The best walks and hikes in St. Tammany Parish

Yes, the region's flat terrain is ideal for family outings. Many trails are short and accessible. For a very manageable walk, consider the Interpretive Trail loop — Crosby Arboretum, which is under 2 miles and offers an educational experience through the local ecosystem.

Dog policies vary by location. While dogs are generally welcome on leash on the Tammany Trace, many state parks and national wildlife refuges have restrictions to protect wildlife. It's always best to check the specific rules for places like Fontainebleau State Park or Big Branch Marsh National Wildlife Refuge before you go.

Fontainebleau State Park offers a classic Louisiana hiking experience. Trails take you through diverse habitats, from lakefront paths along Lake Pontchartrain to boardwalks over marshes. A popular route is The Enslaved Historical Marker – Fountainbleu Sugar Mill Ruins loop from Castine Point, which combines natural scenery with a look at the area's history.

No, St. Tammany Parish's landscape is characterized by low-lying coastal marshes, pine flatwoods, and bayous. While the scenery is rich with waterways, you will not find waterfalls on the hiking trails here.

The Tammany Trace is a 31-mile paved trail converted from an old Illinois Central Railroad corridor. It's a central artery for recreation, connecting the towns of Covington, Abita Springs, Mandeville, Lacombe, and Slidell. It's perfect for walking and cycling, with trailheads in each community providing amenities.

The region is a haven for wildlife, especially birds. Parks like Fontainebleau State Park are home to over 400 species. In places like Big Branch Marsh National Wildlife Refuge, you might spot wading birds, and if you're lucky, the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker. Keep an eye out for alligators in swampy areas, as well as deer, squirrels, and various reptiles.

For those seeking more distance, several trails offer a challenge. The Possum Walk Trail — Stennis Space Center is a moderate route that covers over 6 miles. Another option is the trail system within Bogue Chitto National Wildlife Refuge, which offers a more rugged experience through bottomland hardwood forest.

St. Tammany Parish is a prime birdwatching destination. Big Branch Marsh National Wildlife Refuge is exceptional, protecting vital coastal marsh and pine habitats. Fontainebleau State Park is another hotspot due to its mix of forest, marsh, and lakefront ecosystems. The boardwalks and overlooks at the Northlake Nature Center also provide excellent vantage points for spotting local and migratory birds.

Hiking in the Bogue Chitto National Wildlife Refuge offers a remote and wild experience. The trails, like the Bogue Chitto River – Swamp Forest loop from Franklinton, take you deep into the Pearl River Basin's swamplands. Expect a true bottomland hardwood forest environment, which can be rugged and is primarily accessible by boat, though a few walking trails allow for exploration on foot.

Yes, many excellent trails are free to access. The entire 31-mile Tammany Trace is a free public path with multiple access points. The Northlake Nature Center, while a non-profit that accepts donations, offers a fantastic network of trails through different ecosystems. Camp Salmen Nature Park in Slidell also has miles of free trails.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community. Hikers often praise the unique Louisiana scenery, especially the trails that feature boardwalks over swamps and moss-draped oak trees. The accessibility of the trails and the rich biodiversity are also frequently mentioned as major highlights.