Wild Azalea National Recreation Trail Hiking Guide
The Wild Azalea Trail is Louisiana's long-distance footpath, running from Valentine Lake Recreation Area southwest of Alexandria to the Woodworth Town Hall through the Evangeline Unit of Kisatchie National Forest. It crosses pine hills and hardwood creek bottoms and is a designated National Recreation Trail. In spring the Forest Service calls the dogwoods and wild azaleas spectacular.
How Long Is It?
Sources disagree. The Forest Service's current trail brochure and map page call it approximately 31 miles; its Evangeline Unit brochure says 26. Hiking Project maps 24.1 miles point to point with about 1,150 feet of climbing and 1,270 of descent, starting from Valentine Lake. The brochure estimates about 16 hours of walking without a pack, so most people section-hike it or spread it over two days.
The Seven Segments
The brochure splits the route into seven pieces. Segment 1 runs about 5.6 miles from Valentine Lake to Forest Service Road 279, passing the 1930s Gardner Fire Tower. Segment 2 goes about 3.4 miles to the Evangeline Primitive Camp, past the Wild Azalea Seep, an acid seep with orchids and the only known bog moss west of the Mississippi. Segment 3 is 2.2 miles along Boggy Bayou to LA 488, and Segment 4 about 3.2 miles past the Castor Creek Scenic Area. Segment 5, 6.6 miles, is the strenuous one, with creek crossings and steep climbs. Segment 6 suits wet weather, and Segment 7 is 1.7 miles of paved road into Woodworth.
Water, Camping and Blazes
The only drinking water on the trail is at the Valentine Lake complex, and the Forest Service calls the streams unsuitable for drinking, so carry plenty. Camping is allowed beside the trail if your site is at least 30 feet from its centerline, and all trash must be packed out. Follow the bright yellow paint blazes closely: old logging roads are everywhere, and other trails in the area are marked blue or white. Parking is at Valentine Lake, Woodworth Town Hall and on Forest Roads 273 and 279; the Wild Azalea trailhead lot at Valentine Lake is free.
Who Uses It
The trail is designated for foot and bicycle travel, and Hiking Project notes no ORV or horse traffic. The Forest Service's Wild Azalea Seep page says dogs must be leashed. The Forest Service lists more trails nearby, including the Wild Azalea Spur, Kincaid, Lakeshore and Lamotte Creek trails around Kincaid Lake, where the beach and picnic area charge $5 per vehicle.
Seasons and Hunting
Spring brings the blooms, and fall turns the mixed hardwood and pine to contrasting color. Deer hunting is allowed on the Evangeline Unit: rifle and shotgun hunters may take bucks from Nov. 7 to Nov. 26, on Nov. 28 and 29, and from Dec. 12 to Dec. 27 in 2026, either sex on Nov. 27, and bowhunters are out from Oct. 1 to Jan. 31. Hunters on federal land must wear orange; hikers should too on those days. Summer heat and humidity make long days hard.
Hiking tips for Wild Azalea National Recreation Trail
- Plan your water: Valentine Lake is the only tap on the route.
- Watch for yellow blazes where logging roads cross the trail.
- Save Segment 5 for a day with fresh legs and dry creeks.
- Camp at least 30 feet off the trail centerline.
- Wear hunter orange during the late-fall gun season.
Nearby trails to explore
- Valentine Lake Loop Trail (Kisatchie National Forest)
- Backbone Trail (Kisatchie Hills Wilderness)
- Caroline Dormon Trail (Kisatchie National Forest)
Hike this trail with TrailMates
The Wild Azalea is made for shuttles and section hikes, both easier with a group. Post a segment on TrailMates, line up cars at Valentine Lake and Woodworth in the event's group chat, and walk Louisiana's longest trail with company. Download TrailMates on the App Store or Google Play.