It can be easy to get stuck in city life here in Baton Rouge, but when you need a breath of fresh air, the true beauty of Louisiana shines through. The Capital City is filled with walking and hiking trails to help you stay active and get in touch with nature. Take your pick, and experience Baton Rouge’s great outdoors.

 

Blackwater Conservation Area (24 min)

9385 Blackwater Road, Baker, Louisiana 70714

Once an old gravel mine, 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. 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.

Photo credit: Luce Tremblay-Gaudette

 

Burden Museum & Gardens 

4560 Essen Lane, Baton Rouge, LA 70809

Nestled in the heart of the city is the historic and natural Burden Museum & Garden that makes up 440 acres of plant life in this lively atmosphere. 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.

 

Comite River Park (22 min)

8900 Hooper Road, Baton Rouge, LA 70818

Running along the banks of the Comite River and Cypress Bayou, the Comite River Park contains 5.5 miles of beautiful outdoors that make 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.

 

Frenchtown Road Conservation Area  (30 min)

17819 Frenchtown Road, Central, LA 70739 

Known as the largest park and conservation area operated by BREC, the 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. 

 

Kendalwood Road Park  (30 min)

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 Kendalwood Road Park. 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 

Northwest of Saint Francisville

Characterized by a North and South Tract, 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 is the perfect place to hike, camp, view wildlife and even horseback ride. 

 

Did you know that we had all these hidden gems right here in Baton Rouge? Start adventuring today and when you do, don’t forget to tag #ExploreBatonRouge!