Fall 2025 Louisiana Hiking Adventure Guide: Top Trails South of I-10

Explore Louisiana’s Hidden Trails and Bayous This Fall

Fall in South Louisiana is one of the best-kept secrets for outdoor enthusiasts. As the summer heat fades, the wetlands, bayous, and forests south of I-10 transform into a cool, colorful landscape perfect for hiking, paddling, and wildlife spotting. From the shady boardwalks of Barataria Preserve to the open-water challenges of the Brown Pelican Water Trail, every stop on this guide offers a different way to experience Louisiana’s wild beauty.

Whether you’re seeking a peaceful picnic by the bayou, a short scenic trail, or a multi-mile paddle through connected waterways, these five South Louisiana trails deliver authentic adventure—without ever leaving the state. Grab your camera, pack a snack, and get ready to explore Louisiana’s wilder side this fall.

Trail Highlights

• Barataria Preserve Trail (Lafitte) – Boardwalk bayou strolls and serene picnic spots

• Palmetto Island State Park Trail (Abbeville) – Calm canoeing among palmetto palms

• Bayou Segnette State Park Trail (Westwego) – Marshland boardwalks and November sunsets

• Sabine National Wildlife Refuge Trails (Hackberry) – Birdwatching in world-class wetlands

• Veteran’s Park Trail (Morgan City) – 14-mile extreme paddle adventure through five bayous

Barataria Preserve Trail

Trail: Barataria Wetland Trace
Difficulty: Mild | Distance: 0.9 mi.
Terrain: Boardwalk and shaded bayou paths

Nestled just outside of New Orleans, the Barataria Preserve Trail offers one of the most immersive wetland experiences in South Louisiana. This short and serene loop through the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park & Preserve is perfect for a relaxing fall walk, complete with cypress knees, hanging moss, and the soothing sounds of the bayou.

The boardwalk path keeps your feet dry while you stroll past slow-moving waterways and dense stands of swamp maple and palmetto. It’s a great spot for both casual hikers and families, especially during Louisiana’s cooler fall mornings when the air feels crisp and wildlife is most active.

Scavenger Find: Bring your camera or binoculars—this is prime birding territory! See how many heron and egret species you can spot along the water’s edge. Keep an eye out for great blue herons, snowy egrets, and even the occasional roseate spoonbill.

To Do: Pack a light lunch and unwind at the pavilion near the back of the loop, overlooking a small pond where turtles often sunbathe. It’s one of the most peaceful picnic spots in the entire preserve.

Pro Tip: Visit just after sunrise or before sunset for the best lighting and fewest crowds. If you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of an alligator gliding silently through the bayou.

Palmetto Island State Park Trail

Trail: Palmetto Canoe Trail
Difficulty: Mild | Distance: 1.4 mi.
Terrain: Flat water trail with multiple resting spots, gentle paddling

Tucked away just south of Abbeville, Palmetto Island State Park is one of South Louisiana’s most scenic hidden gems for paddlers and nature lovers. The Palmetto Canoe Trail winds through calm bayous and quiet lagoons lined with native palmetto palms—the park’s signature plant and namesake.

This easy-going 1.4-mile water route is perfect for beginners or anyone looking to slow down and soak in the tranquility of Acadiana’s wetlands. With little to no current, it’s a relaxing paddle or canoe outing where you can drift, explore, and listen to the sounds of nature.

Scavenger Find: Keep your eyes peeled for the vibrant blue shimmer of an indigo dragonfly perched on the edge of a palmetto frond. You may also spot turtles sunning on logs and wading birds moving quietly through the shallows.

To Do: Pause midway through your paddle for a picnic or sun break under the covered pavilions overlooking the middle lake. It’s an ideal spot to stretch, enjoy a snack, and take in the park’s peaceful stillness before heading back out on the water.

Pro Tip: Visit in early fall when temperatures dip slightly—the park’s dense greenery stays lush, and mosquitoes are minimal. Don’t forget to bring a waterproof bag for your phone or camera; the reflections on the water make for stunning photos.

Bayou Segnette State Park Trail

Trail: Big Lake Loop
Difficulty: Mild | Distance: 1.6 mi.
Terrain: Marsh views, boardwalk sections, and open lake scenery

Just a short drive from New Orleans, Bayou Segnette State Park offers a refreshing blend of wetlands, wildlife, and wide-open views of South Louisiana’s marshlands. The Big Lake Loop Trail is a peaceful 1.6-mile walk that winds through cypress-tupelo swamps and open stretches of water, giving you a full taste of the park’s natural diversity.

Wooden boardwalk sections make this route accessible and easy to navigate, while the marsh vistas and occasional breezes off the lake make it one of the most scenic low-effort hikes south of I-10. The air here feels especially crisp in the fall, and the golden marsh grasses provide a perfect seasonal backdrop.

Scavenger Find: Keep an eye out for the small canoe launch tucked near the loop’s edge—a great place to watch for ripples from passing fish or see the subtle shifts in water level marked by the posts along the bank.

To Do: Plan your visit for November, when the humidity drops and the sunsets paint the wetlands in warm amber hues. It’s hands-down the best time of year to explore Bayou Segnette, whether you’re hiking, birdwatching, or just taking in the calm.

Pro Tip: Bring binoculars—this area is a hotspot for marsh birds like ibises, gallinules, and red-winged blackbirds.

Bayou Segnette State Park Trail

Trail: Big Lake Loop
Difficulty: Mild | Distance: 1.6 mi.
Terrain: Marsh views, boardwalk sections, and open lake scenery

Just a short drive from New Orleans, Bayou Segnette State Park offers a refreshing blend of wetlands, wildlife, and wide-open views of South Louisiana’s marshlands. The Big Lake Loop Trail is a peaceful 1.6-mile walk that winds through cypress-tupelo swamps and open stretches of water, giving you a full taste of the park’s natural diversity.

Wooden boardwalk sections make this route accessible and easy to navigate, while the marsh vistas and occasional breezes off the lake make it one of the most scenic low-effort hikes south of I-10. The air here feels especially crisp in the fall, and the golden marsh grasses provide a perfect seasonal backdrop.

Scavenger Find: Keep an eye out for the small canoe launch tucked near the loop’s edge—a great place to watch for ripples from passing fish or see the subtle shifts in water level marked by the posts along the bank.

To Do: Plan your visit for November, when the humidity drops and the sunsets paint the wetlands in warm amber hues. It’s hands-down the best time of year to explore Bayou Segnette, whether you’re hiking, birdwatching, or just taking in the calm.

Pro Tip: Bring binoculars—this area is a hotspot for marsh birds like ibises, gallinules, and red-winged blackbirds.

Veteran’s Park Trail

Trail: Brown Pelican Water Trail
Difficulty: Extreme | Distance: 14.2 mi.
Terrain: Interconnected bayous, rivers, and open-water paddling

For seasoned paddlers and adventure seekers, the Brown Pelican Water Trail at Veteran’s Park in Morgan City is a true test of endurance and navigation. Spanning 14.2 miles, this extensive paddle route winds through a series of interconnected bayous and riverways, giving you an unforgettable journey through the heart of Louisiana’s lower wetlands.

Expect a mix of calm channels and open stretches where wind and current can shift quickly. It’s a trail that rewards preparation, stamina, and a love for exploration. Along the way, you’ll glide beneath towering cypress trees, spot fish jumping across your wake, and experience the raw, unfiltered beauty of South Louisiana’s waterways.

Scavenger Find: Keep your eyes to the skies for Louisiana’s state bird — the Brown Pelican — often seen soaring low over the water or diving for fish in the river bends.

To Do: Challenge yourself to identify all five bayous connected to this route! Each has its own character, from narrow cypress corridors to open lake transitions. (Hint: Bring a local waterway map or use a GPS tracker to mark your progress.)

Pro Tip: Start early, bring plenty of hydration, and always check weather and water conditions before launching. The best time for this paddle is mid-to-late fall, when the air is cool, the water is calm, and boat traffic is minimal.

Discover Your Fall Adventure South of I-10

There’s something special about Louisiana in the fall—the air turns crisp, the mosquitoes fade, and the landscape feels alive with color and sound. Whether you’re birding at Sabine, paddling through Morgan City’s bayous, or strolling under mossy cypress at Barataria, every trail tells a story of the state’s rich natural heritage.

So this season, take the road less traveled. Pack your sense of adventure and explore these South Louisiana trails—where the bayou breeze meets autumn’s calm, and every step brings you closer to nature.

Check out our Louisiana 2025 Hiking Adventure Guide | Exploring Louisiana's Hidden Trails