Who’s ready for an adventure? The Kisatchie National Forest, Louisiana’s only national forest, is a massive 600,000+ acres of pure natural beauty just waiting to be explored. Broken up into five Ranger Districts across seven parishes in central and northern Louisiana, the trails within this forest will lead you through some of Louisiana’s most diverse terrain. If you’re really looking to test your outdoor skills, then you need to check out the Wild Azalea Trail, it’s one of the most epic trails in Louisiana.

Clocking in at just shy of 24 miles in length, the Wild Azalea Trail is the longest primitive hiking trail in Louisiana.

Robert McGuire/All Trails

Located in the Evangeline Unit of the Calcasieu Ranger District just outside of Alexandria, the out-and-back trail will lead you on quite the journey.

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You’ll traverse some of Louisiana’s most diverse topography. Beautiful creeks, rolling hills, and towering pine trees all fill the landscape for one of the most amazing hikes in the state.

Jason Lindsay/All Trails

The endpoints of the trail are the Valentine Lake Recreation Area and the Woodworth Town Hall. You can park at either of these locations and start your journey from either point.

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The recreation area features the beautiful 46-acre Valentine Lake in a secluded area which is great for fishing and camping.

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As you might have guessed, the trail gets its name from the wild azaleas that grow along the path.

Anthony McElligott/All Trails

They’re different than the typical azalea bushes you see in your towns. These beautiful flowers will bloom in early spring and hang out for a couple of weeks and sometimes even through late summer, depending on how the weather is.

Mandy Shahan/All Trails

But even if you happen to miss the blooms, you’ll still be immersed in some of the most beautiful natural landscapes Louisiana has to offer.

Luther Frost/All Trails

Have you ever hiked the Wild Azalea Trail? Let us know in the comments below!

Robert McGuire/All Trails

Alltrails.com

Jason Lindsay/All Trails

Luther Frost/All Trails

Keaton Goble/Google

Anthony McElligott/All Trails

Mandy Shahan/All Trails

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Address: Wild Azalea Trailhead, 352-398 Castor Plunge Rd, Woodworth, LA 71485, USA