The best walks and hikes around Shreveport

The Blacktop Trail offers a straightforward and pleasant walking experience, likely on a paved surface, perfect for a quick outdoor escape. Its easy terrain and minimal elevation gain make it an inviting option for those seeking a relaxed stroll rather than a strenuous hike. You can expect a consistent, accessible path, ideal for enjoying some fresh air without needing to navigate complex landscapes.

Planning your visit to the Blacktop Trail is simple; its short duration means you can fit it into almost any schedule. As an easy, accessible route, it's suitable for all seasons, though cooler parts of the day are always more comfortable. Parking is generally easy to find for trails of this type, and no special permits or fees are typically needed, ensuring a hassle-free outing.

This Blacktop Trail is a fantastic option for beginner hikers or families looking for a very manageable walk. At just 1.1 miles (1.8 km) with only 17 feet (5 metres) of elevation gain, it takes approximately 27 minutes to complete. It serves as an excellent, low-commitment way to get some steps in and enjoy the outdoors in Bossier Parish, Louisiana.

The Red River Bicycle Trail offers a unique blend of urban and natural scenery, following the Red River with glimpses of the Shreveport city skyline. This mostly paved path takes you past RiverView Park with its gardens and distinctive rose sculptures, providing a pleasant journey through the city's green spaces. While generally easy, some sections might have uneven surfaces or debris, so watch your step. It's a moderate 5.8-mile (9.3 km) hike with only 50 feet (15 metres) of elevation gain, typically completed in about 2 hours and 21 minutes.

This trail is easily accessible along the Clyde Fant Memorial Parkway, making it convenient for a quick outing. It's a shared-use path, so you'll likely see cyclists and runners enjoying the route as well. Dogs are permitted on a leash, making it a good option for a walk with your furry friend. Consider visiting during cooler parts of the day, especially in summer, to fully enjoy the experience.

The Red River Bicycle Trail stands out for its convenient location, offering a slice of nature within the heart of Shreveport. It connects several parks, including Veterans & Freedom Park and Charles and Marie Hamel Memorial Park, providing ample opportunities for breaks or picnics. This trail is a great example of how urban planning can integrate natural beauty and recreational opportunities for the community.

The R.W. Norton Botanical Garden Loop offers a delightful, easy stroll through a meticulously landscaped 40-acre garden in Shreveport, Louisiana. You'll wander along gently rolling paths shaded by majestic hardwoods and pines, encountering a stream that forms waterfalls before emptying into a large ornamental pond, all while enjoying the vibrant displays of tens of thousands of plants. Keep an eye out for the charming outdoor sculptures of wildlife that blend seamlessly with the natural beauty, making this a truly unique experience.

This short and sweet route covers 0.8 miles (1.3 km) with a negligible 25 feet (8 metres) of elevation gain, making it an easy hike that most people can complete in about 19 minutes. It's an ideal choice for families, those seeking a tranquil escape, or anyone looking for a quick dose of natural beauty. While specific R.W. Norton Botanical Garden parking information isn't detailed, the gardens are generally accessible, and you'll find plenty of benches for resting along the way.

What truly sets this trail apart is the seamless integration of art and nature, especially during the spring azalea bloom, typically in late March or early April, when the gardens explode with color. Beyond the azaleas, you'll discover native iris, ginger lily, coneflower, and black-eyed Susans, creating a rich visual tapestry. This loop is a notable landmark for its peaceful environment and the sheer volume of diverse flora, offering a serene contrast to other Shreveport hikes.

If you're looking for a scenic urban escape, the Red River Bicycle Trail delivers constant riverfront views as it follows the Clyde Fant Memorial Parkway. This 10.4-mile (16.8 km) route, rated moderate, offers glimpses of the Shreveport city skyline and passes through parks like RiverView Park, famous for its 35-foot-tall lighted rose sculptures. While mostly paved, be prepared for sections with cracks, tree roots, and occasional sand, which add a bit of challenge to its otherwise gentle 83 feet (25 metres) of elevation gain.

Planning your visit means keeping an eye on local conditions, as parts of the trail can be affected by flooding, making them temporarily inaccessible or muddy. The trail is dog-friendly, so feel free to bring your leashed companion along for the journey. With an estimated duration of 4 hours and 14 minutes, it's a substantial walk that offers a convenient way to enjoy nature close to city amenities.

What makes this trail notable is its blend of accessibility and natural beauty, serving as a versatile community asset for walking, cycling, and inline skating. It provides a unique opportunity to experience the Red River up close, winding through various parks and ending at the 17-acre Charles and Marie Hamel Memorial Park, which features a picnic area and boat launch. This trail is a great option for those seeking a longer, moderately challenging walk with plenty of visual interest.

The Bickham Dickson Loop offers a delightful immersion into Louisiana's diverse natural landscape, winding through bottomland hardwood forests, open shrub-scrub woodlands, and even cypress-tupelo swamp. You'll enjoy serene waterfront views as the path skirts the 200-acre Old River Lake, providing easy swamp access and frequent sightings of deer and various bird species. This mostly flat and easy-to-follow route is perfect for a peaceful nature walk.

This easy 4.6-mile (7.4 km) hike has a negligible 24 feet (7 metres) of elevation gain and takes approximately 1 hour and 29 minutes, making it suitable for all skill levels, including families and children. Be aware that due to its proximity to the Red River, sections of the trail and access roads can flood after heavy rains, so check conditions before you go. Fall is a particularly beautiful time for the shaded walks.

As part of the Red River National Wildlife Refuge, the park is a significant area for conserving local wildlife and is considered one of the hottest eBird hotspots in the Shreveport area, boasting nearly 250 bird species. Beyond hiking, the park offers opportunities for fishing, kayaking in the no-wake water area, and picnicking, making it a versatile outdoor destination.