As our lives become increasingly dependent on technology and indoor recreation, it’s important to remember the physical and mental health benefits of unplugging and unwinding in the unspoiled wilderness from time to time. In the United States, the undeniable gold standard for outdoor adventure is set by the National Park Service, with national forests being especially suitable for a digital detox.
While Louisiana proudly boasts multiple national park sites, there is only one national forest, and a trip to Vernon Parish will land you right in the thicket of it. Spanning over 600,000 acres, Kisatchie National Forest’s dense forests of longleaf pine provide not only a lush environment to explore, but also a haven for wildlife, including the rare red-cockaded woodpecker, the Louisiana black bear, and the Louisiana pine snake.
It is no surprise that Kisatchie National Forest is a destination where birdwatchers and wildlife photographers alike wander beneath the towering branches in patient anticipation. Even without actual animal sightings, the trees put on a spectacular show of their own. While the majority of the country experiences four distinct seasons, in Louisiana, it can sometimes seem as if there are just four variations of summer—vegetation that stays green almost year-round. However, with Kisatchie National Forest’s elevation maxing out at around 410 feet above sea level (compared to the state’s mean elevation of 91 feet above sea level), fall visitors can expect a colorful display of fall foliage from mid-October through November in those cooler, elevated climes.
Relaxing in nature doesn’t have to be all nature walks and deep breaths of crisp, fall air. The Vernon district of the Kisatchie is proof of that. Fullerton Lake, Little Cypress Pond Loop, and Blue Hole Pond are some of the picturesque locations in which to kayak, canoe, float, or fish. Whether you have a half or full day to explore, Kisatchie National Forest offers a variety of experiences to fit your schedule. And don’t worry if you can’t fit it all into one day, Kisatchie’s many campsites, including Vernon Parish’s Fullerton Recreation Area, have you covered. You provide the tent!
To learn more visit vernonparish.org/outdoors/trails-parks-picnics.
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