More On-Shore Adventures
From hiking to holiday events, to history along the No Man’s Land Trail
Toledo Bend Lake might be the dominant source of outdoor recreation in Sabine Parish. But the rolling country hugging the Texas/Louisiana state line offers exciting opportunities for dryland adventurers, too. Sabine is one of the seven Louisiana parishes that belong to a territory known as, “No Man’s Land” that lies along the state’s border with Texas. Earning this nickname in the early nineteenth century, “No Man’s Land” was a neutral strip of land that briefly served as a buffer zone between Spain and the United States after the Louisiana Purchase. Now, this once-lawless land is a popular destination for explorers, who are drawn to both the beauty of the natural vistas and the vibrant mythology of its wild history.
Take a relaxing drive on the Toledo Bend Forest Scenic Byway and you’ll be weaving through 76 miles of gently rolling hills lush with Longleaf pine forest. Running the length of Toledo Bend Reservoir, the branches of this scenic byway provide access to a multitude of outdoor attractions, including an ATV-Biking Trail at Cow Bayou Wilderness Area and North Toledo Bend State Park, where old forest roads and trails can be explored on foot or horseback. The natural attractions of Sabine Parish are open for visitors year-round, however, the winter brings around the holidays, which are celebrated in this part of the world with picturesque small-town charm.
A drive through Cypress Bend Park (on the banks of Toledo Bend Lake near Many) each Thursday through Sunday during December is a chance to view one of Louisiana’s most enchanting Christmas light displays. Each Saturday, Santa joins in the fun, too. Don’t miss Many’s annual Christmas Parade and Fireworks Show - a magical day of yuletide celebration that culminates in an evening fireworks display. A day spent at the town of Zwolle’s yearly Christmas Festival promises festive fun for the whole family. From the bicycle giveaway to a parade and residential Christmas light competition, the contagious joy of the festival is just one of the many reasons to add Sabine Parish to your list of must-see holiday destinations. This holiday season, and year-round, remember that making memories isn’t a matter of money. There’s a multitude of free and low-cost options in Toledo Bend Lake Country, where the experiences that await visitors are truly the gift that keeps on giving. toledobendlakecountry.com