On the trail of the Longleaf Pine

Rugged hills and a "Little Grand Canyon" in Louisiana? You'd be surprised.

In the heart of Louisiana the flat swamps and marshlands of the south turn to hills, rolling through the “Great Piney Woods” surrounding Alexandria. One of the gems of central Louisiana is the Kisatchie National Forest, 600,000 acres of pine forests, lakes and beautiful scenic drives.

Largely because of its unusual terrain, the Kisatchie Ranger District northwest of Alexandria is considered by local residents to be the “crown jewel” of the Kisatchie National Forest. Variations in topography range from level land to steep bluffs.

One such stretch of this region is the Longleaf Trail, located 5.5 miles south of the Derry Exit on Interstate Highway 49, a 17-mile route that follows a high ridge through the rugged Kisatchie Hills area. The Trail has been designated a scenic byway and touted as one of the most scenic drives in Louisiana. The terrain is exceptionally rugged for Louisiana, ranging from 120 to 400 feet in elevation, which allows for dramatic overlooks that go on for miles. Visitors will find mesas, buttes and sandstone outcrops, backdropped by longleaf pines, and the Kisatchie Bayou, a state natural and scenic stream. The Trail also traverses the National Red Dirt Wildlife Management Preserve, which includes the Kisatchie Hills Wilderness for about half its length. It provides numerous opportunities for viewing the wilderness.

Be sure to stop at the Longleaf Vista, which offers picnic areas in addition to the gorgeous view and 1.5-mile trail down to a bayou and over to the visitor’s center. Most of the Vista’s buildings were built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps.

Camping — most of it primitive — is also available within the forest. 

To access the Longleaf Trail, exit I-49 at the Derry Exit, then head west on Louisiana Hwy. 119 to Hwy. 59. After traveling through the Kisatchie Forest, the Trail ends at the intersection with Hwy. 117, south of Bellwood. Longleaf Trail is a two-lane paved road suitable for all vehicles. It remains open year-round.

 

The Kisatchie Hills Wilderness lies next to the byway and is known locally as the "Little Grand Canyon" because of its steep slopes, rock outcrops, and mesas. Hiking and horseback riding trails lead you into this wilderness area. The Longleaf Vista Picnic Area is surrounded on three sides by this 8,700-acre wilderness area. A 1.5-mile nature trail is located here, as is a small visitor center. Restrooms and drinking water are also provided.

Wildlife observers will find white-tailed deer, foxes, opossums, squirrels, raccoons, and coyotes inhabiting the area. An occasional roadrunner can also be seen. Birdwatchers will delight in the numerous songbirds.

Most of the camping areas along the byway are primitive but do have drinking water or restroom facilities. Dogwood Campground is the most developed and has 20 RV and tent sites, drinking water, and flush toilets. Kisatchie Bayou has 17 walk-in sites and only one drive-in unit. Drinking water and vault toilets are provided. There is no water at Coyote, Cane, and Oak Campgrounds.

Information: Kisatchie National Forest, PO Box 5500, Pineville LA 71361 / 318-473-7160.

Weird, Wacky and Wild South is written by travel and food writer Chere Dastugue Coen, who loves getting outdoors in the woods.