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Tim Mueller Photography

Farms and pastures line Louisiana Scenic Byway Highway 191 alongside Toledo Bend Reservoir. The 76-mile byway begins at the reservoir dam and travels north through Sabine Parish into DeSoto Parish at Logansport.

Hit the Road with this Driving Tour Itinerary

Leave the highway hustle behind and slow down to enjoy the 76-mile Toledo Bend Forest Byway

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Ahhh, the restorative power of a scenic drive along a winding country road. When it comes to hitting the roads-less-traveled, Sabine Parish is a top-rated destination rich in beautiful vistas and charming stops along the way. There are many different day trip itineraries to choose from, but a must-see is the Toledo Bend Forest Byway, a bucolic drive spanning the eastern coastline of Toledo Bend Lake.

Start at the north end of the byway in Logansport where you can visit the only international boundary marker remaining in the United States. The one-of-a-kind granite shaft landmark marks the 19th century boundary between the U.S. and what was then New Spain.

Continue the drive south on the byway to feel life’s hustle and bustle melt away. Take in spectacular views of the lake on your right and thick pine forests on your left. Just north of the town of Zwolle, you’ll reach the San Patricio Overlook, a roadside park and fishing pier that’s a super place to stretch your legs and drop a line. Don’t forget to make a stop in Zwolle, world-famous for its authentic tamales.

Back on the byway, you’ll soon see signs for North Toledo Bend State Park, which encompasses 900 acres of verdant pine woodland and amazing hiking trails. The park also offers accommodation in waterfront log cabins with fireplaces and a beautifully designed, convenient RV park for overnight stays. Love the idea of camping in style? Both North Toledo Bend and South Toledo Bend state parks also now host the extremely popular “glamping” tent rental service provided by Tentrr. Glamping campsites come with fully-equipped 10’x12’ platform tents featuring queen beds, picnic tables, firepits, Adirondack-style chairs; and spectacular views out over the lake. To explore options and make bookings, visit tentrr.com/explore/louisiana/state-parks.

Continuing on the byway, you’ll reach the center shoreline of Toledo Bend Lake, where lovely Cypress Bend Golf and Conference Resort offers well-appointed guest rooms, fine and casual dining, spa services, a championship golf course, and breathtaking lakefront views. For a casual, close-to-nature experience, try Cypress Bend Park, a 114-acre park with a mile of shoreline. Families love its waterfront cabins, an RV park, a sandy beach, picnic pavilions, volleyball net, boat ramp, and fishing pier.

Nearing the southern end of the byway at the town of Anacoco is South Toledo Bend State Park, one of Louisiana’s newest state parks and a favorite among visitors. The park’s Interpretative Center provides extensive info on the area’s native fish and wildlife, including the Bald Eagle, which you just might spot while here. Cabin rentals and RV hook-ups are also available at this serene state park.

Nearing the end of the byway is the Toledo Bend Dam, a massive project built in the 1960s by Louisiana and Texas to create the reservoir and generate hydro electricity. Its magnitude and beauty make this a great location for photo ops!