Alright, folks, when spring begins to wrap up and the temperatures rise and it feels more and more likely that summer is coming and here to stay, that means you better get your picnicking in quick! Here are some of the perfect places in New Orleans where you can hike around and enjoy the scenery. We think you’ll love these picnic-perfect spots that are accessible via some of the best hikes in New Orleans.

1. Boy Scout Road Trail, Big Branch National Wildlife Refuge
Big Branch Marsh National Wildlife Refuge, Lacombe, LA 70445, USA
Tripadvisor.com / FrequentTraveler696
Cross over the twinspan to discover one of the lesser known parks in the area, Big Branch National Wildlife Refuge. Find the Boy Scout Road Trail here and you'll be delighted by the marshes and enjoy an awesome picnic! It's also one of the most scenic hikes near New Orleans.

Visit AllTrails for the Boy Scout Road Trail map at Big Branch National Wildlife Refuge.
2. Crescent Park Wharf, Piety St. at Chartres St.
Crescent Park Trail, Cres Park Trail, New Orleans, LA 70117, USA
tripadvisor.com / Tara K
One of the newer parks in New Orleans is also one of the best spots for a picnic and hike. You'll enjoy walking around the river through the Bywater, Marigny, and ultimately to arrive in the French Quarter. And you can feel free to put down your blanket and chow down at any point along the way.

Visit the Crescent Park website for more information.
3. Northlake Nature Center, 23135 Highway 190, Mandeville, LA
Northlake Nature Center, 23135 U.S. Hwy 190, Mandeville, LA 70448, USA
Tripadvisor.com / ernest M.
If you take the Causeway over to Mandeville, you'll discover two of the best surrounding parks to New Orleans, Northlake Nature Center and Fountainebleau State Park. Northlake offers a huge range of courses and events, but the trails just on their own are truly special. You'll love having a picnic here.

Read our previous coverage to learn about the hiking trails at Northlake Nature Center.
4. Couterie Forest Trail, Harrison Ave at City Park
City Park, New Orleans, LA, USA
tripadvisor.com / Kym F.
When you want to escape into nature but don't have the time to get out of New Orleans? City Park is the solution. You'll especially love the trails in Couterie Forest Trail, found off of Harrison Ave between Wisner and Marconi. It's one of the best hikes in New Orleans.

Visit AllTrails for the Couterie Forest Trail map at New Orleans' City Park.

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5. Tammany Trace Trail
Tammany Trace Bike Trail, Covington, LA, USA
Kirt Moret/AllTrails
This 25+ mile trail is perfect for bikes but perfect for hikes as well. There are a lot of great places where you can explore as well as enjoy a picnic lunch.

Visit AllTrails for a map of Tammany Trace Trail.
6. Barataria Preserve, Jean Lafitte National Park, Marrero
Barataria Preserve, 6588 Barataria Blvd, Marrero, LA 70072, USA
Tripadvisor.com / Welland352
One of the most gorgeous natural areas near New Orleans, we know that you will love exploring the trails here. So much wildlife oozes from every corner here. Just don't forget to pack your bug spray.

Read our previous coverage to learn about one of the most scenic hikes near New Orleans at Barataria Preserve.
7. Fontainebleau State Park Trails, 67825 Highway 190, Mandeville, LA
Fontainebleau State Park, 62883 LA-1089, Mandeville, LA 70448, USA
Tripadivsor.com / Wendy1949
Right across the street from Northlake Nature Center, you will love exploring this diverse park. From lakeside swimming to marsh trails to swamp trails, there's truly something for everyone at this park. Here you will find some of the most scenic hikes near New Orleans.

Visit the Louisiana State Parks website for more information on Fontainebleau State Park.
8. Audubon Park, 6500 Magazine St.
Audubon Park, 6500 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70118, USA
tripadvisor.com / woodlandfairy
On a sunny day, there is perhaps no place more beautiful than Audubon Park. From the amazing trees, huge bird rookery, and of course gorgeous fountain, there are so many places where you can have a picture perfect walk and picnic. And it's one of the easiest hikes near New Orleans.

Visit the Audubon Nature Institute website for more information.

How many of these best hikes in New Orleans have you enjoyed? Where’s your favorite spot for a picnic in New Orleans? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below. We love to hear your ideas and feedback.

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More to Explore

Best Hikes In New Orleans

Melissa M. | April 15, 2022

What are the best spring day trips near New Orleans?

New Orleans is in close proximity to many splendid places you can visit during the spring. Not only that, but a place like City Park that’s in New Orleans is perfect for visiting during the season. Honey Island Swamp in Slidell is a short drive from The Big Easy and offers some incredible scenery. Houmas House and Gardens is yet another place that’s ideal to visit during the springtime due to its 38-acre garden that will be in bloom. 

What are the most beautiful hikes near New Orleans?

The areas surrounding New Orleans are home to several hikes along the water. You can take the Bayou Sauvage Ridge boardwalk trail through beautiful water habitats full of flora and fauna. And then there’s the Woldenberg Riverfront Park that runs alongside the Mississippi River in the city. You can find more information about these hikes and more in our previous post.

Which hikes near New Orleans are short and sweet?

There are plenty of short and sweet hikes that show off the beauty in and around New Orleans, and you can learn about five of these hikes in this post. From Couterie Forest to Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve, there are plenty of spots to enjoy the scenery.

 

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