alexandria, Louisiana. The point-to-point trail is dotted with delightful wild flowers, including the trail’s namesake, the wild azalea. If you can’t commit to the full 24 miles, no worries, you can always camp along the route, or just do a few miles and turn back around.
2. Hike Louisiana’s longest rail-trail.
If you prefer paved trails and charming towns, then the
Tammany Trace is right up your alley. This 31-mile converted rail-to-trail will take you all around St. Tammany Parish, including the towns of Covington, Mandeville, Lacombe, Abita Springs, and Slidell.
3. Kayak Lake Martin.
For wildlife enthusiasts, Lake Martin is the way to go. Not only is Lake Martin one of the largest nesting colonies for several species of birds, but it’s also home to a huge population of alligators. While you can view the lake from Rookery Road and the nearby nature trail, you can also bring or rent a kayak and explore the lake from an entirely different perspective.
4. Watch a sunset over Vermilion Bay.
Cypremort Point State Park might just be the most underrated state park in Louisiana. There’s a lovely little stretch of beach you can sink your toes into, multiple picnic and cooking areas along the shoreline, and a pier for fishing, just to name a few. One of the most incredible features of the park are the sunsets, which are truly mesmerizing. Pull up some sand and watch the sunset over the bay for a truly memorable evening.
5. Stroll through Barataria Preserve.
The
boardwalk trails at Barataria Preserve will lead you through the preserve’s 30,000+ acres of beautiful swamps, marshes, and forests for a truly magical adventure. It’s a great place to watch wildlife viewing, and since all of the trails are under two miles in length, kids of all ages will enjoy this outdoor exploration.
6. Sink your toes in the sand at the beach.
Head on down to Grand Isle State Park for a super fun day of beach adventures. Several miles of sandy beaches await, plus
a massive 900-foot pier that's great for fishing and gazing out into the Gulf.
How many of these attractions have you visited? Planning on checking any of them out in the upcoming months? Let us know in the comments below!
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Related Articles
Featured Addresses
Wild Azalea Trailhead, 352-398 Castor Plunge Rd, Woodworth, LA 71485, USA
Lake Martin, Breaux Bridge, LA, USA
Tammany Trace - Covington Trailhead, 419 N New Hampshire St, Covington, LA 70433, USA
Barataria Preserve Visitor Center, 6588 Barataria Blvd, Marrero, LA 70072, USA
Grand Isle State Park, 108 Admiral Craik Dr, Grand Isle, LA 70358, USA
Cypremort Point State Park, 306 Beach Ln, Cypremort Point, LA 70538, USA