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Cypress Island Preserve
4.5 ★★★★★ 163 Google reviews · Running trail in St Martinville, Louisiana · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Boardwalk
- Loop distance
- 25 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Cypress Island Preserve's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
This 9,500-acre preserve features swamps & hardwood forests, plus a boardwalk & visitor center.
What runners say about Cypress Island Preserve
“Unbothered nature- beautiful wide path- the levy loop is wide and smooth enough for a stroller or wagon.”
“Easy trails, great to see birds, toads, lizards and alligator.”
Just over a five mile out and back. If you start by the visitors center, it’s covered for majority of the path. Opens up for the last bit at the far end. We saw about 10 small gators, 12 or more turtles, a few snakes, various birds and a nutria rat. Bugs weren’t bad but we had a cooler day with light wind.
Its off the beaten path however a good place to take a stroll if you are in the area. Picnic and restroom facilities available. Clean and well kept. The main trail on wooden platform is damaged. There is a pth and takes you around the lake.
Free! Easy trails, great to see birds, toads, lizards and alligator. Lakes views from the peninsula, about 30 minutes along. Visitor center open weekends.
First time to visit the south and was so in awe at the beauty of the preserve, I went on a small trail hike there early in the morning and enjoyed seeing all the different birds that are using the place as a habitat, sadly didn't see any gators which was expected since it was in the upper 30s.
Trail conditions & character
“Unbothered nature- beautiful wide path- the levy loop is wide and smooth enough for a stroller or wagon.”
“Bathrooms available as well as covered picnic tables.”
“Unbothered nature- beautiful wide path- the levy loop is wide and smooth enough for a stroller or wagon.”
“Parking and washrooms (didn’t check them).”
“Unbothered nature- beautiful wide path- the levy loop is wide and smooth enough for a stroller or wagon.”
Plan your run at Cypress Island Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceBoardwalk — flat and scenic, and slick when wet, so watch your footing
- Loop distance25 mi back to where you parked. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitenature.org
- Phone(337) 342-2475
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 7 AM–5 PM |
| Tuesday | 7 AM–5 PM |
| Wednesday | 7 AM–5 PM |
| Thursday | 7 AM–5 PM |
| Friday | 7 AM–5 PM |
| Saturday | 7 AM–5 PM |
| Sunday | 7 AM–5 PM |
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