Louisiana isn't just swamp and Mardi Gras-far from it. The "Sportsman's Paradise" state actually has a surprising variety of terrain, ranging from piney woods and cheniers (wooded swampland ridges to the west of Baton Rouge) to the hilly central and northern portions of the state. In fact, you might also be surprised at the hiking opportunities offered by the watery, and endangered, tidal marshes that meet the Gulf of Mexico. The state's varied habitats provide an ideal home for a wide range of animals and plants, from ospreys to wintering waterfowl, from wild azalea to night-blooming jasmine. The hikes in this new title in the acclaimed 50 Hikes series range in length from . 5 to 31 miles, from a casual stroll to a 3- to 4-day backpack. An overview chart makes it easy to choose a hike for every ability. Each hike description includes mile-by-mile directions, information on hiking time, mileage, and trail conditions, and knowledgeable commentary on the human and natural history you'll encounter along the way.