There are several amazing trails around New Orleans for anyone looking to get away from the busy city life and spend some time surrounded by nature. From canopies of ancient oaks to majestic bayou vistas, we’ve got some of the best hikes in New Orleans you’ll want to knock off your summer bucket list. Next time you research “hiking trails near me,” keep an eye out for these local gems!

1. Audubon Park Loop
Audubon Park Trail, New Orleans, LA 70118, USA
Audubon Park/Facebook
Nestled in historic uptown New Orleans, Audubon Park is a perfect location to head to when you need to get away. The jogging path here is just shy of two miles, and offers scenic views of the lagoons. 6500 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70118
2. City Park
City Park, New Orleans, LA, USA
Nat User/All Trails
You’ve got several options when it comes to trails at City Park. The one-mile Festival Grounds path and the three-quarter mile path around Big Lake are great for walking, running, or bike riding and offer unbeatable, gorgeous landscaping. For more serious runners, there’s also a 400-meter polyurethane track that was built for the 1992 Olympic Trials. 1 Palm Dr., New Orleans, LA 70124.
3. Couturie Forest
Couturie Forest, 1009 Harrison Ave, New Orleans, LA 70124, USA
Kimberly Navarrete/All Trails
While we’re on the subject, did you know there’s a 60-acre forest nestled within City Park? The loop trail is about a mile in length, and offers great wildlife viewing opportunities. It's one of the best hikes in New Orleans! 1 Palm Dr., New Orleans, LA 70124.

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4. Bayou Sauvage Ridge Trail
Bayou Sauvage NWR Ridge Trail & Boardwalk, 20876 Chef Menteur Hwy, New Orleans, LA 70129, USA
Avniel Shetreat/All Trails
The Bayou Sauvage Ridge Trail is about 6.5 miles, but you certainly don’t have to hike the entire thing if you’re not up to it. You’ll have some nice marsh views and its ideal for anyone looking for wildlife viewing. 61389 LA-434, Lacombe, LA 70445.
5. Barataria Preserve
Barataria Preserve Visitor Center, 6588 Barataria Blvd, Marrero, LA 70072, USA
Justin P./All Trails
There are several trails over at Barataria Preserve, and each one is less than two miles long, so you can mix and match. All of the trails will lead you through the 23,000 acres of marshland and swamp. As you stroll through the beautiful boardwalk trails, keep your eyes peeled for alligators, turtles, and birds. 6588 Barataria Blvd., Mararro, LA 70072.
6. Northlake Nature Center
Northlake Nature Center, 23135 U.S. Hwy 190, Mandeville, LA 70448, USA
Noah Bourdeu/All Trails
There are three trails at the Northlake Nature Center, each one offering a chance to submerse yourself in some of Louisiana’s prettiest landscape. The Eagle Trail loop is .75 miles long, the South lOOP IS 1.2 miles long, and the North Loop is 1.75 miles long. Mix and match or take on all three! 23135 Highway 190, Mandeville, Louisiana 70448.
7. Fairview Riverside State Park
Fairview Riverside State Park, Fairview Riverside State Pk, Louisiana 70447, USA
Bonnie C./Trip Advisor
One of the smaller state parks in Louisiana, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in beauty! Stroll the trail and catch beautiful glimpses of the Tchefuncta River, and while you’re there, be sure to check out the Otis House. 119 Fairview Dr, Madisonville, LA 70447.

How many of these best hikes in New Orleans have you embarked on? Let us know in the comments below! Don’t forget to check out our previous article for more summer fun in the Big Easy.

Do you have a hike in New Orleans? Tell us about it on our nomination page, and you just might see your suggestion featured in an upcoming article.

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More to Explore

Best Hikes in New Orleans

Katie Lawrence | April 14, 2022

What are some kid-friendly hikes around New Orleans?

Here in the Big Easy, hiking is a family affair. There are lots of kid-friendly trails scattered around town, but City Park has some of the very best. This 1300-acre destination boasts a variety of easy hikes suitable for all ages and skill levels, including a whimsical storybook garden with life-size sculptures of characters from children’s fairytales!

Are there any easy hikes in New Orleans?

If you want to experience New Orleans’ abundant natural beauty without working up a sweat, you’re in luck. Some of the most beautiful hikes in and around the city also happen to be the easiest! Hands down, the Audubon Louisiana Nature Center is among the best spots for easy hikes in New Orleans. This outdoor learning oasis is full of short and sweet trails that will show you a whole new side of Southeast Louisiana. You’ll even get to see wildlife such as reptiles and birds in their natural habitats.

Where can I find the most scenic hikes in New Orleans?

One of our favorite places to see some gorgeous New Orleans scenery is the Couturie Forest & Arboretum. A 1-mile stroll around the park takes you through a grove of majestic live oaks - much like the one at City Park that we all know and love. Awe-inspiring waterfront vistas, birdwatching platforms, and enchanting footbridges are just some of the incredible things you have to look forward to at this hidden gem destination.

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