Louisiana is known for our beautiful bayous and swamps, but did you know we also have an incredible national forest filled with hundreds of hiking trails and camping opportunities? Just when you think you knew everything about the Pelican State, it goes and surprises you with something as stunning at this natural oasis. Let’s take a closer look at Louisana’s only national forest: the Kisatchie National Forest.

Sprawling across over 600,000 acres in central and northern Louisiana, the Kisatchie National Forest is one of the largest natural landscapes in Louisiana.

Steven Scalia/Google And it’s certainly one of the most beautiful.

Established in the 1930s, the forest is broken up into five ranger districts across seven parishes.

St_Matty/Trip Advisor They are: Calcasieu, Caney, Catahoula, Kisatchie, and Winn.

Comprised of longleaf pines, hardwoods, and even a large cypress-tupelo gum swamp, it provides a home to countless wildlife including deer, wild turkeys, armadillos, countless birds, and also the Louisiana black bear.

St_Matty/Trip Advisor You never know what wildlife you’re going to see when you explore this beautiful forest.

There are more than 100 miles of trails that will take you throughout the forest.

Jonathan Peyton/Google Each one is more beautiful than the next, and all range in difficulty and length. For the epic outdoor explorer, give the Wild Azalea Trail a go. At 24 miles, it’s the longest primitive trail in the state and is peppered with beautiful wild azaleas along the way.

Sandstone bluffs, piney hills, and steep terrain will have you second guessing if you’re still in Louisiana.

Louisiana Travel/Google It’s not often that we get elevation changes on our nature walks, but these trails will take you on quite the adventure.

There are several recreation areas peppered around the forest for camping and day use.

Philip Purpera/All Trails And you can always stop off along the trails and set up camp, just make sure you’re not directly on the trail and leave only footprints!

The views from some of the trails are truly impressive.

Jonathan Peyton/Google Pictured above is the view from the Longleaf Vista Recreation Area. Those treetop views are one in a million!

With views like this, you may never want to leave.

Lyle Guidry/All Trails And we wouldn’t blame you.

What are your favorite hiking trails in the Kisatchie? Let us know in the comments below! Better yet, nominate it for a chance to be featured!

Steven Scalia/Google

And it’s certainly one of the most beautiful.

St_Matty/Trip Advisor

They are: Calcasieu, Caney, Catahoula, Kisatchie, and Winn.

You never know what wildlife you’re going to see when you explore this beautiful forest.

Jonathan Peyton/Google

Each one is more beautiful than the next, and all range in difficulty and length. For the epic outdoor explorer, give the Wild Azalea Trail a go. At 24 miles, it’s the longest primitive trail in the state and is peppered with beautiful wild azaleas along the way.

Louisiana Travel/Google

It’s not often that we get elevation changes on our nature walks, but these trails will take you on quite the adventure.

Philip Purpera/All Trails

And you can always stop off along the trails and set up camp, just make sure you’re not directly on the trail and leave only footprints!

Pictured above is the view from the Longleaf Vista Recreation Area. Those treetop views are one in a million!

Lyle Guidry/All Trails

And we wouldn’t blame you.

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Address: Kisatchie National Forest, Louisiana 71433, USA