Lafayette, Louisiana, is surrounded by beautiful forests and countryside that offers some amazing opportunities to get out on the trails. Check out these five hiking spots near Lafayette and plan your next outdoor adventure.
Lake Fausse Pointe State Park
Located about 40 minutes east of Lafayette, Lake Fausse Pointe State Park offers over 6,000 acres of woodlands with three hiking trails and one canoe trail. The park was formerly home to the Chitimacha Indians who inhabited the land until the mid-1700s when French and Arcadian settlers started moving in. The park is open year-round and costs three dollars per person to enter.
Chicot State Park
Found about an hour north of Lafayette, Chicot State Park has over 6,400 acres of land that includes multiple trails, a beautiful lake with boat access, fishing pier, primitive campgrounds, and a few lodges. While there are a number of trails throughout the park, one, in particular, is worth checking out. It completely encircles Lake Chicot and offers some of the best scenery in the entire place. Chicot State Park is open to visitors from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily and costs three dollars per person to enter. Extra fees apply for camping.
Louisiana State Arboretum
The Louisiana State Arboretum was founded in 1961 which makes it the oldest established arboretum in the south as well as the first state-sponsored botanical garden in the country. There are 300 acres of natural growth that has been augmented with other species of plant life from around the state. There are a number of trails to go exploring down as well as a meeting center that houses exhibits. The arboretum is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tickets are three dollars per person.
Tunica Hills Wildlife Management Area
Encompassing just under 6,000 acres in Saint Francisville, Louisiana, the Tunica Hills Wildlife Mangement Area is a giant tract of land divided into north and south sections. The land is owned and maintained by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries which has opened the area to hunting, hiking, and camping. The twisting trails will take adventurers on a wonderful journey filled with all sorts of wildlife and over 20 species of plants that are endangered. It is open 24 hours a day and charges four dollars per car for parking.
Hooper Road Park
This park is a good choice for casual hikers who are also looking for a place to have a picnic or a playground for the kids to enjoy. The park is over 230 acres and has miles of walking and bicycle trails winding through it. There is also a lighted baseball field, recreation center, and tennis court to enjoy when not hitting the trail. Hooper Road Park is located in Baton Rouge which is only a short drive east from Lafayette. It is open from sunrise to sunset every day of the week. These five locations to hike offer amazing scenery, wildlife, and a great way to get some exercise. The next time you’re looking for something to do outside, check out one of these trails.
Image via Flickr by Maren used under CC BY 2.0 / cropped from original
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