Nature Reserves

Wild Azaleas Bloom Along Louisiana‘s Longest Trail

WOODWORTH, LA – August 10, 2025 – Hikers and nature enthusiasts are flocking to the Kisatchie National Forest as wild azaleas reach peak bloom along the Wild Azalea Trail (WAT).The vibrant display is currently visible throughout the 30-mile stretch, offering a breathtaking experience for visitors.

About the Wild Azalea trail

The Wild Azalea Trail, located entirely within the Kisatchie National Forest, is a premier hiking destination in Louisiana. Beginning near Woodworth in Rapides Parish and concluding at Valentine Lake, situated close to gardner in Beauregard Parish, the WAT is recognized as the state’s longest continuous hiking trail.

managed by the U.S. Forest Service, the trail traverses diverse ecosystems, including longleaf pine forests and bottomland hardwoods. The WAT is known for its challenging terrain, with elevation changes of up to 800 feet, and is typically completed in 3-5 days by experienced hikers. Sections of the trail are also popular for day hikes and backpacking trips.

the Kisatchie National Forest, established in 1930, encompasses over 604,000 acres across central and northern Louisiana. It provides habitat for numerous species, including white-tailed deer, wild turkey, and various bird species. The WAT specifically showcases the beauty of Louisiana’s native azaleas, including species like the Florida flame azalea (rhododendron austrinum) and the plumleaf azalea (Rhododendron prunifolium).

Louisiana Among Nation’s Most Beautiful Places

The Wild Azalea Trail was recently recognized as one of the “51 of the most beautiful places in the U.S.” in a recent national listing. The WAT joins iconic locations such as Yosemite National park, the Grand Canyon, and Acadia National Park on the list.

1. Alabama: Magnolia Springs
2. Alaska: Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve
3. Arizona: Grand Canyon National Park
4. Arkansas: Ozark-St. Francis National Forest
5. California: Yosemite national Park
6. Colorado: Garden of the Gods
7. Connecticut: The Connecticut Shore
8. Delaware: Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge
9. District of Columbia: Tidal Basin
10. Florida: Everglades National Park
11. Georgia: Cumberland Island
12. Hawaii: Nāpali Coast
13. Idaho: Sawtooth National Forest
14. Illinois: Cache River State Natural Area
15. Indiana: Hemlock Cliffs
16. Iowa: Maquoketa Caves State Park
17. Kansas: Castle Rock Badlands
18. Kentucky: Mammoth Cave National Park
19. Louisiana: Wild Azalea Trail
20. Maine: Acadia National Park
21. maryland: Weverton Cliffs
22. Massachusetts: Cape Cod National Seashore
23. Michigan: Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
24. Minnesota: North Shore Scenic Drive
25. Mississippi: Natchez Trace Parkway
26. Missouri: Ozark National Scenic riverways
27. Montana: Going-to-the-Sun Road
28. Nebraska: Toadstool Geologic Park
29. Nevada: Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
30. New Hampshire: Kancamagus Highway
31. New Jersey: Cape May
32. New Mexico: Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness
33. New York: Finger Lakes
34. North Carolina: Outer Banks
35. North Dakota: Maah Daah Hey Trail
36. Ohio: Franklin Park conservatory and Botanical Gardens
37. Oklahoma: Joseph H. Williams Tallgrass Prairie Preserve
38. Oregon: Crater Lake
39. Pennsylvania: Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
40. Rhode Island: Block island
41. South Carolina: Hilton Head Island
42. South dakota: Badlands National Park
43. Tennessee: Cherokee National Forest
44. Texas: Guadalupe Mountains
45. Utah: Arches National Park
46. Vermont: Mad river Valley
47. virginia: Blue Ridge Parkway
48. Washington: hurricane Ridge
49. West Virginia: New River Gorge national Park and Preserve
50. Wisconsin: Apostle Islands
51. Wyoming: Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone