Kisatchie National Forest: Louisiana's Wilderness Secret
When people think of Louisiana outdoors they think swamps and bayous, not pine ridges and hill country. Kisatchie National Forest — the only national forest in Louisiana — covers 600,000 acres across central Louisiana and contains genuine backcountry: the Kisatchie Hills Wilderness, 25 miles of maintained backpacking trail, cypress bayou canoeing, and longleaf pine savannas that were once the defining ecosystem of the South. No permit required. Very few hikers. This is a rare opportunity to hike a full week in a US national forest and share the trail with almost no one.
Trip Overview
- Duration: 6 days / 5 nights
- Trail: Wild Azalea Trail (25 miles one-way) + Kisatchie Bayou Canoe Trail
- Permits: None
- Best months: October–April (spring wildflowers, fall color, mild temperatures)
- Avoid: June–August (heat index frequently 110°F+)
- Base town: Alexandria, LA
Day 1 — Arrive Alexandria, Drive to Valentine Lake
Alexandria is the gateway to the Kisatchie Ranger District. Stock up at Academy Sports or Walmart — no gear shops in the forest. Drive 35 miles north to the Valentine Lake Recreation Area (the best base camp for the forest, with RV and tent camping). Hike the Valentine Lake Trail (4.3 miles, easy, through longleaf pine) to shake out legs and scout the forest character.
Days 2–4 — Wild Azalea Trail (25 miles, 3 days)
The Wild Azalea Trail is Louisiana's longest hiking trail, running 25 miles through the Calcasieu and Evangeline ranger districts. The trail is named for the native azaleas that bloom in brilliant pink and white from mid-February through April — during peak bloom weeks, the trail through the upland ridges is genuinely spectacular. The path follows forest roads, single-track through longleaf pine savanna, and creek crossings. Water sources from the many small bayous and creeks (filter everything). Campsites are dispersed along the trail. Day 2: hike the northern section (9 miles, Woodworth to Evangeline Camp). Day 3: central section (8 miles, through Evangeline Camp to a creek-side bivouac). Day 4: southern section (8 miles, finish at Recreation Road 279).
Day 5 — Kisatchie Hills Wilderness + Bayou Canoe
Drive to the Kisatchie Hills Wilderness in the Kisatchie Ranger District (1 hour from Pollock). The Kisatchie Hills are unlike the rest of Louisiana — sandstone bluffs, upland longleaf pine, and clear-water streams. The Backbone Trail (4.5 miles) traverses the highest ridge in the wilderness with views across the forest canopy. In the afternoon, paddle the Kisatchie Bayou Canoe Trail (8 miles) through bald cypress and water oak — the bayou runs clear over sand in this section, unusual for Louisiana waterways.
Day 6 — Indian Creek Recreation Area & Return
The Indian Creek Recreation Area is the most scenic lake in Kisatchie — a 92-acre lake surrounded by longleaf pine with a sandy beach, fishing pier, and swimming area. Spend the morning here before driving back to Alexandria (45 minutes) and departing. The Longleaf Vista recreation area (a 2-mile interpretive trail through a rare intact longleaf savanna) is worth the 30-minute detour on the way out.
Gear Notes
- Treat all water — bayou water looks clean but isn't
- Ticks are present year-round; treat clothing with permethrin
- Longleaf pine savanna is open country — afternoon sun can be intense even in fall; sun protection essential
- No bear canisters required (no black bears in this forest)
