The 150 acres of Acadiana Park Nature Station will awaken the explorer in you

There are few things I enjoy more than taking a peaceful stroll along a scenic hiking trail. These days, it can be difficult to find a secluded trail where you aren’t constantly battling with other hikers, but I’ve found one for you!

There are plenty of great hiking trails in Shreveport. Nature parks like Walter B. Jacobs Memorial Nature Park and Betty Virginia Park are great family-friendly parks that you can easily spend an entire afternoon in. If you’re looking for something more secluded, head to Ford Park.

Ford Park is located on the south shore of Cross Lake, just 10 miles from downtown Shreveport.

The 80-acre park is part of the SPAR park network in the Shreveport area. SPAR also maintains Betty Virginia Park, Highland Park, Red River Bicycle Trail, Shreveport Dog Park, Riverview Park and many others.

There are several outdoor attractions at Ford Park that make it one of SPAR’s most popular parks. The kids love the playground, parents love the boat ramp, disc golf course and tennis courts – a win-win!

There is also a fishing pier for people who want to do a little fishing without having to launch a boat. Cross Lake is a popular fishing spot for largemouth bass, spotted catfish and perch. If you plan on fishing, make sure you have a Louisiana fishing license.

From the 1950s to the 1970s, Ford Park was home to a children’s zoo. Although the zoo is long gone, you’ll see some relics from the past when you visit.

The old locomotive is particularly noteworthy. The train was used in the construction of the Panama Canal and was delivered to the park in 1957. It is a unique piece of history that you don’t see every day!

While many outdoor adventurers enjoy the sports fields and fishing, the nature trail is my personal favorite part of the park.

Ford Park Loop is a 1.6 mile loop trail that is both kid-friendly and dog-friendly. It is respectable for strollers, but you might get stuck in some areas if you come after a rain shower.