Louisiana\u00a0has a number of trails with minimal obstacles. \u00a0Some are very easy and others are wheelchair accessible. \u00a0Here are just a few of them.
\nMost of these links were found through Internet search. I would love some recommendations from people who have wheeled or walked these Louisiana trails.\u00a0\u00a0With your help, we can share our knowledge with disabled people everywhere and also increase awareness of the need for more accessibility. Please e-mail me with your suggestions using the form in the sidebar.<\/p>\n

<\/a>Federal<\/a>
\n State<\/a>
\n Local<\/a>
\n Private<\/a>
\n Miscellaneous<\/a><\/p>\n

<\/a>Federal<\/h2>\n
Kisatchie National Forest
\n<\/strong>This Ranger District contains over 102,000 acres of forest southwest of Natchitoches.\u00a0 \u00a0“Visitors to this Ranger District can enjoy panoramic views from the sandstone bluffs of the Longleaf Vista Recreation Area; feel the cool currents, white sandy beaches, and rocky rapids at Kisatchie Bayou Recreation Area; experience a wilderness challenge in the nationally designated Kisatchie Hills Wilderness Area, and so much more. ”\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0Phone 318-472-1840\u00a0 Brochure.<\/a>\u00a0 Here is their website<\/a>.\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0The website<\/a> also gives contact for each ranger district within the Forest. \u00a0 Some trails are described as easy, but that isn’t enough information for me to include them here.<\/p>\n
To learn more about accessibility than is given on their website, here is the contact information for the Forest Supervisor :
\nKisatchie National Forest:
\n2500 Shreveport Highway,
\n<\/span>Pineville, Louisiana 71360-2009
\nPhone: (318) 473-7160 \u00a0\u00a0<\/span>TTY: (318) 473-7254 <\/p>\n
<\/div>\n<\/div><\/li>
Sabine National Wildlife Refuge
\n<\/strong>Eight eight miles south of Hackberry, on State Highway 27 in Cameron Parish, the Sabine Refuge occupies the marshes between Calcasieu and Sabine lakes in southwest Louisiana.\u00a0 It “encompasses 125,790 acres, consisting of 40,403 acres of open water and 85,387 acres of marsh grassland.\u00a0 \u00a0The Sabine Refuge “provides habitat for many species of wildlife, including ducks, geese, alligators, muskrats, nutria, raptors, wading birds, shorebirds, blue crabs, shrimp, and various fish” in “a number of habitat types from freshwater impoundments to brackish, intermediate & freshwater coastal marshes.”\u00a0 Sabine website.<\/a><\/p>\n
For information about Sabine and also the Cameron Prairie, Lacassine and Shell Keys National Wildlife refuges, call the Southwest Louisiana National Wildlife Refuge Complex at 337-598-2216.
\n $\"Wheelchair$ <\/a>The Wetland Walkway<\/a>\u00a0 in the \u00a0Sabine National \u00a0Wildlife Refuge<\/a><\/strong> is described as \u00a0”\u00a0….1.5 mile (round trip) fully accessible boardwalk offers walking access into and over saltwater marshes. Viewing scopes, observation decks, five rest shelters along the path and a two-story observation tower offer exceptional views. \u00a0Excellent site for nature photography\u00a0with alligators and numerous bird species most often spotted. Restrooms available on site.”<\/p>\n
<\/div>\n<\/div><\/li><\/ul>Back to top<\/a><\/p>\n
<\/a>State<\/h2>\n
Bayou Segnette State Park
\n<\/strong><\/p>\n
“…a multitude of recreational opportunities awaits visitors of all ages ….. as well as an ecosystem that offers you the chance to spot plants, trees and wildlife from both swamps and marshland.”
\nHere is the Park website<\/a>.\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Phone 504-736-7140\u00a0 Map<\/a>
\n $\"\"$ <\/a>Nature Trail\u00a0 2.8 mile lollipop said by AllTrails<\/a> to be “good for all skill levels.” <\/p>\n
<\/div>\n<\/div><\/li>
Here is a chart of the facilities available at Louisiana State Parks<\/a>. \u00a0There are 11 trails marked as \u00a0“ADA accessible”.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li>
Fairview Riverside State Park<\/strong>
\nThis park offers picnic tables, a group pavilion, a playground, and comfort stations beneath a canopy of huge oak trees.\u00a0 Fishing and crabbing are popular pastimes.\u00a0 \u00a0The \u00a0nature trail<\/span>\u00a0will take you by the Tchefuncte River.
\nHere is the Park website<\/a>.\u00a0 \u00a0Phone 985-845-3318\u00a0 \u00a0 Map<\/a>
\n $\"Wheelchair$ <\/a><\/span>Nature Trail 0.2 mile ADA accessible<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li>
Fontainebleau State Park<\/strong>
\nFontainebleau State Park is a 2,800-acre park is located on the shore of Lake Pontchartrain.\u00a0 There is a <\/span>sandy beach and a rail\/trail\u2026There are over 400 different species of birds and animals living in and around Fontainebleau. Bordered on three sides by water–Lake Pontchartrain, Bayou Cane and Bayou Castine–and characterized by a convergence of diverse ecosystems, the park has a multitude of habitats for birds.
\nThe \u00a0Louisiana State Parks Facilities chart shows a visitor center and ADA wheelchair accessible trail(s).
\nHere is the Park website.\u00a0 \u00a0Phone 985-624-4443 \u00a0 Map<\/a>
\n $\"Wheelchair$ <\/a>Nature Trail 1.25 miles interpretive.\u00a0 If only one of these two trails is ADA compliant, I think it is probably this one.
\n $\"\"$ <\/a>?<\/strong>\u00a0 Hiking Trail 4.8 miles\u00a0 You might want to check with the visitor center to be sure this is an easy trail.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li>
LA State Arboretum State Preservation Area<\/strong>
\n“The Arboretum is more than 600 acres of natural growth, embellished with additional plantings of species that are indigenous to the state. ….The landscape ranges from nearly flat along the Walker Branch of Lake Chicot to relatively steep slopes along the terrace ridges. …. almost every type of Louisiana vegetation, except coastal marsh and prairie, is represented on the site.”
\nPicnic grounds and camping facilities are available at nearby Chicot State Park.
\nHere is the Area website.<\/a>\u00a0 Phone (888)677-6100 or 337-363-6289\u00a0 Trail map<\/a>
\n $\"Wheelchair$ <\/a>The LA Parks facilities chart<\/a> show that there are ADA wheelchair accessible walking trails in the park.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li>
Lake D’Arbonne State Park<\/strong>
\n“Piney forests, rolling hills, five fishing piers, and a beautiful lake draw visitors to this quiet, majestic state park. Designed to keep the focus on nature,\u00a0park facilities blend with the natural landscape to enhance the outdoor experience of this 655-acre park.”
\nLouisiana State Parks Facilities chart shows ADA walking trails and a visitor center.
\nHere is the Park website<\/a>.\u00a0 \u00a0Phone 318-368-2086 \u00a0 Map<\/a>
\n $\"Wheelchair$ <\/a>There are 4 trails. Orange Trail is 1 mile, Green Trail is 0.5 mile, Blue Trail is 0.5 mile and the White Trail is 4 miles.\u00a0 The website does not say which, if not all, is ADA compliant.\u00a0 I suspect the others are pretty easy, but check with the visitor center.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li>
Lake Fausse Pointe State Park
\n<\/strong>Lake Fausse Pointe State Park occupies a 6,000-acre site in the Atchafalaya Basin.\u00a0 The Park, “at the edge of a beautiful water wilderness, is … a perfect point from which to explore the natural and cultural heritage of South Louisiana.”
\nHere is the Park website<\/a>.\u00a0 \u00a0Phone 337-229-4764
\nLouisiana State Parks Facilities chart shows that the Park has a visitor center and ADA wheelchair accessible trail(s).\u00a0 Trail Descriptions.<\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0I do not know which of the following trails are ADA.\u00a0 Call the visitor center for information.
\nTrail A\u00a0 0.75 mile nature trail
\nTrail B 1.6 mile nature trail
\nTrail C 3.3 mile nature trail
\nThere is also a 7 mile canoe trail.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li>
South Toledo Bend State Park
\n<\/strong>“Pleasantly located on several small bluffs that extend over and into the Toledo Bend Reservoir, South Toledo Bend State Park offers a scenic, waterfront view from many vantage points.”\u00a0 \u00a0Visitors to the park can enjoy fishing\u00a0 hiking, cycling, birding,\u00a0camping and enjoying the many forms of wildlife in the area. The area\u00a0 is a common nesting ground for the bald eagle.
\nThe Louisiana State Parks Facilities chart shows ADA walking trail(s) and a visitor center.\u00a0 Here is the Park website<\/a>.\u00a0 \u00a0Phone 337-286-9075 \u00a0 \u00a0 Map<\/a>
\n $\"Wheelchair$ <\/a>Lakeview Nature Trail 0.5 mile<\/p>\n
$\"\"$ <\/a>?<\/strong> Hippie Point Trail 1.5 miles<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li>
\u00a0<\/span>Tickfaw State Park<\/strong>
\n“Strolling through four ecosystems on over a mile of\u00a0boardwalks<\/a> through Tickfaw State Park, visitors can experience the sights and sounds of a cypress\/tupelo swamp, a bottomland hardwood forest, a mixed pine\/hardwood forest and the Tickfaw River.”
\nHere is the Park website<\/a>.\u00a0 \u00a0Phone 888-981-2020 or 225-294-5020\u00a0 \u00a0 Map<\/a>
\n $\"Wheelchair$ <\/a>The Louisiana State Parks Facilities chart shows ADA wheelchair accessible walking trails at Tickfaw.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li><\/ul>Back to top<\/a><\/p>\n
<\/a>Local<\/h2>\n
Caddo Parish Parks and Recreation
\nWalter B Jacobs Memorial Nature Park<\/strong> near Blanchard, is a 160 acre preserve in the pine-oak-hickory forest.\u00a0 \u00a0 Admission is free. \u00a0Call (318) 929-2806 for information.\u00a0 Here is their website.<\/a>
\n $\"Wheelchair$ <\/a>There are five miles of trails, one of which is wheelchair accessible.<\/span><\/p>\n
<\/div>\n<\/div><\/li><\/ul>Back to top<\/a><\/p>\n
<\/a>Private<\/h2>\n
Cypress Island Preserve
\n<\/strong>“Lake Martin is part of the greater Lake Martin Important Bird Area and is situated within The Nature Conservancy\u2019s Cypress Island Preserve, the largest remaining tract of hardwood forest in the Teche-Vermilion watershed. This preserve protects almost 10,000 acres of wild bottomland hardwood forest habitat and cypress-tupelo swamp. Lake Martin\u2019s nationally significant waterbird rookery serves as a popular spring nesting spot for a variety of herons, egrets, neotropic cormorants, roseate spoonbills, white ibis and anhingas, and some species stay at the lake year-round.”\u00a0 Description from Water Heritage<\/a>.\u00a0 \u00a0There is a small boardwalk and visitor center at the south end of Lake Martin.
\nVisitor Center phone 337-342-2475\u00a0 Here is the Preserve’s website<\/a>.
\n $\"\"$ <\/a>Levee Walking Trail.\u00a0 \u00a02.5 miles is open from fall to spring.\u00a0 It closes during alligator nesting season.
\n $\"Wheelchair$ <\/a>The boardwalk is short but fun, providing a safe and dry close up look at swamp\u00a0 plants and animals.<\/p>\n
$\"ADA$ <\/a>
Wheelchair accessible boardwalk at Cypress Island Preserve, Louisiana<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
$\"Cypress$ <\/a>
Cypress Swamp from wheelchair accessible boardwalk, Cypress Island Preserve, Louisiana<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
<\/div>\n<\/div><\/li><\/ul>Back to top<\/a><\/p>\n
<\/a>Miscellaneous<\/h2>\n
Here is a list of all of Louisiana’s\u00a0public recreational land<\/a>. \u00a0 This includes State Parks, forest and wildlife management areas and refuges and also the Federally run National Forest and \u00a0wildlife areas and refuges. \u00a0Looking through these, I am not seeing accessibility addressed, but there is contact information for each place so you could call or write to learn more.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/li>
The\u00a0 Rails-to-Trails Conservancy<\/a>\u00a0lists wheelchair accessible trails in Louisiana.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li><\/ul> Back to top<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Louisiana\u00a0has a number of trails with minimal obstacles. \u00a0Some are very easy and others are wheelchair accessible. \u00a0Here are just a few of them. Most of these links were found through Internet search. I would love some recommendations from people who have wheeled or walked these Louisiana trails.\u00a0\u00a0With your help, we can share our knowledge … Continue reading Rails-to-Trails – Louisiana<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_exactmetrics_skip_tracking":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_active":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_note":"","_exactmetrics_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-357","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.accessiblenature.info\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/357","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.accessiblenature.info\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.accessiblenature.info\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.accessiblenature.info\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.accessiblenature.info\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=357"}],"version-history":[{"count":11,"href":"https:\/\/www.accessiblenature.info\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/357\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":8305,"href":"https:\/\/www.accessiblenature.info\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/357\/revisions\/8305"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.accessiblenature.info\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=357"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}