The Kisatchie National Forest is full of surprises. From the labyrinth of hiking trails to the hidden lakes, streams, and swimming holes, the forest is definitely an explorer’s playground. Speaking of surprises, you may be surprised to learn that the forest is home to one of the most unique attractions in Louisiana: Wolf Rock Cave. It’s the only cave in Louisiana that we know of, and finding it makes for one of the most unique day trips in Louisiana you can take. Let’s check it out:

The cave is located in Leesville, and it’s actually pretty easy to get to.
Halea McLellan/Google
You'll see markers for it as you pull into the parking lot.
There’s a parking lot near the entrance to the trail. The trail isn’t long - in fact, it’ll take you less than 10 minutes to get to the cave from your car.
Brian Verdin/Google
The terrain is pretty rugged, so you'll want to wear shoes with a good grip. That being said, we'd still consider this an easy trail - just watch your step once you get closer to the cave!
The 30 million-year-old cave is the only one of its kind in Louisiana.
Parker Tarleton/Google
Historians and archaeologists have unearthed stone tools, spear points, and other things that suggest the cave was first occupied as far back as 2500 BCE.
The cave overlooks Bundick Creek, so you can see how it would be a perfect spot to set up camp.
Parker Tarleton/Google
It's also very possible that this creek looked much different hundreds of years ago, and was possibly much larger, perhaps even giving boats the ability to navigate it. Access to fresh water and food makes this cave a perfect location for shelter, so it's easy to see why it was used by so many different people over the years. Fish hooks and fish bones have also been discovered, so it's clear that this was a hospitable environment for some time.

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But early inhabitants weren't the only ones to use to cave.
Anthony Lopez/Google
The cave has been used for many different purposes over the years. During the Civil War, the cave was used to hide supplies from the Confederate soldiers. In the late 1800s, it is believed that the infamous outlaw Jesse James used the cave as a hideout. In the 1950s, hunters and fishers used it as a campground. It wasn’t until the 1970s that the cave became part of the United States Forest Service and efforts began to make it a historical marker.
The cave also used to be much larger.
Victoria/Google
There were actually two larger caverns within the cave, but when the US Forest Service took over, those rooms were believed to be too dangerous and were sealed off with explosives.
If you aren't put off by tight spaces, you can still venture into the cave's entrance.
Charley Clarissa/Google
You might want to knock first - you never know what forest critters have moved in.
It's certainly one of the most unique natural attractions in Louisiana.
Tim Frederick/Google
It's not every day that you get to explore a cave in Louisiana, after all.
While this area is filled with wonder and history, keep in mind that digging, excavating, and disturbing the site or structure is strictly prohibited!
Tyler Hill/Google
Anyone caught looting will be heavily fined.

The Kisatchie is home to so many surprises. Once you’ve explored Wolf Rock Cave, maybe you’ll be inspired to tackle Driskill Mountain, the tallest natural summit in Louisiana. If you’ve ever visited Wolf Rock Cave, let us know in the comments. We love pictures, too, of course!

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More to Explore

Cave in Louisiana

Tori Jane | March 14, 2023
  1. Are there many caves in Louisiana?

Though there are a few places that call themselves “caves,” ultimately, Wolf Cave is the only actual, natural cave in Louisiana. However, there are a couple of other places worth mentioning anyway:  

  • Murrell’s Cave – This cavern system in the Rock Hills of Kisatchie was a large network of caves that was eventually blasted apart to avoid further deaths and disappearances thanks to inexperienced folks traversing the caves to find a supposedly lost treasure.  
  • Salt Caves – These places can be either natural or man-made, and some are even said to have special medicinal properties. Examples of these include places like the Lafayette Salt Cave and other Himalayan salt caves open to the public.  

 

Learn more about another amazingly relaxing place in Louisiana to escape from the real world.   

  1. Where is Wolf Rock Cave in Louisiana?

Okay, so, Wolf Rock Cave is the only remaining natural cave open to the public in Louisiana, so where is it? It’s hidden away in Leesville, which is inside the Kisatchie National Forest. It’s approximately 30 million years old, and for many centuries it was occupied by Archaic peoples who once called what is now modern-day Louisiana home. Interestingly, it also served as a Union barracks and “hiding” spot, concealing horses, soldiers, and supplies during the Civil War!  

  1. What are some other natural wonders in Louisiana?

Wolf Rock Cave is far from the only natural wonder in Louisiana. We’ve got hundreds more – so many that we can’t mention them all on one page! Some of our favorite natural wonders in LA are things like:  

  • Honey Island Swamp – This is quite literally one of the most pristine river swamps in the entire United States, spanning more than 70,000 acres.  
  • Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge – This amazing place is home to a bird rookery, gorgeous wetlands, and lots of learning opportunities that are just as beautiful as the rest of the park!  
  • Atchafalaya National Wildlife Refuge – Maybe having two wildlife refuges here is cheating, but this is another must-do if you’re looking for natural wonders in Louisiana.  

 

Learn more about each of these natural wonders of Louisiana, and then some.   

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Featured Addresses
Wolf Rock Cave and historical marker, 961-975 Johnsonville Rd, Leesville, LA 71446, USA