Whether you come to admire the towering longleaf pines and blankets of wildflowers, to wander along some of the several hundred miles of recreational trails, or to spend a weekend camping under the stars, Kisatchie National Forest has a glorious natural bounty to offer those eager to explore the great outdoors in Louisiana’s only National forest.
Go back in time. Favorite sites include the historic Fullerton Lake Recreation Complex, formerly the location of the Fullerton Sawmill and community. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the foundations and ruins of the sawmill—formerly one of the largest in the South—can be seen along the 1.6 mile Fullerton Mill Trail. The complex, which is under partial renovation, provides picnic facilities, a children’s playground, restrooms, camping areas, and more.
Families will find Little Cypress Recreation Complex, formerly the site of a civilian conservation corps camp in the 1940s, a perfect excursion for little ones looking for some light walking and playing. A pavilion, playground, and pond with hiking trails and boardwalk make the area ideal for parents and children to fry fish or barbecue against a beautiful backdrop.
Those seeking a primitive camping experience, might find Hunter Camp more their style. The site is located in the middle of the forest and is often used by hunters during deer season.

Kisatchie National Forest
Look out for local color. Photographers and aspiring birdwatchers will find the more than one hundred bogs spread across the Vernon Parish portion of the Kisatchie National Forest fascinating places for exploration. These picturesque pitcher-plant bogs host a variety of distinctive plant life, from waist–high coneflowers to bright, grass pink orchids. Abundant birdlife can be spotted in this part of the forest, too.
Become explorers. The Kisatchie National Forest is open and park-like, well-suited for strolling, hiking, and even horseback riding. Boasting roughly four hundred miles of recreational trail—the most in the state—the forest offers hiking and biking options for a portion of the trek, and motorized access to another section.
Perhaps most intriguing of all is Wolf Rock Cave, found near Bundick’s Creek—a rare sight in Louisiana. Mount the hill for a view of the forest, then follow the path below to the cave where artifacts remain from early Native Peoples seeking shelter. The cave, the only known rock shelter in the state, dates to 2500-1000 BC.
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Photo: Louisiana Office of Tourism
Wolf Rock Cave. Photo credit: Louisiana Office of Tourism
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Wolf Rock Cave
*So this spring, pack your hiking boots, water bottle, and definitely a camera—Kisatchie is calling! Click HERE to learn more