Louisiana's Only National Forest Is A Unique Destination With Gorgeous Foliage

While Louisiana is well-known for its incredible Cajun cuisine and bayous along the Gulf of Mexico (renamed the Gulf of America in 2025 by U.S. President Donald Trump), the state has incredibly diverse ecosystems throughout. Perhaps surprisingly, at the literal center of the Pelican State is the Kisatchie National Forest — a 604,000-acre green heart that puts on a show of color during the fall months. 

The Kisatchie National Forest is unique as it is gorgeous. It's the only national forest in the state, broken up into five separate and unique Ranger Districts, stretching from central Louisiana toward the north. Across the region, you'll find deep piney woods and trails to explore, rivers and lakes to paddle, and plenty of wildlife. Visitors will also get a chance to explore the locally rugged "Little Grand Canyon," as well as sandy beaches in the Kisatchie Ranger District. Weeks after some of America's best destinations to see fall foliage have ended their show, the Kisatchie National Forest is just gearing up for a colorful spectacle. Optimally, visit during mid-November to see some of the best colors in the region.

Since the Kisatchie National Forest is spread out, you'll have a couple of options for gateway cities. Alexandria, an underrated hub of Creole culture, is located just outside of the Calcasieu Ranger District. Here, you'll find pine forests, picturesque lakes, and maybe even bald eagles soaring overhead in the Vernon and the Evangeline Units. Meanwhile, the northern stretches of the forest and the picturesque Caney Lakes are less than one hour from Shreveport, in northwest Louisiana. Both cities have airports and connections to major hubs.

If you're breaking up a road trip crisscrossing Louisiana's small towns, don't miss taking a detour off Interstate 49 outside of Alexandria on the Longleaf Trail Scenic Byway — one of the state's best drives, despite being only 17 miles long. Along the way, you'll pass over rolling buttes and through broadleaf pine forests,  and enjoy easy access to some of the Kisatchie National Forest's best hiking trails and historic sites. 

Plus, you'll also get to experience Louisiana's most rugged country, where the elevation changes from 80 to 400 feet (hey, it more than quintuples). Although the original dirt road was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps back in 1935, it has been improved with beautiful pullover spots and turnouts. Keep your eyes peeled, as you may even see deer, turkeys, or a rare Louisiana black bear en route.

Along the way, lace up your hiking boots and take a much-needed break along the beautiful 1.5-mile Longleaf Vista Loop. Known as one of the best hikes in the state, the walk is kid- and pet-friendly, and has a few climbs where you'll look out over beautiful mesas dotted with pines. For a longer day hike, you'll find the Backbone Trail just up the road. There, you can follow the winding path for roughly 2.2 miles before coming back on the Turpentine Hill Trail for 1.6 miles, followed by a short walk on the pavement back to the parking lot. The total route adds up to just under 6 miles, and you'll find a restroom and water at the Longleaf Vista trailhead — though be sure to bring plenty of your own, too.

If you're visiting the Kisatchie National Forest to get away from the hustle and bustle for a few days during the fall, head for the Caney Ranger District just outside of Minden, the South's "friendliest city." In the fall, not only do the trees come alive with color, but bass in the lake actively begin to feed on shad as the temperatures cool. Toss out a line or have a picnic near the water and soak up the scenery. Along the lake, you'll find the Beaver Dam Campground, which provides excellent value for $25 per night. The campsite has full amenities — including electricity and water hookups, boat ramps, restrooms, and dump stations — and previous travelers had high praise for the staff and cleanliness of the campsite. 

Nearby, you'll find two more local hidden gems. If you're up for seeing the leaves up close and personal, take a quick walk around the 3-mile Lost Man Loop, where you'll find beautiful photo opportunities for scenic shots across the water and few people in your shots. Moreover, the Sugar Cane National Recreation Trail wraps about 5.7 miles around Upper Caney Lake and is bicycle-friendly.

If you're visiting in the fall, be careful if you decide to venture off the trails to look for wildlife. These months are prime time for hunting in the Kisatchie National Forest, and the activity is allowed in virtually all parts of the national forest with a handful of exceptions for safety alongside developed areas. Always be aware of your surroundings and note that deer hunters are required to wear hunter orange; however, waterfowl and turkey hunters are not.