With summer's blazing heat finally gone and fall's more moderate temperatures setting in, November is the perfect time to explore the many beautiful trails and natural landscapes around Baton Rouge.

Our real estate agents know parks and trails are a huge perk of our local area. Explore these areas this fall!

5 Baton Rouge Trails and Wildlife Areas to Explore this Fall 

Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center 

Address: 10503 N Oak Hills Parkway, Baton Rouge, LA 70810 

Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center is best known for its award-winning exhibition building, but it also has several walking trails guests can use to explore the local ecosystem. They're short trails on mostly flat ground, with several raised boardwalks and gravel paths to make them even easier to traverse. The paths pass by several different local biomes, too, so you'll always have something new and interesting to look at during your walk. 

The center and trails are open Tuesday through Saturday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM and on Sundays from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Admission costs $3 for adults, $2.50 for seniors and college students, and $2 for kids aged 2 to 17. You can also purchase an annual pass for $25 for a single person or $35 for a family of up to four people.  

Burden Museum and Gardens 

Address: 4560 Essen Lane, Baton Rouge, LA 70809 

The Burden Museum and Gardens spans 440 acres of land just southeast of downtown Baton Rouge. Its goal is to commemorate and preserve the city's ecosystems and agricultural roots, but it's also a great place for an afternoon stroll.  

In addition to 5 miles of walking trails you can wander through, the site also houses: 

• The LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens, a section owned by Louisiana State University with plots for agricultural experiments, a manicured rose garden, and more 
• The Windrush Gardens, a cloistered 25-acre space with mature oak and pine trees, azaleas, and crepe myrtles, interspersed with lush shrubs and ferns 

The main gardens and AgCenter Gardens are both free to visit. Admission to the Windrush Gardens is $12 for adults, $11 for seniors over 62, and $10 for kids aged 4 to 11. All areas are open from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM daily.  

Blackwater Conservation Area 

Address: 9385 Blackwater Road, Baker, LA 70714 

Getting to Blackwater Conservation Area from downtown Baton Rouge takes about 20 minutes by car. The park sits on top of an old gravel mine and contains: 

• Two lakes stocked with fish  
• Several ponds with ducks and other waterfowl 
• A pavilion for outdoor gatherings 
• More than a mile of easy riverside trails on flat or gently sloping ground 

The location is open all day during the entire week and is free to enter. Activities like fishing and camping require extra fees and permits.  

Scotlandville Parkway Greenway 

Address: 3200 Harding Boulevard, Baton Rouge, LA 70813 

If you want to enjoy a nature walk but can't make it out to a more remote trail, the Scotlandville Parkway Greenway is an excellent compromise. This park near our Baton Rouge homes for sale is located on the outskirts of the city, just on the edge of the Scotlandville neighborhood for which it's named.

While there, you can explore 3 miles of lightly wooded trails that will make you feel like you've traveled all the way out to the countryside. The paths are mostly flat but feature some areas with elevation gain. There are also some unique features to enjoy along the way, including a creek, wooden bridges, and a pagoda. 

The Greenway is free to visit and open daily from dawn until dusk. It's relatively quiet even during peak hours, making it easy to fit a relaxing walk into your day, no matter how busy you are.  

Comite River Conservation Area 

Address: 8900 Hooper Road, Baton Rouge, LA 70818 

The Comite River Conservation Area is a public park maintained by Baton Rouge's Parks and Recreation department. It's a serene location with many spots where you can stop and enjoy some time next to the river or Cypress Bayou.  

The 5.5-mile Kerry Stamey Memorial Trails system will take you to the water's edge, through the park's forested areas, and back around again, offering a moderately challenging hike with some steep hills that are sure to get your heart pumping. The paths are often used by high-speed mountain bikers, so make sure you keep to the edges of the trail and walk the loop in reverse to stay safe.  

The conservation area is open daily from dawn to dusk. It's free to visit, but you'll need a fishing permit if you want to fish at the riverside pier.  

Enjoy Stunning Landscapes and Big-City Amenities in Baton Rouge 

Natural landscapes and city centers each have their own appeal. Baton Rouge offers the best of both. Contact us today for details on our upcoming Baton Rouge open houses and find out how you can start living the good life in Louisiana's capital city.