3 Best Hiking Trails in New Orleans, LA

“Couturie Forest is the perfect place to escape without ever leaving the city. The total length of the trail is 1.1 miles, with an elevation gain of 13 feet. It takes approximately 19 minutes to complete the entire trail. This nature haven is a paradise for nature lovers, packed with native trees, scenic rivers, and exciting wildlife. The forest is excellent for walking with your children, friends, and family. Visitors can see various trees, fish, and birds across the trails and scenic rivers. The trail is easy to hike, and you can learn about the park's beautiful natural scenery. Couturie Forest also offers facilities such as a wheelchair-accessible parking lot, kid-friendly hikes, and picnic tables for added comfort.”

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“Bayou Sauvage Urban National Wildlife Refuge provides stretches of fresh and brackish marshes and coastal hardwood forests. The trail has an elevation gain of 32 feet and follows an out-and-back route. This takes around 1 hour and 57 minutes to complete the total trail. More than 10,000 people visit this nature haven every year to explore the beauty of nature. The trail also includes an interpretive boardwalk path, restrooms, and a picnic pavilion, which is 1/2 mile long. Bayou Sauvage Urban National Wildlife Refuge has various facilities like picnic tables, public restrooms, kid-friendly hikes, and wheelchair accessibility for more comfort.”

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“Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve is a 25,876-acre ideal destination to have a pleasant and relaxed time with friends and family. The trail offers various activities like boat tours, a battlefield, a cemetery, and cultural centers. This nature preserve features trails and canoe tours through bottomland hardwood forests, swamps, and marshes. An Education Center is committed to providing curriculum-based programming for school groups and a visitor center with a film and exhibits. Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve offers great opportunities for visitors to walk through thick palmetto forests and get an up-close view of wildlife such as alligators, snakes, and lizards. This trail is located 22 minutes from New Orleans. Wheelchair accessible parking lot, public restrooms, and various amenities are also available.”

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