City Park Lake – City-Brooks Community Park loop from Pete Maravich Assembly Center

If you're looking for a scenic and accessible jog through Baton Rouge's natural and academic heart, the City Park Lake – City-Brooks Community Park loop from Pete Maravich Assembly Center is a fantastic choice. This moderate 8.2-mile (13.2 km) route, with a gentle 93 feet (28 metres) of elevation gain, can be completed in about 1 hour and 21 minutes, offering a rewarding workout without overly challenging terrain.

What to expect on City Park Lake – City-Brooks Community Park loop from Pete Maravich Assembly Center

This route offers a delightful journey through varied scenery, starting with the pleasant pedestrian paths of the LSU campus, shaded by magnificent live oaks. As you progress, you'll transition to the scenic LSU Lakes, including University Lake and City Park Lake, where paved multi-use trails hug the water's edge, providing picturesque views and opportunities for birdwatching. The path continues into the expansive 154-acre City-Brooks Community Park, an oasis of green spaces and more lake views. The terrain is largely flat with some gentle hills, making it approachable for most fitness levels, and the consistent paved surfaces ensure a smooth experience for joggers.

Planning your visit

The LSU Lakes area is a popular running route in Baton Rouge, so you can expect company, especially during peak times. The route is easily accessible from the Pete Maravich Assembly Center, and ample parking is available in the surrounding LSU campus area. City-Brooks Community Park and Milford Wampold Memorial Park (an access point to the LSU Lakes) offer convenient amenities like restrooms and water fountains. This loop is enjoyable year-round, but early mornings or late afternoons are ideal to avoid the midday heat, especially in warmer months.

• Distance: 8.2 miles (13.2 km)
• Elevation gain: 93 feet (28 metres)
• Difficulty: moderate
• Estimated time: 1 hours and 21 minutes