Kisatchie National Forest
The Kisatchie National Forest spreads across seven parishes in Louisiana. A world of natural beauty, excitement, learning, recreation, resources and wildlife in their purest form lie hidden in the bayous , among the bald cypress groves and old growth pine.
A spectacular view in the Kisatchie National Forest during the spring is the blooming Oklahoma grass pink orchid (pictured above).
The Kisatchie National Forest has five Ranger Districts: Calcasieu, Caney, Catahoula, Kisatchie, Winn. Each of these Ranger Districts provides extensive information about the area, including camping and recreation activities. There are opportunities on this Forest for riding off-highway vehicles and hunting.
Calcasieu Ranger District
The Calcasieu Ranger District has many ecological types, including wide botanical variations and a wide range of wildlife types. Three areas to be noted are the Castor Creek Scenic Area, Wild Azalea Seep, and the Bayou Boeuf Natural Area. Witness other Special Interest Areas in these locations: Cooter's Bog Special Interest Area, Drake's Creek Special Interest Area, Whiskey Chitto Special Interest Area, Blue Hole Wildlife Viewing Structure, and the Longleaf Scenic Area.
Caney Ranger District
There are many recreation opportunities in the Caney District. The Corney Lake Recreation Area is a beautiful 2,300-acre reservoir that has become a very popular fishing and waterfowl hunting destination. Visitors to the Sugar Cane National Recreation Trail can enjoy hiking or biking through a very diverse ecosystem. From boggy hardwood bottomland to hillside pine groves to lakeshore views of Upper Caney Lake.
Catahoula Ranger District
Visitors to the Catahoula Ranger District enjoy the picturesque setting at Stuart Lake Recreation Complex. Take a relaxing hike or bike along the Glenn Emery Trail or visit the original LSU Site in Pineville. During the fall and winter days, you can hunt in the National Catahoula Wildlife Management Preserve. The Catahoula Hummingbird and Butterfly Garden provides a colorful experience of butterflies and flowers.
Kisatchie Ranger District
When you visit Kisatchie District, you will enjoy panoramic views from the sandstone bluffs of the Longleaf Vista Recreation Area. The Kisatchie Bayou Recreation Area offers cool currents, white sandy beaches, and rocky rapids. Experience a wilderness challenge in the nationally-designated Kisatchie Hills Wilderness. This region also offers a beautiful scenic drive along the 17-mile Longleaf Trail Scenic Byway.
Winn Ranger District
Visitors to Winn Ranger District can enjoy camping at Gum Springs Campground, horseback riding on the Gum Springs Horse Trail, exploring the mysteries of Saline Bayou, hunting in the Catahoula National Wildlife Management Preserve, camping and picnicking at Cloud Crossing, or hiking on the Dogwood Interpretive Trail. Wildlife and botanic enthusiasts have seemingly unlimited areas to explore including a number of native prairies.