It can be easy to get stuck in city life here in Baton Rouge, but when you need a breath of fresh air, there are plenty of places to find the natural beauty of Louisiana. The Capital City is filled with walking and hiking trails to help you stay active and get in touch with nature, both in and out of the city limits. Take your pick, and experience Baton Rouge’s great outdoors.
BAYOU MANCHAC HIKING TRAIL
19010 Jefferson Hwy., Baton Rouge, LA, 70809
If you're looking for a peaceful escape without leaving Baton Rouge, Bayou Manchac Trail is calling your name. Tucked away off Old Jefferson Highway, this scenic 1-mile trail offers a serene setting perfect for a leisurely stroll, a photo walk, or simply a moment to unwind in nature. Whether you're a local looking to recharge or a visitor wanting to explore Baton Rouge’s quieter side, this hidden gem delivers. Plus, outdoor enthusiasts will love the added bonus—a kayak launch nearby, perfect for those who want to take their adventure to the water.
BREC'S BLACKWATER CONSERVATION AREA
9385 Blackwater Road, Baker, Louisiana 70714
Once an old gravel mine, BREC's Blackwater Conservation Area is now a nearly 58-acre area set aside for local wildlife to flourish. Spend the day fishing in their two large lakes, explore the vivid nature trails or have a picnic in the pavilion.
BREC's Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center
10503 N Oak Hills Parkway, Baton Rouge, LA 70810
This 103-acre nature center is devoted to preservation, education and recreation, and it’s located right in the heart of the city. Come check out their 9,500-square-foot property full of live animal displays, artifact and mineral exhibits and presentations of this area’s plant life.
BURDEN MUSEUM & GARDENS
4560 Essen Lane, Baton Rouge, LA 70809
Another slice of nature nestled within the city, Burden Museum & Gardens is as historic as it is natural, with 440 acres of plant life. Included within the Burden Museum & Gardens are the LSU Rural Life Museum, the LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens and the Windrush Gardens, where you can stroll through lush gardens and view native plants in all their beauty.
BREC'S COMITE RIVER CONSERVATION AREA
8900 Hooper Road, Baton Rouge, LA 70818
Running along the banks of the Comite River and Cypress Bayou, the BREC's Comite River Conservation Area contains over five miles of beautiful outdoors making up the Comite River Bike Trail. With a bike cleaning station, restrooms and picnic areas located on-site, everyone can enjoy this beautiful Baton Rouge trail.
BREC'S FRENCHTOWN ROAD CONSERVATION AREA
17819 Frenchtown Road, Central, LA 70739
As the largest park and conservation area operated by BREC, BREC's Frenchtown Road Conservation Area contains 495 acres of bottomland hardwood forest, which includes small stream forest and spruce pine hardwood-flatwood forest. With over three miles of trails, this landscape contains some of the most diverse plant life in the area.
BREC'S KENDALWOOD CONSERVATION AREA
26501 Kendalwood Road, Baton Rouge, LA 70817
Enjoy the native habitats of the East Baton Rouge Parish with the 1.2-mile hiking trail at BREC's Kendalwood Conservation Area. Ideal for hiking, bird watching and trail running, this park will allow you to escape from the city and enjoy the great outdoors.
TUNICA HILLS WMA
LA-66, Northwest of Saint Francisville, LA, 70775
Located about an hour outside of Baton Rouge, Tunica Hills contains at least 20 species of rare plants not found anywhere else in the state. With a landscape consisting of rugged hills, bluffs and ravines, Tunica makes for the perfect day trip to hike, camp, view wildlife and horseback ride.