Louisiana has a range of interests featured in trail form, from civil rights to iconic foods. All guarantee experiences you can’t find anywhere else — and don't blame us if following one trail has you itching to try them all.
At a Glance:
- Louisiana offers a variety of trails that showcase the state’s varied landscapes and storied past.
- Bike and paddle or water trails across the state range from beginner-friendly routes to more challenging options.
- Other trails highlight Louisiana’s civil rights history, culinary traditions, film locations and influential figures.
- Golf trails connect courses across the state, pairing scenic play with regional travel experiences.
Top Bike Trails in Louisiana
From high-octane adventures in North and Central Louisiana to relaxing rides along the bayous of South Louisiana, our bike trails offer cyclists the chance to explore unmatched scenery up close. Here are a few of our favorites.
Tammany Trace
Location: Slidell
Distance: 31 miles
Type: Rail-to-trail, paved
This rail-to-trail legend spans 31 miles through five charming communities, including Covington. Along your ride, you’ll pass a wildlife conservation corridor, historic landmarks and wetlands. We recommend starting your journey at the headquarters in Mandeville, which houses a cultural interpretive center with restrooms, picnic tables and plenty of parking.
Baton Rouge Mississippi River Levee Bike Path
Location: Baton Rouge
Distance: 13 miles
Type: Paved road
This path atop the levee offers an easy trek alongside the mighty Mississippi River, extending from the riverfront in downtown Baton Rouge to L’Auberge Casino & Hotel. The 15-foot-wide path includes separate lanes for cyclists and walkers or joggers, as well as lighting, seating and water fountains.
Wild Azalea Trail
Location: Woodworth, near Alexandria
Distance: 31 miles
Type: Off-road
The Wild Azalea Trail, located in Kisatchie National Forest, offers 31 miles of climbs and sharp hills, as well as flatter stretches that allow riders to slow down and take in the remote forest vistas. Trailheads are located at the Town Hall in Woodworth and at the Valentine Lake Recreation Area, which has campsites, fishing areas and canoe access.
The Beast
Location: St. Francisville
Distance: 6 miles
Type: Off-road
Located in the West Feliciana Parks and Recreation Complex, the Beast Trail is an adrenaline-fueled experience across steep bluffs, deep ravines and wooden bridges. Ideal for more experienced riders, every turn offers a new challenge and a breathtaking view.
Tammany Trace
Lake D'Arbonne State Park
Lake Martin
Top Paddle/Water Trails in Louisiana
Whether you’re floating down a calm river or paddling toward more adventurous waters, Louisiana offers canoe and kayak trails for every skill level.
Bayou Teche National Paddle Trail
Location: New Iberia
Distance: 135 miles
Type: Bayou
This 135-mile paddle trail winds through bayou scenery, with slow-moving water, moss-draped tupelo and cypress trees. As part of the National Park Service’s National Water Trails System, the Bayou Teche National Paddle Trail has multiple access points and opportunities to spot wildlife like bald eagles, turtles, egrets and alligators.
Bayou Vermilion Paddle Trail
Location: Lafayette
Distance: 22 miles
Type: Bayou
The Bayou Vermilion Paddle Trail is a great way to explore a classic South Louisiana swamp. The trail offers flexible options for shorter or longer paddles, and an interactive online map helps paddlers plan their route and find access points, recreation areas and amenities along the waterway.
Ouachita River Trails
Location: Monroe-West Monroe
Distance: Variable
Type: River
Flowing more than 600 miles through Arkansas and into North Louisiana, the Ouachita River offers a scenic, steady current for intermediate and advanced paddlers looking for a challenge. Be sure to plan your point-to-point trip with a shuttle, watch for boat traffic and check river levels before you go.
Lake Bruin State Park
Location: St. Joseph, near Natchitoches
Distance: 5 square miles
Type: Lake
Looking for a beginner-friendly trail? Paddlers can explore more than 5 square miles of shoreline at Lake Bruin State Park, where the water trail passes beneath moss-covered cypress trees. The park also offers fishing access, boat rentals and picnic areas.
Houmas House Plantation
TPC Louisiana
Eddie G. Robinson Museum
Other Trails in Louisiana
You can find our state’s story in its culture, its food and even the land beneath your feet. From civil rights history to filming locations to famous dishes, these trails provide the best perspective on the Pelican State.
Louisiana Civil Rights Trail
The Louisiana Civil Rights Trail shines a light on the real-life heroes who organized, marched, boycotted and even cooked for change. Discover famous sites of desegregation, protests and confrontations across Louisiana. Notably, visitors can follow the 105-mile march from Bogalusa to the state Capitol that spearheaded the modern Civil Rights Movement.
African American Heritage Trail
As you travel throughout our state, you can stop at important sites for change along the African American Heritage Trail. Explore Cane River Creole National Historical Park in Natchitoches, where interpretive programs highlight those who lived and worked at Southern plantations. Visit Providence Park Cemetery to pay respects at Mahalia Jackson’s gravesite, honoring the woman widely considered the best and most influential gospel vocalist in history. Stop at Grambling State University, once home to the legendary Eddie Robinson, the first college football coach to record 400 wins. These locations are only a starting point — many more meaningful sites are just waiting to be discovered.
Louisiana Film Trail
Did you know that more than 2,500 films have been shot in Louisiana? From the Academy Award-winning “Green Book” to comfort classic “Steel Magnolias” and even “Pitch Perfect,” Louisiana has made cameos in nearly every genre. Start planning your film-inspired journey through Louisiana.
Louisiana Food Trails
Louisiana has so many iconic dishes that it can be hard to know where to start! These food trails have been curated by locals, and they’re sure to please — one mouthwatering stop at a time. Travel the Andouille Trail to taste the smoky pork sausage, find your favorite way to eat crawfish on the Bayou Country Crawfish Trail or sample hot sauces from legendary producers on the Hot Sauce Trail.
Louisiana's Audubon Golf Trail
The Audubon Golf Trail comprises 18 premium courses, including several designed by David Toms and Pete Dye. Practice your swing on picturesque courses, then immerse yourself in our culture with themed itineraries that highlight our music, food and more. When you're done, explore more Louisiana golf trails.
Tips for Planning Your Louisiana Trail Trip
- Verify that each site is open and operating. If you’re following a cultural trail, check each location’s website and social media to see operating hours.
- Choose a route that matches your skill level and time frame. Picking the right route helps ensure that you won’t feel rushed or overwhelmed during your trip.
- Allow extra time to stop and explore. Expect the unexpected — Louisiana has so much to offer, so let yourself experience it all!
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of bike and gear do I need for Louisiana’s bike trails?
It depends on the type of trail you’re traveling. If you’re hoping to go off-roading, bring a mountain bike and basic safety gear. If you’re planning to take a paved trek, a road or hybrid bike is fine. And always wear your helmet, as it’s required by law in Louisiana.
Where can I find access points and launch locations for paddle trails?
You can find access points and launch locations for each paddle trail on official trail maps or guides, usually put together by local convention and visitors bureaus. For example, Discover Monroe-West Monroe offers a thorough guide to the Ouachita Paddling Trails on their website.
Are the cultural trails self-guided, or do I need a guide?
Many cultural trails are self-guided, including the African American Heritage Trail, the Civil Rights Trail and the Louisiana food trails. If you’re looking for a guided tour, explore Louisiana’s top food tours and ways to tour New Orleans.
Can I plan tee times and lodging together on a Louisiana golf trail?
Yes, you can plan tee times and lodging together on a Louisiana golf trail. Book tee times for Audubon Golf Trail courses, and explore lodging options.
