Fun fact: There are several scenic hikes in New Orleans just waiting to be explored ASAP, and you’re invited! From kid-friendly hikes around New Orleans to easy trails, the city is brimming with great hikes; you just may not know where they are. Well, we’ve got you covered. When seeking the best hikes near New Orleans, the following trails – all of which are less than a 60-minute drive from the city – are sure to satisfy.

1. Woodlands Conservancy

1112 Engineers Rd, Belle Chasse, LA 70037, USA
Woodlands Conservancy/Facebook
History lovers will love hiking the nature trails at the Woodlands Conservancy. Towards the back of the trail, you’ll find several WWII ammunition magazines, which you don’t get to see every day!

2. Barataria Preserve

6588 Barataria Blvd, Marrero, LA 70072, USA
Jackie Ann/Flickr
Kids and adults will love the gravel and boardwalk trails that fill the Barataria Preserve. Making for a scenic stroll, the trails wind through the bayous and swamps that are filled with wildlife.

3. Bonnet Carre Spillway

Bonnet Carre Spillway, Louisiana 70068, USA
Amanda Knezvich/All Trails
Located near Laplace, the Bonnet Carré Spillway boasts a 5.2-mile trail that offers lovely water views and wildlife-viewing opportunities. Great for biking or walking!

4. Bayou Sauvage Ridge Trail

20876 Chef Menteur Hwy, New Orleans, LA 70129, USA
Avniel Shetreat-Klein/All Trails
This popular little nature trail at the Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge is a great option for anyone looking to get outdoors and view wildlife up close, but still not stray too far from the city.

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5. Mississippi River Trail

Wiltz Lane & Patterson Drive, Wiltz Ln & Patterson Dr, New Orleans, LA 70114, USA
AllTrails User/All Trails
The Mississippi River Trail is just over 25 miles long and is primarily used for hiking and biking. The point-to-point trail can be a bit intimidating since it’s so long, but you can always just do a portion of it.

6. Fontainebleau State Park

62883 Hwy 1089, Mandeville, LA 70448, USA
Chad Wild/All Trails
A quick trip across the Causeway will bring you to Fontainebleau State Park, where there are several trails to choose from. A few of the trails overlook the lake and offer sweeping views of the water.

7. River Walk

French Quarter RV Resort, 500 N Claiborne Ave, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
Masayo Long/All Trails
As the name implies, the 1.5-mile River Walk is right on the river, providing a picture-perfect way to spend a couple of hours. There are plenty of spots to sit for a break and enjoy the view, as well as several shopping opportunities nearby.

8. Audubon Park Loop

6500 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70118, USA
Audubon Park/Facebook
An oldie but a goodie, the 1.9-mile Audubon Park Loop has been a popular trail for New Orleanians for years. This trail is great for bringing your pup and walking them along the path, too.

Well, what do you think? Are these the best hikes in New Orleans? Do you know of any other easy hikes in the area? Did we miss your favorite hiking trail in the city? Whatever it is, tell us! And if you’re always looking for a way to amp up your hiking game, check out AllTrails Plus – we promise it’s worth it!

Scenic hikes in town aren’t the only way to enjoy the great outdoors in the city. There are lots of ways to spend time outside including these hidden beaches in New Orleans.

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More to Explore

Best Hikes Near New Orleans

Daniella DiRienzo | April 12, 2022

What are the most popular kid-friendly hikes around New Orleans?

There are quite a few kid-friendly hikes around New Orleans, and one of the best can be found at Sankofa Wetland Park.

  • A hidden gem in the lower 9th ward, the purpose of the park is to restore 40 acres of the deteriorated natural area into a bald cypress-water tupelo wetland habitat.
  • Visitors today can easily explore the park and its idyllic beauty thanks to a short, easy-to-navigate nature trail.

 

What are some other things to do with kids in New Orleans?

When it comes to things to do with kids in New Orleans, the options are plentiful. One spot that shouldn’t be overlooked is the New Orleans Museum of Art.

  • The oldest fine arts museum in New Orleans, it houses an incredible collection of works that can be appreciated by the young and old alike.
  • In addition to its permanent exhibits, the museum hosts a variety of activities for kids including storytime, art workshops, and art classes.

 

What trails are among the best hikes in New Orleans?

The city and surrounding areas boast some great hiking destinations including Kisatchie National Forest.

  • It might be a few hours outside of New Orleans, but as the only National Forest in Louisiana, it’s a must-visit for every resident.
  • An outdoor oasis, the forest spans over 600,000 acres and offers a wealth of recreational opportunities, from fishing and hunting to kayaking, hiking, and mountain biking.

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