There’s a narrow window in Louisiana when the temperature is just ideal for spending your days outside without melting into a sweaty mess or getting eaten by mosquitos. We’ve got the perfect trail for the epic outdoor explorer, and you’ll want to add it to your bucket list before it gets too hot. The Kisatchie National Forest has some of the most beautiful trails in Louisiana, and the Caroline Dormon Trail is no exception. Let’s check it out.

When you’re in the mood to immerse yourself in the wilderness, the Kisatchie National Forest is your best bet.

Stephanie Nash/All Trails While there are hundreds of miles of hiking trails that run throughout Louisiana’s only National Forest, few are as delightful as the Caroline Dormon Trail.

The point-to-point trail clocks in at around 10 miles, so you’ll want to plan accordingly.

Louisiana Hikes/All Trails Be sure to bring plenty of water with you.

The start and end points of the trail are along the Longleaf Scenic Byway and the Kisatchie Bayou Recreation Complex.

J Smilanic/Google There is a parking lot at the Caroline Dormon/Backbone Trailhead that also provides enough parking for those with horse trailers, so feel free to bring along your gentle giant for some adventure.

The 10-mile trail will lead you on an emerald adventure throughout the forest.

William Thomas/All Trails You’ll be walking underneath canopies of towering longleaf pines and a symphony of sounds from songbirds will seranade you.

The trail has some elevation changes along the way, but nothing too strenuous.

Dave Hopper/All Trails It is Louisiana, after all.

Along the way you’ll have some lovely views of the Kisatchie Bayou.

Stephanie Nash/All Trails It’s a perfect spot to sit for a spell and do some reflecting.

There are several primitive campsites along the trail, too.

Rikki Landry/Google So if you’d like to make a weekend out of it, bring a tent and spend a night under the stars.

Have you ever hiked the Caroline Dormon Trail? Let us know in the comments below! And if you have a favorite hiking trail that you think we should know about, nominate it for a chance to be featured!

Stephanie Nash/All Trails

While there are hundreds of miles of hiking trails that run throughout Louisiana’s only National Forest, few are as delightful as the Caroline Dormon Trail.

Louisiana Hikes/All Trails

Be sure to bring plenty of water with you.

J Smilanic/Google

There is a parking lot at the Caroline Dormon/Backbone Trailhead that also provides enough parking for those with horse trailers, so feel free to bring along your gentle giant for some adventure.

William Thomas/All Trails

You’ll be walking underneath canopies of towering longleaf pines and a symphony of sounds from songbirds will seranade you.

Dave Hopper/All Trails

It is Louisiana, after all.

It’s a perfect spot to sit for a spell and do some reflecting.

Rikki Landry/Google

So if you’d like to make a weekend out of it, bring a tent and spend a night under the stars.

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Address: Caroline Dormon Trailhead / Backbone Trailhead Parking Lot, 10, Natchitoches, LA 71457, USA