Thanks to all of our amazing man-made attractions, many people come to New Orleans and assume that we don’t have a ton of nature to enjoy. Luckily, that’s simply not true! Here are some of the very best hikes in New Orleans. These are all trails that are on the easier side, so they’re kid-friendly and won’t take you all day. Still, they showcase some really stunning areas all around the Big Easy!

1) Couturie Forest at City Park: 1 Palm Dr, New Orleans, LA 70124
City Park, New Orleans, LA, USA
facebook.com/NewOrleansCityPark
Right in the heart of the city, you'll find this great walk around the Couturie Forest in City Park. This is one of the largest urban parks in the country. With over 1,300 acres, there's a lot to explore here!
tripadvisor.com / nancy s
This trail provides plenty of opportunities to explore the bayous and enjoy the wide variety of flora and fauna that Louisiana has to offer.
2) Ridge Trail at Bayou Sauvage Urban National Wildlife Refuge
61389 LA-434, Lacombe, LA 70445, USA
Mr. Bill Lang/Wikimedia Commons
Did you know that the largest urban National Wildlife Refuge in the country is right here in New Orleans? The Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge will make you feel far, far away from society. At 23,000 acres, this place is huge!
Facebook.com / Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge
One of our favorite trails here is the Ridge Trail. It's an awesome spot for discovering birds and spotting other wildlife that calls the refuge home!
3) Boy Scout Road, Big Branch Marsh Wildlife Refuge: 61389 LA-434, Lacombe, LA 70445
61389 LA-434, Lacombe, LA 70445, USA
alltrails.com/trail
For this beautiful trail, you'll need to travel across the lake to the Big Branch National Wildlife Refuge.

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alltrails.com/trail
The refuge has some great boardwalks that go right through beautiful water lilies. Seeing them in bloom is such a treat!
4) Fontainebleau State Park: 62883 LA-1089, Mandeville, LA 70448
62883 LA-1089, Mandeville, LA 70448, USA
tripadvisor.com / Wanderlust_at_dawn
Looking for more great trails across the lake? Check out Fontainebleau State Park.
Justin Meissen/Flickr
This park has a little something for everyone. From massive oak trees to incredible swamp views and one of our favorite beaches in Louisiana, there's a lot to see here! Don't miss out on the gorgeous lakeside sunsets.
5) Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve: Marrero, LA 70072
Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve, Marrero, LA 70072, USA
tripadvisor.com / Wanderlust_at_dawn
Last, but certainly not least, is the hike through Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve. This place is absolutely gorgeous!
lotripadvisor.com / Gabriela P.
This 1.8-mile trail in Louisiana will take you through some stunning scenery. You'll see truly beautiful wildlife and swamplands, and the marsh overlook is incredible!

Have you hiked any of these gorgeous hiking trails? We consider them some of the best hikes near New Orleans. Share your experiences in the comments, and if you have any suggestions for more short hikes near New Orleans, we’d love to hear them!

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More to Explore

Best Hikes In New Orleans

Lisa Sammons | April 14, 2022

What are some more of the best hikes in Louisiana?

There are so many beautiful hikes in Louisiana that it's hard to pick a favorite. We love the Grand Isle Birding Trail in Grand Isle ... it's a must-see spot for birdwatchers looking to catch a glimpse of our feathered friends.

What are some kid-friendly hikes in Louisiana?

While we've got plenty of long treks to enjoy, there are also some great short hikes in Louisiana that won't take all day. They're perfect for the little ones' short legs and lower stamina! The LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens' Learning Tree Trail is one of the best (and most educational) short hikes in the state.

What are some of the best parks in New Orleans?

New Orleans is surrounded by some incredible natural beauty and we've got parks all around us. The Bogue Chitto State Park is a great place to check out the lovely Bogue Chitto River.

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