This road trip will take you from the northern part of the state all the way down to the Gulf.
The entire road trip would take you less than six hours point-to-point, but you’ll want to stop off along the way.
Our first stop leads us to Driskill Mountain.
At 535 feet, this little guy would be considered a hill in any other state, but for us, it’s the tallest natural summit in the state. You can take the trail that will lead you straight to the top, and you’ll have some beautiful views of Driskill Mountain’s little brother, Mount Jordan in the distance.
Next up is Jimmie Davis State Park.
Nestled along the Caney Lake, this natural oasis offers plenty of activities the whole family will enjoy. The 5,000-acre reservoir is a great spot to drop a line and catch a bass or two, while others prefer the thrilling experience of waterskiing or kayaking the lake.
There are several cabins available to rent, in case you’d like to make this a stopping point.
There are also primitive campsites as well as RV hook-ups.
After you’ve spent some time exploring Jimmie Davis State Park, it’s time to get back and the car and head south, into the Kisatchie National Forest.
Louisiana’s only state forest is massive . The 600,000-acre forest is sprawled out over several parishes, and you could easily spend your entire weekend just exploring this forest, but for this road trip, there’s one little spot that’s worthy of a stop.
The Longleaf Vista Nature Trail has some of the most jaw-dropping scenery in the state.
It’s not often that you get tree-top views in Louisiana, but on this road trip, you’ll have the chance to see them twice!
The trail is just about 1.5 miles long and is pretty easy as far as Louisiana is concerned.
And the views are one in a million.
After you’ve gazed out at the forest, it’s time to jump back in the car and head into Cajun Country. Next stop: Lake Martin.
Perhaps one of the most beautiful lakes in Louisiana, Lake Martin is home to one of the largest rookies for nesting birds in the state.
It’s also home to a substantial population of alligators.
Wildlife enthusiasts will love catching a glimpse of the many turtles, alligators, and swamp critters in the water.
Our last destination leads us even further south to the shores of Vermilion Bay.
We’ll end our journey at Cypremort Point State Park. This tiny but mighty state park has a lovely little strip of beach to sink your toes into. It’s also a great spot for sailing, kayaking, and fishing among many other water sports.
At the end of the day, pull up some sand and get ready to watch one of the most beautiful sunsets in your life.
As the sun sets over the Bay, you’ll be treated to a burst of color that will illuminate the sky and remind you of how beautiful Louisiana’s natural side truly is.
How many of these places have you visited? What’s your favorite natural oasis in Louisiana? Let us know in the comments below!
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Featured Addresses
LA-507, Simsboro, LA 71275, USA
Jimmie Davis State Park, 1209 State Park Rd, Chatham, LA 71226, USA
Longleaf Vista Recreation Area, Provencal, LA 71468, USA
Lake Martin, Breaux Bridge, LA, USA
Cypremort Point State Park, 306 Beach Ln, Cypremort Point, LA 70538, USA