Louisiana boasts some incredible waterfalls that are worth exploring. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of Louisiana’s top waterfalls and at other activities you can do that are nearby
Although Louisiana is known for bodies of water including Lake Pontchartrain and the Gulf of Mexico, these falls are also watery delights you can experience in the Bayou State.
Top 9 Waterfalls in Louisiana
1. Clark Creek Natural Area Waterfalls
2. Tunica Hills Wildlife Management Area
5. Rock Falls
8. Odum Falls
9. Little Bayou Pierre Cascade
Visiting Waterfalls in Louisiana
Here are some of the best and most beautiful waterfalls in Louisiana. We’ll also share how to get to them and what else to do in the area.
1. Clark Creek Natural Area Waterfalls
This waterfall spans parts of Louisiana and Mississippi. The 700-acre wilderness along the winding border between these two states is a must-stop for waterfall chasers. In fact, it boasts more than 50 falls! The green space is also known for its diversity of foliage, with a variety of local trees and a large number of trails to explore.
Things to do near Clark Creek Natural Area Waterfalls: This part of the south, where Mississippi meets Louisiana, is full of wilderness worth exploring. Along with the Clark Creek Natural Area, you may want to check out the Red River State Wildlife Management Area, the Three Rivers Wildlife Management Area, or the Grassy Lake State Wildlife Management Area. Here are some local RVshare rentals to make it easy to spend as long as you’d like exploring the region.
2. Tunica Hills Wildlife Management Area
Another scenic preserve close to the Mississippi River, Tunica Hills Wildlife Management Area boasts a number of hiking trails. The trails are used by hikers, trail runners, equestrians, and others, and they run seasonally with beautiful waterfalls. If you visit during a dry time of year, you might not find any falls, and indeed might not know they’re ever here. Trail A is well-known for its potential waterfalls. For the best shot at seeing one, hike after a rain or wait for others to report back on cascades so you can try to catch one.
Things to do near Tunica Hills Wildlife Management Area: Although rugged enough to feel far off the beaten path, the Tunica Hills WMA is only an hour north of Baton Rouge, and only two hours or so from New Orleans. Along with the many preserved wildernesses in this area, you can have urban adventures along this corridor as well. We recommend checking out these local RVshare rentals (and excellent area RV parks!) if you plan to visit.
3. Woodriff Falls
Woodriff Falls may be small, but they’re gorgeous and well worth visiting. Located just north of the Mississippi River along the Woodriff Ditch, Woodriff Falls tumbles scenically down from an overhanging rock ledge. You’ll find a beautiful and inviting rock shelter that visitors can clamber into to experience the falls from a whole new angle. The hike to the falls isn’t particularly strenuous, though it is surrounded by stunning local foliage, and the small southern towns that dot the area invite you to drop in.
Things to do near Woodriff Falls: Nearby Cat Island National Wildlife Refuge has many more hiking trails and outdoor recreation opportunities to offer visitors. The small city of St. Francisville offers basic amenities as well as some incredible southern dining options. Meanwhile, the falls are less than an hour from Baton Rouge, and there are some wonderful RV parks around (and RVshare vehicles to rent).
4. St. Mary’s Falls
The J.C. “Sonny” Gilbert Wildlife Management Area is an expansive stretch of forest in the central-northeastern part of Louisiana. Although it’s a distance from Louisiana’s most-visited areas, it’s well worth adding to your list. The St. Mary’s Falls Trail is both stunning and relatively short and easy. The out-and-back trail is just over a mile long and gains just over 100 feet in elevation. Although there are a few steep, rocky sections, it’s an easy option for kids and beginning hikers. The view at the end of the trail makes it a worthwhile adventure.
Things to do near St. Mary’s Falls: The J.C. “Sonny” Gilbert WMA is just one part of a larger, more expansive wilderness. The wilderness extends up into the Sicily Island Hills State Wildlife Management Area and eventually connects to the Boeuf Wildlife Management Area and other parks. Additionally, although they’re far from major Louisiana cities, these wilderness areas are surrounded by smaller communities like Harrisonburg and Jonesville, which can meet all your basic vacation needs.
5. Rock Falls
Another must-see waterfall tucked away into the J.C. “Sonny” Gilbert Wildlife Management Area, Rock Falls Trail is slightly steeper than St. Mary’s Falls, but it’s still marked “easy” by most users on AllTrails. You’ll travel less than a mile and see almost 150 feet in elevation change. There are a few challenging moments, but this is a hike that those new to the sport can take on. The waterfall at the end is a beautiful, multi-tiered affair that drips languidly from multiple overhanging rock ledges. Along with hiking and trail running, this path is popular for snowshoeing and nature trips in the winter, when you may be able to witness this beautiful waterfall when it’s frozen solid.
Things to do near Rock Falls: This easy loop can be reached within a drive of less than 15 minutes from the small town of Leland or on a slightly longer journey of about half an hour from Sicily Island. This area is composed of multiple forests struck through with multiple rivers and creeks. It’s a fantastic spot for outdoor adventurers of all stripes, but particularly for water lovers. Here are some area RVshare rentals so you can explore at your own pace.
6. Hodges Gardens
Tucked alongside a small but scenic man-made lake constructed in the 1950s, Hodges Gardens is a beautiful, well-manicured 200+ acres of botanical gardens. There are scenic pools, fountains, geysers, and a lovely cascade. The waters are used to irrigate the plants that have been selected to populate the area, and the whole system is recycled. It’s a sustainable, picturesque destination for visitors eager to learn more about local and exotic foliage. Because this is a man-made waterfall working on a pump, you can only see it in action during the hours the gardens are open. Additionally, keep your eye on the Hodges Garden website, as the park hosts social events as well!
Things to do near Hodges Gardens: Nestled between the small Louisiana towns of Florien and Hornbeck, Hodges Gardens is also within an easy driving distance of the nearby Peason Ridge Wildlife Management Area, if you’re looking for less-manicured outdoor adventures.
7. Kisatchie Falls
It’s perhaps one of the most famed falls in the entire state of Louisiana, and one people travel to see. But Kisatchie Falls is actually a little misnamed: this is a set of Class-II rapids that cascade busily along the Kisatchie Bayou. There are excellent adventures for those who enjoy whitewater rafting. The rapids also create a small pool that’s perfect for dipping your feet, wading, or letting the pup splash around for a few sunny hours.
Things to do near Kisatchie Falls: The enormous forest where these rapids are found covers a sweeping 600,000 acres. The nearby Bayou Kisatchie Campground is a great place to lay your head at night if you’re looking for primitive accommodations while tent camping. You can find many excellent RV-friendly campground options in the larger Alexandria, Louisiana area, not to mention some excellent RVshare rentals!
8. Odum Falls
One of the best falls in the entire state of Louisiana, Odum Falls is both broad and tall, offering a stunning cascade where the Long Branch waterway diverts into Odum Creek. It’s located close to a roadway in the Peason Ridge Wildlife Management Area in a beautiful stretch of green space where you’ll find, among other things, a number of local cemeteries. Although the flow of these falls varies depending on how much it has rained, the area is known for its wet climate. The chance of a powerful cascade is fairly high year-round.
Things to do near Odum Falls: You can combine a visit here with one to Kisatchie Falls since they’re located only minutes from each other. There are also many other hiking trails and natural areas to check out nearby. Here are some local RVshare rentals to make it into a long and leisurely vacation.
9. Little Bayou Pierre Cascade
Little Bayou Pierre is a small but scenic river that cuts through the wilderness on the east side of the Peason Ridge Wildlife Management Area. It boasts a series of scenic falls that drop shortly but swiftly in five-foot tiers as the water travels to its destination. This is another section of Class-II rapids and is a beloved destination for whitewater kayakers and canoers.
Things to do near Little Bayou Pierre Cascade: Although wild and green, this scenic waterway is only an hour from Alexandria. You’ll find plenty of things to do there, including museums, a zoo, and world-class restaurants. This metro area is also home to some excellent RVshare rentals, not to mention comfortable RV parks and campgrounds.
Planning an RV Trip to Louisiana
There are many wonderful reasons to visit Louisiana, from waterfalls to crawfish boils to incredible U.S. historical sites. And an RV is the perfect way to see the area.
If you don’t yet have a rig of your own, the RVshare network is strong in Louisiana. You can find the best peer-to-peer RV rentals in the state available right here on our website. Additionally, we’ve written guides to the best Louisiana state parks, the best Louisiana RV parks and campgrounds, and to some of the best and most-loved cities so you’ll have the information you need for a one-of-a-kind vacation.
