Host: Louisiana State Parks
Location: Participating State Parks and Historic Sites
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.
Each participating park will have a selected trail for this event and the admission fee will be waived for participating in the walk. Some walks are ranger-guided and some are self-guided. See the Louisiana State Parks First Day Hikes event page for all of the details for each hike.
The list of participating locations will be updated periodically:
FRIDAY, JANUARY 1
Bogue Chitto State Park, Gorge Trail, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Fontainebleau State Park, Nature Trail w/ Scenic Extension, 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Grand Isle State Park, Willis Homestead Trail, 9:30 AM
Grand Isle State Park, self-hike on the beach, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Lake Bistineau State Park, Willis Homestead Trail, 9:30 AM
Lake Bruin State Park, Park Walking Loop, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Poverty Point Reservoir State Park, Marsden Mound Trail & Macon Ridge Trail, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tickfaw State Park, River Bottomland Trail, 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
SATURDAY, JANUARY 2
Grand Isle State Park, Willis Homestead Trail, 9:30 AM
Grand Isle State Park, self-hike on the beach, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Poverty Point Reservoir State Park, Marsden Mound Trail & Macon Ridge Trail, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM