The Stunning Landscape In Louisiana That Appears As Though It Was Ripped From A Monet Painting
By Jackie Ann|Published November 21, 2023
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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.
Some of the most stunning landscapes in Louisiana can be found hiding in the south-central part of the state. This is where you’ll find the beginning of the Kisatchie National Forest (Louisiana’s only national forest), Chicot State Park, and the Louisiana State Arboretum. In my opinion, this area has some of the most beautiful trails in Louisiana. You get the best of both worlds: the swamps and marshes paired with rugged, primitive trails that will take you through some of Louisiana’s most underrated landscapes.
The path we’re following today combines a few different trails: the Bald Cypress Trail, Walker Branch Trail, Wetland Trail, and the Backbone Ridge Trail.
You can park your car at the Louisiana State Arboretum, where the journey begins. The Arboretum is technically part of Chicot State Park, though they do have two separate entrances. Fun fact: the Louisiana State Arboretum is the oldest state-supported arboretum in the country!
You can always mix and match the trails to fit your schedule, which is always a nice perk. Since these trails are on protected land, you’ll have to leave your dog at home for this adventure.
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The entire loop-trail clocks in just shy of four miles.
The whole trail system is well-marked, but I’d recommend getting an AllTrails+ account if you can. The premium version unlocks tons of special features including wrong-turn directions plus the ability to download maps offline.
No scrambling down here! Although I’d recommend checking the weather a few days before you go. If you’re tackling this trail system after a hard rain, you’re in for a muddy adventure.
As you wander through the arboretum you’ll have a front-row seat to view some very distinct habitats.
Winter is my favorite time of year to explore these trails. If you plan on exploring this area in the summer, make sure you bring some bug spray! The skeeters tend to be a bit overzealous during the summer.
