The Ultimate Weekend Itinerary If You Love Spending Time Outdoors In Louisiana
×
Jackie Ann
Author
With summer just around the corner, it’s a great time of year to have some epic weekend trips in your back pocket. This two-day road trip explores some of the most beautiful destinations in northeast Louisiana, which many consider to be a hidden gem for nature lovers. Gas up the car and get those playlists ready, because this scenic journey is ideal for anyone who is looking for outdoor adventures & activities in Louisiana.
From national parks and campgrounds to waterfalls, canyons, and more, there is so much to love about America’s natural splendor — and June, designated as Great Outdoors Month, is the perfect time to get outside.
From point to point, you're looking at a two-hour drive. Of course, you'll want to make time to get out at each destination and spend some time exploring. Feel free to use our interactive map to add your own stops along the way.
Visit Poverty Point World Heritage Site
Poverty Point was built nearly 3,500 years ago by some of the earliest inhabitants in the area. In its heyday, it was one of the most massive communities in present-day America, but there’s a lot of mystery that surrounds this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Advertisement
Poverty Point World Heritage Site, 6859 LA-577, Pioneer, LA 71266, USA
For unknown reasons, Poverty Point was abandoned sometime around 1100 B.C., and it would be another 400 years before another group occupied the area and made their own contributions to the land. Historians and archeologists have unearthed some remarkable artifacts that give us glimpses into what these Native Americans used this site for, but with no written word left behind, it’s really a mystery. Today, you can walk around the earthworks, learn about each mound and what historians believe it was used for, and then be sure to check out the visitor center where you can view some of the hundreds of artifacts uncovered here.
Advertisement
Explore Chemin-A-Haut State Park
Established in 1935, Chemin-A-Haut is the oldest state park in Louisiana, and boy is it a beauty. The park has 503 acres to explore, and we’d highly recommend renting a canoe and exploring the paddle trails here.
Chemin-A-Haut State Park, 14656 State Park Rd, Bastrop, LA 71220, USA
There’s an incredible natural wonder you’ll see as you make your way along Bayou Bartholomew, and it’s the Castle Tree. This massive cypress tree measures about 20 feet in diameter, and it’s estimated to be anywhere from 800 to 1,000 years old! You can even pull your canoe into it, it’s that large!
Wander Through the Black Bayou National Wildlife Refuge
Once you’ve explored Chemin-A-Haut by boat, it’s time to stretch those legs and take a stroll through the Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge.
Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, 480 Richland Pl, Monroe, LA 71203, USA
There are about five miles of trails to explore here, and they’re all relatively short, so you can mix and match to fit your schedule. The refuge’s 4,000+ acres provides an important habitat for wildlife, and it’s a very popular pit stop for migratory birds, so keep your eyes peeled along the way!
Dine at Restaurant Cotton
Located in historic downtown Monroe, a meal at Restaurant Cotton is just the ticket after a long day of exploring.
Advertisement
Restaurant Cotton, 101 N Grand St, Monroe, LA 71201, USA
If the weather is playing nicely, enjoy your meal outside with a stunning view of the Ouachita River. The menu at Restaurant Cotton has a wide range of Southern Delta dishes with a bit of an upscale twist. Duck fat fries, venison meatloaf, and chicken and waffles are just a few of the iconic dishes you'll find here.
Stay in a School Bus
Perhaps one of the most unique places to stay in Louisiana, this converted school bus will become your new home away from home while you explore northeastern Louisiana.
The school bus was converted in 2021, and has electric heating, two window units for air conditioning, a bathroom, and hot water... basically, everything you’d have in a traditional vacation rental, just this one happens to be on wheels! You’ll have beautiful waterfront views right from the bed, and pets are welcome, too!
If you’re inspired to take this epic weekend road trip in Louisiana, let us know in the comments!
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.