Louisiana's Only National Forest Is Full Of Scenic Byways, Vistas, Trails, And Adventure

When you think of Louisiana, images of Mardi Gras parades, hanging Spanish moss, and an alligator or two come to mind. However, before you book a guided tour of the French Quarter or reserve a spot on the New Orleans Food tour rated as one of the top experiences in the entire U.S., consider hitting the road and heading off the beaten path.

Spread out over 604,000 acres in Central Louisiana, Kisatchie National Forest boasts a sprawling landscape with towering longleaf pines, winding trails, and scenic drives beneath shady canopies. Founded in 1930, this national forest is divided into five ranger districts (Winn, Catahoula, Calcasieu, Kisatchie, and Caney) with 400 miles of multi-use trails and 40 recreational areas. Due to its massive size, it's impossible to experience the entire forest in a single outing (or even 10). However, you can choose one peaceful district or trail and disconnect from the modern world for a little while. 

Head to Caney District and spend the day fishing for black crappie, largemouth bass, and channel catfish at Corney Lake Recreation Area's 2,300-acre reservoir. Or, throw in a line beneath old-growth pines at Kisatchie Bayou. Park your trailer and take a horseback ride over creaks and through wooded pine areas on Caroline Dormon Trail, or cycle along the paved section of the Longleaf Trail Scenic Byway. Other popular activities include camping, hunting (check the regulations, of course), hiking, off-roading, mountain biking, swimming, boating, kayaking, and birding.

With over 100 miles of trails in Kisatchie National Forest, it's difficult to say which route is the best. While some paths are only half a mile long, the Wild Azalea Trail stretches almost 24 miles and is the longest hiking trail in Louisiana. Before starting your adventure, check the Kisatchie National Forest website to make sure your chosen trail is open. Keep in mind that some parts of the forest, particularly the recreation areas, close during hurricane season or while fixing storm-related damage. 

For panoramic pine views and meandering paths through meadows, try the Longleaf Vista Interpretive Trail. Best for families or people short on time, this loop is only 1.5 miles long and provides a great introduction to the Kisatchie Hills Wilderness. For a moderate hike that takes about two hours, start the Sugar Cane Trail. Skirting the banks of Caney Lake and venturing further into the hills, this trail is approximately 6 miles long. If you're lucky, you might see an armadillo or a family of wild turkeys. 

For backpackers looking for a unique Louisiana hiking experience, try Backbone Trail, which is about 8 miles long (one way) and offers views of the creeks and surrounding forest from the outcroppings. Make camp at one of the primitive sites or finish your hike in one day. If you don't want to walk back the way you came, follow the road back to the original trailhead — it's about 3 miles.

The best time to visit Kisatchie National Forest is generally between October and May because the bugs (particularly the tics and chiggers) get a little out of hand during the muggy summer months. If you do visit during the summer, the forest service recommends spraying Deet (at least 30 percent) on your ankles, socks, and pant legs. However, if you want to see the light pink blooms of azaleas along the Wild Azalea Trail, we recommend planning your visit between March and April. 

Kisatchie National Forest allows dispersed camping, which means you can camp outside of designed camp areas. Not everyone understands how to be respectful when sharing a campsite, so dispersed camping provides an opportunity to experience pure solitude and quiet. However, keep in mind that you won't have access to water, trash removal, or other services. Campfires are permitted unless there is a fire ban — check the Forest Service website for more info. There are also 36 camping areas spread out over the five ranger districts. If you're traveling with an RV, choose Valentine Lake Recreation Complex, which has 14 campsites (six directly on the waterfront) and access to water, bathrooms, and trash collection. For those visiting during the summer months, make sure you're up to date on these genius hacks that will keep bugs away while camping.