Getting outside can be a welcome retreat. For starters, there’s always bug spray, so no worries about mosquitoes! That being said (yikes), the scenery can be a delightful change for when you need to take a break from city life, and these incredible hiking trails in New Orleans are just a short drive from the city and perfect for an outdoor adventure. Here are some of the best hikes in New Orleans you’ll want to hike again and again: 

1. Old Fields Trail
35122 Parish Pkwy, Slidell, LA 70460, USA
Keith Beucler/All Trails
Located in the Camp Salmen Nature Park, the Old Fields trail is just shy of two miles and offers a peaceful walk with the opportunity to see some wildlife. It's great for hiking and biking, and even the little ones will enjoy this trail.
2. Sugarmill Nature Trail
62883 Hwy 1089, Mandeville, LA 70448, USA
Sean Hurly/All Trails
The Sugarmill Nature Trail over in Fontainebleau State Park is just over a mile in length and is an easy trail to knock out in an afternoon. You’ll come across some spectacular scenery of the marsh, and have the opportunity to see some wildlife too.
3. Northlake Nature Center South Loop
23135 U.S. Hwy 190, Mandeville, LA 70448, USA
Sean Hurly/All Trails
Just across the way from Fontainebleau State Park is the Northlake Nature Center, and there are several trails that are perfect for kids and adults. The South Loop trail is about 2 miles long and will lead you through the wetlands, and pine and hardwood forests.
4. Barataria Preserve
6588 Barataria Blvd, Marrero, LA 70072, USA
Coffeespiral/Flickr
There are several trails at the Barataria Preserve, and each one is under two miles long, so you can mix and match to fit your schedule. These boardwalk trails will take you through the marshes, swamps, and bayous to places you just can’t access any other way, offering a glimpse at one of the prettiest natural landscapes in Louisiana. Come see why this trail is often hailed as one of the very best hikes in New Orleans.

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5. Tammany Trace
Tammany Trace Bike Trail, Covington, LA, USA
Rob/All Trails
For an epic adventure, set off on the Tammany Trace. The rail-to-trail is more than 30 miles and will take you through Covington, Abita Springs, Mandeville, Lacombe, and Slidell. The trail is paved, so feel free to bring your bike or rollerblades.
6. Boy Scout Road
61389 LA-434, Lacombe, LA 70445, USA
Derek Grantham/All Trails
Boy Scout Road is a roughly 4.5 out-and-back trail located in the Big Branch Wildlife Refuge. The views are spectacular, and much of the trail will lead you through the swamps and marshes. The trail is great for birdwatching, so keep your eyes peeled!
7. Gum Cypress Trail
27225 Patterson Rd, Springfield, LA 70462, USA
Sean Hurly/All Trails
This loop trail is less than a mile and great for families. Located in the Tickfaw State Park, you could combine it with the other trails in the park for an epic day immersed in nature.
8. Bonnet Carre Spillway Trail
Lower Guide Levee Road, Lower Guide Levee Rd, Norco, LA, USA
Sarah Nale/All Trails
This winding trail is about five miles long and has some amazing water views along the way. Originally intended for bicycles, it’s a popular walking trail, just be mindful of those with wheels.

How many of these New Orleans hiking trails have you explored? Which trails would you call the best hikes in New Orleans? Let us know in the comments!

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More to Explore

Best Hikes in New Orleans

Tori Jane | June 25, 2022

What are some of the best hiking trails near me?  

No matter which part of New Orleans you’re located in, you’re sure to find some wonderful hiking trails near you! Whether you’re hoping for something super-easy or anything on the more challenging side, you’re sure to find trails in New Orleans perfect for ... well ... anything you need! Located in Audubon Park is the famed Audubon Park Loop, an easy 1.9-mile trek around one the best parks in New Orleans. There’s also the world-famous French Quarter River Walk, a historic 1.3-mile hike featuring several of the city’s most iconic views and places. Finally, while in the area, check out the Couturie Forest hike, which is found at City Park.  

Which hikes are the best kid-friendly hikes around New Orleans?  

New Orleans isn’t exactly a mountainous place; it’s relatively flat, with some divots, hills, and woodlands, but otherwise has fairly simple geography. As a result, a lot of the hiking trails around New Orleans are excellent trails for younger hikers, like the above-mentioned 1.1-mile Couturie Forest trail and the 1.2-mile Audubon Adventure Trail. We also really love the LaSalle Park Loop, an easy 1.8-mile adventure that’s paved, making it especially perfect for younger kids and folks with accessibility needs. Other excellent New Orleans hikes for kids include trails like the short-and-sweet Wisner Loop at Audubon Louisiana Nature Center, which is just 0.8 miles long and worth every step!  

What are the most amazing scenic hikes in New Orleans?  

Other than the trails we’ve already mentioned, there are a number of outrageously scenic hikes in New Orleans just waiting to be explored. We love the Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge, especially the Ridge Trail and Boardwalk hike, which is both easy and absolutely amazing if you’re a fan of nature and the natural beauty we all know New Orleans – and Louisiana – to be full of. Alternatively, head out to Belle Chasse and conquer the Woodlands Conservancy Trail, which features some challenging terrain and interesting historic components.  

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