The New Orleans area is full of beautiful and scenic parks and walking trails. Now that the weather has heated up a bit, areas with shade top my list of favorite places to trek a.k.a walk. I invite you to take a trek to one or all of these fabulous parks with something for everyone to enjoy.
New Orleans City Park
City Park is probably my most favorite place to trek mainly because there is so much to see and enjoy. There are two jogging/walking paths to explore. One is 3/4 mile, surrounds Big Lake and takes you near the New Orleans Museum of Art. The other path is one mile around the Festival Grounds. Besides these two designated paths, there are miles of sidewalks and bicycle paths to enjoy around the park that allow you to see the Sculpture Garden, Storyland, the Botanical Garden, Grown Dat Farm and more.
Audubon Park
Uptown New Orleans is home to Audubon Park. The jogging/walking path here is a 1.8 mile loop that surrounds the Audubon golf course. The stately live oak trees line the path and there are lagoons where you may spot various species of ducks. Along the path you will find tidbits of history and outdoor fitness spots where you can get a workout in.
Crescent Park
This urban oasis can be found in the Bywater neighborhood past the edge of the French Market. Crescent park is a 1.4 mile linear park that runs parallel to the Mississippi River. To enter the park you must climb the stairs of the rusty rainbow bridge. If you make it over the bridge consider that your warm up. It’s like a giant stairmaster. LOL! Crescent Park includes a dog park at one end where your furry friends can frolic freely. As you continue down the path towards the opposite end of the park is the French Market.
Couturie Forest
I have lived in New Orleans all my life and never knew about this gem until a few years ago. Tucked away off of Harrison Ave. is a nature lover’s haven – Couturie Forest. Immerse yourself in 60 acres of native trees, wildlife and scenic waterways. There are many trails throughout the forest that lead you to some fascinating sights like Laborde Mountain. Yes, I said mountain. I know it’s New Orleans and we’re below sea level, but the top of Laborde Mountain is a whopping 43 feet above sea level and the highest point in New Orleans. Whew! When you stand at the top there is a map of the city which is pretty cool. This is a great place to bring the family to learn about eco-systems, the 40 different species of birds or just work up a sweat meandering through the forest.
