Valentine Lake Loop Trail (Kisatchie National Forest) Hiking Guide
Valentine Lake, built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the Evangeline Unit of Kisatchie National Forest, has an easy trail system that circles its shores southwest of Alexandria. The north loop climbs gently into upland pine and drops through hardwood creek bottoms; a lakeshore path follows the south bank. It is free, close to town and the gentlest way into the woods where the Wild Azalea Trail begins.
Loops and Distances
The Forest Service describes three pieces: the Valentine Lake Loop Trail, which follows the full north shore and swings north for a complete 1.6-mile loop; the Valentine Lakeshore Trail, about 1.2 miles along the south shore; and the 0.6-mile Valentine Nature Trail linking the two. Hiking Project maps the combined circuit at 3.6 miles with about 100 feet of climbing. The forest rates it easy and allows both hiking and biking.
Directions and Parking
From Alexandria, drive LA 28 west 12 miles to LA 121, turn left for 0.3 miles, then left on Valentine Lake Road (Forest Road 279). After 0.8 miles turn right on Forest Road 282; the first paved right in 1.1 miles goes to the North Shore campground, the day-use and fishing area is 0.5 miles farther, and the Wild Azalea trailhead lot is 2 miles past that. Parking and trail use are free; only camping costs money, with single sites listed at $10 a night.
Plants, Wildlife and Snakes
Wildflowers can be abundant at certain times of year, and the forest says wildlife can turn up anytime because of the remote surroundings. If you meet a snake, the advice is to quietly back away, walk around it if you can, or wait for it to finish crossing. The Forest Service has also proposed a 0.8-mile nature trail connecting the loop to the Wild Azalea Trail, which would make a longer day possible from one lot.
Hunting and Seasons
The Evangeline Unit is open to deer hunting. Gun hunters may be out for bucks most days from early November to late December this season (Nov. 7-26, 28-29 and Dec. 12-27), so a blaze-orange hat makes sense on a late-fall walk even close to the campground. Spring blooms and fall color are the highlights, and the lake's picnic area gives the loop an easy finish.
Hiking tips for Valentine Lake Loop Trail (Kisatchie National Forest)
- Park free at the day-use area and start from the lake.
- Add the Lakeshore Trail for the full circuit of the water.
- Give snakes space and let them cross before you continue.
- Bring a hat and water in warm months; shade varies.
- Wear orange on deer gun-season days.
Nearby trails to explore
- Wild Azalea National Recreation Trail
- Longleaf Vista Interpretive Trail (Kisatchie)
- Backbone Trail (Kisatchie Hills Wilderness)
Hike this trail with TrailMates
Valentine Lake is a relaxed group walk with a picnic area at the end. Post it on TrailMates, agree on the day-use lot as the meeting point in the event's group chat, and bring friends from Alexandria and Pineville. Download TrailMates on the App Store or Google Play.