A Bit Of An Unexpected Natural Wonder, Few People Know There Are Waterfalls Hiding In Louisiana
By Jackie Ann|Published March 29, 2023
×
Jackie Ann
Author
Louisiana native and LSU Alum (Geaux Tigers!), Jackie has lived in Louisiana for over three decades and currently lives in New Orleans. She's been writing for OnlyInYourState since 2016 and can often be found with a coffee at her side, dreaming of her next adventure.
Considering nearly 50% of Louisiana is below sea level, you wouldn’t think that the state would have any waterfalls like so many other states, but you’d be wrong! One of Louisiana’s most unexpected natural wonders can be found in the J.C. “Sonny” Gilbert Wildlife Management Area, a 7,500-acre wildlife preserve in Catahoula Parish. This hidden gem is where you’ll find not one, not two, but three waterfalls in Louisiana, and you can easily hike to them.
The first waterfall is St. Mary’s Falls, a 10-foot waterfall located on the northern side of the WMA.
The St. Mary Falls Trail is roughly a one-mile loop through the mixed pine hardwoods. It’ll take you about 30 minutes to an hour to complete, but of course, you’ll want to carve out some time to stop and admire the waterfall.
For a longer trek, take the seven-mile Big Creek Trail.
Following the trail’s namesake, Big Creek, this loop trail is considered moderately challenging, especially for Louisiana hiking trail standards, so be sure you’re wearing the proper gear (boots, pants, etc.) and have some water handy before you hit this trail.
Advertisement
Depending on recent weather, you could see some mini cascades along the creek.
It's also important to reiterate the importance of proper footwear if you're going to explore this area. The rugged terrain will have you scrambling a bit, and these are primitive trails where you won't have the luxury of a handrail or a level boardwalk. This is pure nature.
Also, five of the seven venomous snakes in Louisiana live in this WMA, so keep the flip-flops in the car and wear some good hiking boots.
If you thought waterfalls in Louisiana were unheard of, how about Louisiana’s cave? Another quick and easy hike into the woods and you’ll be at Wolf Rock Cave, just one of the many hidden gems in the Kisatchie National Forest.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
