Louisiana Hiking Trail

Louisiana has a new long distance hiking trail that features paths along bayous, cypress swamps and through hills of pine forests. The new Bayou State Trail will take you from one end of the state to the other, a journey of nearly 500 miles across Louisiana’s diverse landscapes. The creators of the trail hope that it becomes a draw for serious hikers.

creating the louisiana bayou state trail

“We’ve been able to come up with something that’s hike-able now,” says Brian Chriceol, president of the Bayou State Trail Association. Chriceol, a Lafayette resident and avid hiker, pieced together the long-distance route by linking existing trails. “I went ahead and started looking at the existing trails that we have across the state and just started looking at ways to be able to connect those trails,” he explains.

The Bayou State Trail begins near the Arkansas state line and winds south, passing through towns like Minden, Winnfield, and Natchitoches, before continuing through Ville Platte, Henderson, and Morgan City on its way to the Gulf. Hikers can explore a detailed map on the Bayou State Trail website, where sections of the route can be examined in depth. The trail combines well-known paths, such as the Backbone and Wild Azalea Trails in the Kisatchie National Forest, and the Loop Trail in Chicot State Park. Other sections follow blacktop roads or levee roads, including a route through the Atchafalaya Basin.

Louisiana hiking trail best in cool weather

Chriceol believes this new long-distance trail will attract hikers, particularly during the cooler months when trekking on other major national trails slows down. “All these trails are generally in mountainous areas and far to the north, so you could imagine how hard it is to hike those things in the winter months,” he notes.

New bayou state trail featured on tv

hiking for health and community

Beyond the physical and mental benefits of hiking, Chriceol sees potential economic benefits for Louisiana communities along the trail. “These smaller communities that are along this trail are going to see over time, as there’s more hikers, some kind of economic growth,” he predicts.

Hiking one section at a time

Chriceol himself plans to hike the trail section by section, starting from northern end at Ivan Lake in late October and finishing next year. As the Bayou State Trail gains popularity, it promises to introduce hikers to Louisiana’s varied landscapes—from cypress-filled swamps to national forests and country roads. “Physically, it gets you out and gets you some exercise. Mentally, it just clears your mind,” Chriceol says.

With changing landscapes, cultures, and even the sounds of Louisiana’s music, this new hiking trail offers more than just a walk in nature—it’s a journey through the heart of the state.

bayou state trail association shows route

The Bayou State Trail Association publishes the nearly 500-mile-long route on its website. Click here for the latest on the long-distance Louisiana trail and points of interest along the route.