Wind through the heart of Louisiana’s Kisatchie National Forest on the Longleaf Trail Byway, a 27-mile journey that immerses you in one of the South’s most treasured landscapes. This state-designated scenic byway traces a path through towering longleaf pine forests that once blanketed millions of acres across the Gulf Coast, offering a rare glimpse into an ecosystem that has endured for centuries.

Along the route, sandstone bluffs rise unexpectedly from the rolling terrain, while wildflower meadows and hardwood bottomlands create a patchwork of color and texture. Keep watch for red-cockaded woodpeckers, white-tailed deer, and wild turkey among the open, parklike stands of old-growth pine. Pull over at scenic overlooks where the forest canopy stretches unbroken to the horizon, or stop to explore hiking trails that wind deeper into the backcountry.

Spring brings dogwood blooms and mild temperatures ideal for driving with the windows down, while autumn sets the hardwoods ablaze in gold and crimson. Allow one to two hours for the drive itself, longer if you plan to hike or picnic along the way.

The Longleaf Trail Byway is Louisiana’s quiet invitation to slow down and breathe deep among the pines.

Explore Nearby

• Hodges Gardens State Park — State Park in Louisiana
• Kisatchie National Forest — National Forest in Louisiana
• South Toledo Bend State Park — State Park in Louisiana
• Sabine National Forest — National Forest in Texas
• Natchez LightA — Lighthouse in Mississippi