No matter whether you’re a hiking newbie or a veteran, the Wild Azalea Trail is the perfect trail. Whether you’re looking to spend a couple of hours in nature or maybe you’re looking for an overnight camping adventure, this is the perfect trail for you.
Located in the heart of the Kisatchie National Forest, the Wild Azalea Trail is Louisiana’s longest hiking trail.
AllTrails.com It’s just southwest of Alexandria.
The starting/ending points for the trail are Valentine Lake and the Woodworth Town Hall.
Rinal Chheda Valentine Lake Valentine Lake Recreation Center makes a great place to camp out.
Approximately 30 miles long, the trail is perfect for a weekend backpacking trip or a mountain bike ride.
Vanessa McKnight/All Trails
The trail is perfect for any skill range, as the trail is very well marked.
Ferdara Broussard-Hubbard/All Trails The trail is bisected around midpoint by Hwy. 488 and it’s accessible by road at several other points. So even if you can’t commit to the entire trail, you can hike shorter sections. There’s several parking areas along the trail as well.
The trail is useable all year, but March and April are the best time to spot the Wild Azaleas that grow along the trail.
Rinal Chheda/All Trails
No matter when go you, you’re sure to be amazed at the scenery.
Garrett Wells/All Trails Nothing but you and nature. Beautiful!
The trail has been designated a National Recreation Trail because of its outstanding scenic values.
Chad DiCristina/All Trails
You’ll be surrounded by rolling pine-covered hills, lush bottomlands, streams, creeks, and tons of wildlife.
Julia Ross/All Trails
Camping is permitted along the trail, just remember that campsites should be at least 30 feet away from the trail centerline.
Chad DiCristina/All Trails And remember to leave only footprints!
Have you ever hiked the trail in its entirety? Let us know in the comments below!
AllTrails.com
It’s just southwest of Alexandria.
Rinal Chheda Valentine Lake
Valentine Lake Recreation Center makes a great place to camp out.
Vanessa McKnight/All Trails
Ferdara Broussard-Hubbard/All Trails
The trail is bisected around midpoint by Hwy. 488 and it’s accessible by road at several other points. So even if you can’t commit to the entire trail, you can hike shorter sections. There’s several parking areas along the trail as well.
Rinal Chheda/All Trails
Garrett Wells/All Trails
Nothing but you and nature. Beautiful!
Chad DiCristina/All Trails
Julia Ross/All Trails
And remember to leave only footprints!
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