When you think about fun outdoor activities in Baton Rouge, hiking probably isn’t one of the first things that comes to mind. Well, it should be.
Thanks to the fine folks at BREC and the LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens, there are plenty of trails in town to satisfy your hiking needs now that the weather is getting a little cooler. Sure, you won’t find much change in elevation. But you will be able to explore the kinds of beautiful scenery that only southeastern Louisiana can offer. Just make sure to pack some bug spray.
LEARNING TREE TRAIL Ideal for beginners, dog-walkers and leisurely strollers, the Learning Tree Trail is one of the easiest hiking options in Baton Rouge. It’s mostly paved and the tall trees that line it offer plenty of shade. If you’re still hungry for more after you complete the trail, don’t worry—several of the Botanic Gardens’ lengthier trails stem from it. Read on for those.
PALMETTO TRAIL The Palmetto Trail is one of the trails that can be accessed through the Learning Tree Trail. Relatively short and simple, it’s another trail ideal for relaxing strolls. Depending on the time of year, you may also come across some wildflowers as you go.
BLACK SWAMP TRAIL Arguably the Botanic Gardens’ most scenic trail, the Black Swamp Trail offers gorgeous views of a tupelo swamp and plenty of information on the variety of plants and trees you’ll encounter. You’ll definitely want to see this one through—a wooden boardwalk takes you on a tour through the swamp toward the end of the trail.
BLUEBONNET SWAMP NATURE CENTER Well-developed and highly trafficked, the Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center Trail is ideal for families. Offering plenty of scenic views of the swamp and the chance to encounter snakes, turtles, deer and more, this trail is one every Baton Rougean should make an effort to traverse.
Length: 1.25 miles, loop Difficulty: Easy Where: Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center, 10503 N. Oak Hills Parkway
COMITE PARK TRAIL Whereas most of the trails in the Red Stick are defined as “nature trails” (well-paved, well-marked), Baton Rouge also has a few “primitive trails” to satisfy those looking for a more traditional hiking experience. The Comite Park Trail is one example—it’s a much narrower, more rugged path that offers an immersive deep-dive into the dense woodlands near the Comite River.
Length: 4.9 miles, loop Difficulty: Moderate Where: Comite River Park, 8900 Hooper Road
HOOPER ROAD PARK TRAIL The Hooper Road Park Trail is Baton Rouge’s ultimate primitive trail, just down the road from Comite Park. Many sections of the trail are slightly overgrown, and it’s marked less consistently than others in the area. This one is for confident, experienced hikers who don’t mind getting their clothes dirty.
