There are many ways to explore New Orleans (and the surrounding area). However, one of the best options? On foot! We’re lucky to live in such a walkable place — get out and explore it! If you only have time to complete a handful of hikes, it’s no easy decision choosing which ones to tackle. Luckily, we are here to help. Here is our list of the five best hikes in New Orleans that you’ll want to add to your bucket list today!

1. Palmetto Trail
Barataria Preserve, 6588 Barataria Blvd, Marrero, LA 70072, USA
Jean Lafitte National Historic Park and Preserve/Facebook
The Palmetto Trail is less than one mile, and it's an easy stroll along boardwalks. You'll be enchanted by the beautiful marsh flowers popping up all around you, and you might even learn a thing or two from the many interpretive signs along the way.

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2. Maurepas Wildlife Refuge
Laplace, LA 70068
Clay Morgan/Google
The Maurepas Wildlife Refuge has several trails to explore and each one is quite remarkable. The whole area is said to be haunted by a voodoo priestess named Juliet White, whose screams and wails can still be heard.

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3. Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge
Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge, New Orleans, LA 70129, USA
thieulson/Tripadvisor
Visit the Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge when you want to find a bit of peace and solitude right in the middle of the city. This 23,000-acre refuge is the largest of its kind in the entire country, and the trails here are definitely worth an afternoon or two.

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4. Couturie Forest, City Park
Couturie Forest, 1009 Harrison Ave, New Orleans, LA 70124, USA
New Orleans City Park
The Couturie Forest encompasses 60 acres in New Orleans' City Park. Enjoy the pretty bridge, the fragrant camphor trees, and the sense that you're far from the city, even though you're just a few miles from downtown.

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5. Bayou Coquille Trail
Bayou Coquille Trail, QVVH+C3, Jean Lafitte, LA 70072, USA
Ken Lund/flickr
The Barataria Preserve has several trails; hike along the boardwalk, which takes you up close to the flora and fauna here. You'll likely see plenty of alligators, along with other wildlife on your adventure.

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If you made your own list of the five best hikes in New Orleans, which trails would you include? What are some of your favorite hiking trails in the area? Share your list with us in the comments!

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More to Explore

Best Hikes In New Orleans

Courtnie Erickson | April 16, 2022

What are some kid-friendly hikes around New Orleans?

Some of the best days are spent outdoors and on a hiking trail. Fortunately, there are easy hikes in New Orleans that the entire family will enjoy. Whether you are searching for a quick afternoon adventure or an easy stroll, there are multiple options all around the Big Easy. For example, one of the best kid-friendly hikes around New Orleans is the Couturie Forest Trail. This hiking trail is located right in the heart of the city and is exactly one mile long. You’ll get to enjoy a beautiful, forested trail that will make you feel far away from the craziness of city life.

For another scenic and easy hiking trail, head to the Northlake Nature Center. Not only is this gorgeous Mandeville attraction worth your time, but here, you can find the Eagle Trail Loop. This trail is only 0.75-miles long, but you’ll get to explore some gorgeous scenery including wetland views. Keep your eyes open for wildlife near this trail as well.

The Palmetto Trail is another scenic and kid-friendly hike around New Orleans that the entire family will want to revisit over and over again. You’ll find this trail just a short drive outside of the city in the Barataria Preserve. The Palmetto Trail is certainly short and easy and will take you through marshes and swamps. This is a fun hiking trail to help you disconnect and get away from the city. Plus, it will also give you some remarkable scenery to admire as well.

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