2027 First Day Hikes

2027 First Day Hikes

We’re welcoming 2027 in a way that feels true to Louisiana: outside, surrounded by our landscapes, our stories, and our people.

For two days, our State Parks and State Historic Sites will host hikes that highlight everything that makes this place special. Longleaf pine ridges, cypress swamps, quiet trails, river overlooks, ancient mounds, and historic grounds where Louisiana’s history has unfolded.

This isn’t just a walk in the woods. It’s a chance to start the year slow, breathe deep, and reconnect with the land and the stories that shaped us.

Bring friends, bring family, bring your favorite walking shoes. 

There will be no entry fees for First Day Hikes participants. 

If you have any questions please email the Louisiana First Day Hikes coordinator Hunter Carter
 

Audubon State Historic Site

Name of Trail: Joseph Mason trail
Date of Event: Jan. 2, 2027
Time of Event: 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m.
Meeting Location: Museum back porch
Trail Description: 1.2 miles unimproved trail in addition a 1/6 mile ADA trail loop. 
Minimum Age for Children: None 
Any Restrictions: No restrictions 
ADA Accessible yes, Smaller is 
ADA compliant / Track Chairs Available? No Track Chair available.
Length of Hike: 1.2 miles
 

Bayou Segnette State Park

Name of Trail: Westwego trail 
Date of Event: Jan.1, 2027 
Time of Event: 8:30 a.m. -5:00 p.m. 
Meeting Location: Trail head entrance - day use area 
Trail Description: The Westwego trail is a great nature trail to start the new year by enjoying a self-guided hike or riding a bicycle between the trees at Bayou Segnette State Park.
Minimum Age for Children: all ages 
Any Restrictions: Pets must be on a 6foot leash 
 ADA Accessible / Track Chairs Available? No trach chair available or ADA 
Length of Hike: 0.6 mile 
 

Bogue Chitto State Park

Name of Trail-Gorge Trail

Time of Event-Sunrise to Sunset

Meeting Location-Various options throughout park

Minimum Age for Children-no minimum age- Strollers may be challenging in parts of the trail

Any Restrictions-Dogs must be leashed

ADA Accessible? The kids trail is ADA accessible- we have 1 track chair onsite(reserve in advance)

Length of hike-Approximately 5 miles

Chemin-A-Haut State Park

Name of Trail:  Chemin-A-Haut Camp Trail
Date of Event: Jan. 1, 2027
Time of Event: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Meeting Location:  Self-guided trail starting at Cabin 14
Trail Description: It is an easy route leading past old-growth bottomland to historic cypress trees, including the “Castle Tree”.
Minimum Age for Children: No minimum age as long as accompanied by an adult
Any Restrictions: No restrictions
ADA Accessible / Track Chairs Available?:  ADA Accessible, but no track chairs
Length of Hike: 2.9 miles out-and-back
 

Cypremort Point State Park

Name of Trail: Boardwalk
Date of Event: Jan. 1, 2027
Time of Event: 9 a.m.
Meeting Location: Boardwalk Parking lot
Trail Description: A nature walk for viewing birds and marsh wildlife. 
Minimum Age for Children: Any  age
Any Restrictions: N/A
ADA Accessible / Track Chairs Available? N/A
Length of Hike: 0.6 miles

Fairview-Riverside State Park
Name of Trail:  Swamp Boardwalk Trail
Date of Event:  Jan. 1 and 2, 2027
Time of Event:  8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Meeting Location: Swamp Boardwalk Trailhead (self-guided)
Trail Description: : ¼ mile easy trail, flat with no incline, raised wooden boardwalk trail over wetlands, benches along the way for resting and nature watching
Minimum Age for Children:  No minimum age, all are welcome
Any Restrictions: pets allowed but must be on leash
ADA Accessible / Track Chairs Available?  ADA Accessible, no track chairs available 
Length of Hike:  ¼ mile

Fontainebleau State Park
Name of Trail: Nature Trail w/ Scenic Extension
Date/Time of Event: Jan 1. , 2027 at 9:30 a.m.
Ranger Guided: Yes
Meeting Location: Visitors Center
Trail Description: This is a roughly 2.25 mile trail that includes a guided tour through the existing Nature Trail and the scenic areas along the shoreline. Mostly level ground with some sand covered paths along the beach. Restroom facilities and water fountains at the beginning and middle of the hike.
Minimum Age for Children: No minimum age
Length of Hike: ~2.25 miles
Any Restrictions: Pets are not permitted on the beach but are welcome everywhere else while on a leash.
ADA: Visitors with disabilities who would like to enjoy the trails may request use of the Action Trackchair at no extra cost which provides full mobility throughout the park. Go to our reservation website (lastateparks.com), click Make a Reservation, and look at "Other Rentals".

Fort Jesup State Historic Site
Name of Trail: Fort Jesup Historic Trail          
Date of Event: Jan 2., 2027
Time of Event: 10 a.m. -11 a.m.
Meeting Location: Fort Jesup Museum
Trail Description: (Include length, incline, and any important details such as slippery or uneven areas so guests can determine if the hike is suitable for them) The trail is about half a mile long, and the hike will take visitors off the paved walkways to reach the hospital site so there may be some slight inclines and natural barriers. 
Minimum Age for Children:  The hike is appropriate for ages four and up. 
Any Restrictions: None
 ADA Accessible / Track Chairs Available? Once we step off the walkways due to inclines and natural barriers this route is not accessible for mobility devices.  There are no track chairs available. 
Length of Hike: About half a mile. 

Forts Randolph & Buhlow State Historic Site

Name of Trail: Fort Randolph Boardwalk, Fort Buhlow Trail
Date of Event Jan. 2nd 2027
Time of Event:11 a.m. – Noon [Nature Trail] Noon – 1 p.m. [History Trail]
Meeting Location: Visitor Center
Trail Description: Both sessions will follow the same trail of the Fort Randolph Boardwalk [1/4 Mile with inclines of ~10 Degrees] to the Fort Buhlow Trail [1/3 Mile] and then back to the museum along the Fort Buhlow Trail [1/3 Mile] totaling ~1 Mile distance.
Minimum Age for Children: All ages included
Any Restrictions: Pets are welcome so long as they are leashed
ADA Accessible / Track Chairs Available? Boardwalk trail is accessible via the 10 degree incline ramps into Fort Randolph, Fort Buhlow trail is paved and built in line with the road for ease of movement although there is the gravel section near the culvert which may cause difficulty. No Track Chairs are available.
Length of Hike: Forts Randolph and Buhlow State Historic Site

Fort St. Jean Baptiste State Historic Site

Name of Trail: Gnome-man’s Land Trail Hike
Date of Event: Jan. 2, 2027
Time of Event: 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Meeting Location: Ft. St. Jean Baptiste Museum
Trail Description: Along a gravel path with one mild uphill incline of 40 yards long.
Minimum Age for Children: 0
Any Restrictions: (e.g., no pets permitted) N/A
ADA Accessible / Track Chairs Available?
Length of Hike: 400 yards
 

Grand Isle State Park
Name of Trail: Grand Isle State Park beach
Date of Event Jan. 1st and 2nd 2027
Time of Event: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Meeting Location: self hike on the beach
Trail Description: hike the beach and enjoy the serene sounds of the Gulf.
Minimum Age for Children: all ages
Any Restrictions: no pets allowed on the beach
ADA Accessible / Track Chairs Available? Beach wheelchairs available
Length of Hike: 1 mile

 

Jimmie Davis State Park
Name of Trail: Piney Woods Trail - ~.5 miles  Track Chair Trail - ~.8 miles

Date of Event: Jan 1 and 2, 2027

Time of Event:8 a.m. – 8 p.m. on both days

Meeting Location: Self-Guided

Trail Description:Both trails have mild inclines and uneven surfaces

Any Restrictions: Leashed pets are welcome

 ADA Accessible / Track Chairs Available? We have one Track Chair available for reservation

 Length of Hike:Piney Woods Train - ~.5 miles     Track Chair Trail - ~.8 miles
 

Lake Bistineau State Park
Name of Trail:  Willis Homestead Trail
Date of Event: Jan. 1, 2027
Time of Event: 9:30 a.m.
Meeting Location: Park office
Trail Description: 2.5 mile section from Park office back to lodge road, gentle trail, with little elevation changes. Depending on rainfall, could be muddy or slippery
Minimum Age for Children: 3+
Any Restrictions: Pets on leash always welcome
ADA Accessible / Track Chairs Available? No
Length of Hike: 2.5 mi


 

Lake Bruin State Park

Name of Trail: Park Walking Loop
Date of Event: Jan. 1, 2027 
Time of Event: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Meeting Location: Visitors check in all day at park office.
Trail Description: Self-guided walk through the park with interpretive flyer provided by the park. Walk along the shorelines, piers, and boardwalks.   The park loop is paved, with some inclines and declines. It is suitable for all age ranges and mobilities.  
Minimum Age for Children: No minimum age. 
 Any Restrictions: No restrictions. 
ADA Accessible / Track Chairs Available: The park is suitable for those needing ADA accommodations. Track chairs are not available at this site.
 Length of Hike: 1 mile. 
 

Lake Claiborne State Park

Name of Trail:  Scenic Overlook Trail
Date of Event: Jan. 1, 2027
Time of Event:  8:30 a.m.
Meeting Location: Lake Claiborne Meeting Room parking lot and from there everyone will be guided to starting location of hike
Trail Description: This custom loop pairs the shaded tree area of the Muscadine Trail with the panoramic lake views of the Scenic Overlook Trail. It is the ideal hike if a person wants a short, rewarding walk that skips the park's longest boundaries while still catching its best views.  Difficulty: Easy to Moderate (mostly flat wood floor with gentle rolling slopes and a brief climb to the overlook along with some exposed tree roots and slippery pine needles on the slopes because of the tree coverage.
Minimum Age for Children: 5 years of age

Any Restrictions: Leashed dogs are welcome
ADA Accessible / Track Chairs Available?  No
Length of Hike:  Total Distance: 1.5 miles; Estimated Time: 45 to 60 minutes at a leisurely pace

Lake D'Arbonne State Park

Name of Trail: Kid’s Trail
Date of Event: Jan. 2, 2027
Time of Event:12 p.m.
Meeting Location: Pavilion #1
Trail Description: (Include length, incline, and any important details such as slippery or uneven areas so guests can determine if the hike is suitable for them) 1/4 Mile horse shoe shaped Trail, has decorations and lights for kids. Trail is even, and paved with gravel throughout. Self-guided hike.  
Minimum Age for Children: All ages welcome 
Any Restrictions: (e.g., no pets permitted) None. Pets must be leashed and controlled throughout. 
ADA Accessible / Track Chairs Available? Is ADA/Accessible, Track chair available to traverse trail. 
Length of Hike: ¼ Mile 
 

Lake Fausse Pointe State Park

Name of Trail: Trail A 0.75 miles (easiest)
Date: Jan. 2, 2027
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Meeting Place: Pavilion 1
Lake Fausse Pointe State Park 
Children Age: 12
 

Louisiana State Arboretum/Chicot State Park

Name of Trail: Baldcypress/Walker Branch
Date of Event: Jan. 2, 2027
Time of Event: 10 a.m.-11 a.m.
Meeting Location: Arboretum Nature Center
Trail Description: (Include length, incline, and any important details such as slippery or uneven areas so guests can determine if the hike is suitable for them)  1 mile, some hilly areas and uneven ground. 
Minimum Age for Children: no
Any Restrictions: no pets or bikes
ADA Accessible / Track Chairs Available? ADA only for the very beginning of the hike. 
Length of Hike: 1 mile/1 hour
 

Longfellow-Evangeline State Historic Site
Name of Trail: Atakapa Trail
Date of Event: Jan. 2, 2027
Time of Event: 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Meeting Location: Interpretive Center
Trail Description: Trail is mostly flat, natural surface. Portions of the path may be slightly uneven due to gravel, roots and soft soil near the bayou.
ADA Accessible / Track Chairs Available: 1/3 is ADA Accessible while the rest of the trail is gravel and dirt paths.
Length of Hike: 1 mile

Mansfield State Historic Site

Name of Trail: Mouton Trial 
Date of Event: Jan. 2, 2027
Time of Event: 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Meeting Location: Lobby
Trail Description: Our trail is a little train but very easy to walk on and or push a stroller it is mostly grass. We will meet in the lobby and go tour the trail and the battle grounds. 
Minimum Age for Children: none, strollers are welcome 
Any Restrictions:  none
ADA Accessible / Track Chairs Available? none
Length of Hike: 1 Mile
 

North Toledo Bend State Park

Name of Trail: Dogwood Loop Trail
Date of Event: Jan. 1, 2027
Time of Event: 9:00 a.m.
Meeting Location: Meeting Room parking lot
Trail Description: This guided hike is on a 1.5 mile trail that has a few hills and uneven terrain that can become slippery and low lying areas that can become muddy during rainy weather
Minimum Age for Children: 5 years
Any Restrictions: Pets are welcome, make sure they are friendly around other pets and people
ADA Accessible / Track Chairs Available? Not ADA Accessible due to uneven and rough terrain
Length of Hike:1.5 miles

Palmetto Island State Park

Date of Event: Jan.1, 2027
Time of Event: 11 a.m.
Meeting Location: Pavilion #1
Trail Description: 2 miles or kid and pet friendly shorter hike .75 miles. Through Palmetto Island State Park, including a walk along the Abbeville Red Iris boardwalk, with Abbeville Red Iris display. Along the Evangline Pond and through the lush palmetto forest.
Minimum Age for Children: Any age
Any Restrictions: none
ADA Accessible / Track Chairs Available? Most trails any one can walk, there are no track chairs. 
Length of Hike: 2 miles or .75 miles for pets and children
 

Port Hudson State Historic Site

Name of Trail: Artillery ridge to Fort Desperate and loop back to Museum
Date of Event: Jan. 2, 2027
Time of Event:  9:30 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Meeting Location:  Park Museum
Trail Description: 2 miles of sometimes hilly terrain in proximity to steep ravines. The trail has gravel, tree roots, and occasional muddy sections.  
Minimum Age for Children: Any age (under 14 must have an adult present)
Any Restrictions: None
ADA Accessible / Track Chairs Available? The hike will not be ADA accessible.
Length of Hike: Approx. 1 – 1.5 hours

Poverty Point Reservoir State Park
Name of Trail: Marsden Mound Trail & Macon Ridge Trail
Date of Event: Jan. 1 and 2, 2027
Time of Event: 9:00 a.m.
Meeting Location: Visitor Center
Trail Description: The Marsden Mound Trail is ADA compliant & track chair accessible and is about 2/3 of a mile round trip. The Macon Ridge Trail is about 1.5 mile round trip and is not ADA or track chair accessible due to unpaved natural terrain.
Minimum Age for Children: 4 & up
Any Restrictions: Leashed dogs are allowed
ADA Accessible / Track Chairs Available? ADA accessible for Marsden Mound Trail Only        Track Chairs Available: No
Length of Hike: Marsden Mound Trail- 2/3 of a mile             Macon Ridge- 1.5 miles
Ranger Guided: No
 

Poverty Point World Heritage Site
Name of Trail: Poverty Point World Heritage Site hiking trail
Date of Event: Jan. 2, 2027
Time of Event: 10 a.m.
Meeting Location: Visitor’s center
Trail Description: 2.6 miles, stairs, little incline except for Mound A (72 feet of incline)
Minimum Age for Children: none
Any Restrictions:
ADA Accessible / Track Chairs Available? No
Length of Hike: 2.6 miles
 

Rebel State Historic Site
Name of Trail: Rebel Nature Trail
Date of Event: Jan. 2, 2027
Time of Event: 10-11 a.m.
Meeting Location: Rebel picnic pavilion
Trail Description: The hike will take visitors through the third of a mile long trail and include talks about some of the noticeable plants along the way.  
Minimum Age for Children: Ages four and up.
Any Restrictions: 
ADA Accessible / Track Chairs Available? Due to the hike being on unpaved natural terrain with inclines and natural barriers this route is not accessible for mobility devices.  There are no track chairs available. 
Length of Hike: About 1/3 of a mile.

Rosedown State Historic Site

Name of Trail: Garden Stroll
Date of Event: Jan. 2, 2027
Time of Event: 10:30 a.m.
Meeting Location: gift shop
Trail Description: Stroll through the garden on pea gravel and bricks, while learning about the plants and history of Rosedown
Minimum Age for Children: no age limit
Any Restrictions: no
ADA Accessible / Track Chairs Available?: not available
Length of Hike: 1- 2 miles
 

Saint Bernard State Park
Name of Trail:  St. Bernard Nature Trail
Date of Event:  Jan. 1 and 2, 2027
Time of Event:  Self-guided hike at 1:00 p.m.
Meeting Location:  Trail head in day use area
Trail Description: Trail goes from day use area to the campground by site 19. It is .9 miles long. When you get to the end of the trail you can either turn back and walk the trail back to the day use area or you can walk the park road back to the day use area. The trail is uneven and could be slippery due to past rains if any.
Minimum Age for Children:  No minimum as long as they are accompanied by an adult.
Any Restrictions: Pets must be kept on a minimum of a 6ft leach. 
ADA Accessible / Track Chairs Available?  Not ADA Accessible
Length of Hike:  .9 miles from day use to campground. .9 miles back by trail or .7 miles back by park road
 

Sam Houston Jones State Park

Name of Trail: All Trails
Date of Event: Jan. 1 and 2, 2027
Time of Event: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Meeting Location: Self-guided 
Trail Description: All trails will be open; Orange Trail has the lowest elevation, and the ¼ mile kids' trail is best for 5 and under.
Minimum Age for Children: none
Any Restrictions: pets welcome on 6ft or less leash
ADA Accessible / Track Chairs Available 1 track chair available for rent at no cost 
Length of Hike: 1 ½ mile, 2.6 mile, 6 mile and ¼ mile trails available

South Toledo Bend State Park

Name of Park or Historic Site: South Toledo Bend State Park
Name of Trail: Eagles Nest Hiking Trail
Date of Event: 1/1/27
Time of Event: 10:00 a.m.
Meeting Location: Overflow Cabin Parking Lot
Trail Description: 
Minimum Age for Children: All ages
Any Restrictions: none
ADA Accessible / Track Chairs Available? Not ADA Accessible
Length of Hike: 1 mile

Tickfaw State Park
Name of Trail: River Bottomland Trail
Date of Event: Friday, Jan. 1, 2027
Time of Event: 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Meeting Location: River Bottomland Pavilion (Very Back Of The Park)
Trail Description: The River Bottomland Trail is a 1-mile-long boardwalk loop. The trail meets up with Tickfaw State Park's scenic suspension bridge over the Tickfaw River. There is minor to no incline on this trail. The boardwalk may be slippery when wet. 
Minimum Age for Children: All Ages Welcome!
Any Restrictions: Dogs are welcome, but they must remain on a leash no longer than 6 ft. Bikes, scooters, and wagons are not permitted on the boardwalk trail. Strollers are permitted. 
ADA Accessible. No Track Chairs Available.
Length of Hike: 1 Mile