America’s backcountry settings offer a grab bag of natural goodies, especially in the Pelican State. From Northshore, a region that’s home to tranquil marshlands, to the Maurepas Swamp, one of America’s largest swamp forests, there are so many places that offer a respite from modern life’s constant churn. Tunica Hills, right outside Baton Rouge, provides that refuge with thrilling outdoor recreation thrown into the mix. The scenic forest’s nature trails and unique topography offer a diverse look at Louisiana’s wild side.
The 6,500-acre wildlife management area offers visitors a smorgasbord of activities and wildlife. The area is split into two separate tracts of bluffs, hills, forest, and ravines. The terrain creates a singular habitat for wildlife you won’t find anywhere else in the Pelican State. Hiking and camping are mainstays, though the sheer variety of creatures roaming the area may be the icing on the proverbial cake of any visit.
As a Louisiana Wildlife Management Area, Tunica Hills is a tightly regulated slice of nature. Educate yourself fully about local regulations, borders, designated camping sites, and licensing requirements. Some parts of the area may have limited availability.
Hike, hunt, or sleep at Tunica Hills
Tunica Hills features three hiking trails, each with a unique view of the forest and phenomenal landscape, as streams and waterfalls create a delightful soundtrack. Taken during the autumn’s changing season, an average hike along any of the six miles of trails becomes a psychedelic explosion of colors. The area’s loess bluffs, formed by dust storms blown in from the western plains centuries ago, create an imposing environment. Those looking to mix education and pleasure should take Trail B, a 3-mile stroll filled with informational signs about the area’s wildlife. Bikes and horseback rides offer a different, often less-taxing way around the area…