10 Best Scenic Spots in Louisiana
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While the United States as a whole mixes many cultures, there are few places with such a concentrated melting pot as Louisiana. Not only do different heritages and languages meet in this state, but also different types of landscapes. In this southern state, travelers will encounter everything from the bay to cotton fields and the waters of the Gulf Coast. As a result, its flora, fauna, and native wildlife also show great diversity. Start your exploration of this amazing state with one of our favorite scenic routes and get a taste of all Louisiana has to offer:
No. 10 - Creole Nature Trail
Start Location: Seurat, Los Angeles
Final location: Lake Charles, Louisiana
Length: Mile 100
Best driving season: All
View drive on Google Maps
For an almost complete tour of Louisiana's landscapes, the Creole Nature Trail is a good choice. It travels through the countryside, swampy plains, and even parts of the Coastal Waterway. Take the opportunity to spot local wildlife like alligators and spoonbills at the Sabine National Wildlife Refuge, watch the shrimp bring their catch along the coast, or view the classic Victorian architecture in downtown Lake Charles.
No. 9 - Highway 307
Start Location: Thibodeau, Louisiana
Final location: Raceland, Louisiana
Length: Mile 19
Best driving season: All
View drive on Google Maps
Drive through sleepy towns and reed fields on this leisurely ride on the ultra-smooth tarmac of Highway 307. Travelers traveling this route often don't need to stop to see the state's wildlife up close because it's not unusual to see alligators or other animals. the animal crosses the road. Near Cramer, consider relaxing on Lake Lac de Allemand for fishing and swimming.
No. 8 - Route 77 Baius
Start Location: Livonia, Louisiana
Final locationLocation: Plaquemin, Louisiana
Length: Mile 36
Best driving season: All See Drive on Google Maps
For travelers longing to see Louisiana's legendary bay, Highway 77 is definitely the way to go. At any moment it may seem that the world is divided between farms and vast fields on one side and a sprawling river on the other. Once in Plaquemine, take some time to explore the unique shops in the historic downtown area, or drive down to admire the Mississippi River.
No. 7 - False River Route
Start Location: Port Allen, Louisiana
Final location: New Roads, Los Angeles
Length: Mile 31
Best driving season: All
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Without a lot of traffic on this winding path, travelers can better enjoy the countryside by flying past the windows. The route mostly follows the dam of the Fals River, and its frequent sudden turns can keep drivers on their toes. In New Roads, don't miss a local favorite, Satterfield's Riverwalk and Restaurant, located right on the riverbank, where you can stroll to the water between drinks or meals, or see the many picturesque historic buildings along Main Street.
#6 – Average Condition 8
Start Location: Leesville, Louisiana
Final location: Island of Sicily, Louisiana
Length: Mile 153
Best driving season: All
View drive on Google Maps
This route through the back roads of Louisiana on Highway 8 is a great way to spend a morning or afternoon with a stop or two to explore. Near Bentley, visit Stuart Lake, which has a picnic area, campsite, and plenty of hiking trails to stretch your legs. Near Harrisonburg, there is easy access to the Ouachita River and its cool waters, which provide refreshment and are home to several varieties of trout.
№ 5 – Morepa
Start Location: St. Vincent, Louisiana
Final location: Ponchatoula, Louisiana
Length: Mile 32
Best driving season: All
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Named after the nearby Morepa Lake, this trail partially follows the Thikfo River and passes through several quaint little towns. The two-lane road is mostly shaded by large oak trees, with scenes along the way showcasing a slice of Cajun culture. There are plenty of opportunities to stop to cast a line or take a dip in the river and check out the alligator cages in front of Paul's Café in Ponchatul.
No. 4 - Route 552 Loop
Start Location: Downsville, Louisiana
Final location: Downsville, Louisiana
Length: Mile 19
Best driving season: All
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This winding road through rolling hills and pine-dotted forest provides a relaxing view of the more rural part of the state. Don't forget to fuel up and pack your essentials before you hit the road because there are no shops along the way - only breathtaking views! For a break from sprawling farms and ranches, consider heading to the nearby D'Arbonne National Wildlife Refuge and National Wildlife Refuge for plenty of outdoor recreational activities.
No. 3 - Louisiana Bayou Byway.
Start Location: Lafayette, Louisiana
Final location: New Orleans, Louisiana
Length: Mile 153
Best driving season: All
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Since this trip connects two of Louisiana's most noteworthy cities - Lafayette and New Orleans - it could easily become a weekend getaway to give visitors time to get to know both. Along the route there are also many places where you can get up close to the bays and marshes of the region. Stop at Lake Fosse Pointe State Park to hike the trails or go canoeing through the cypress swamp, while Bayou Teche National Wildlife Refuge is a great place to spot alligators.
No. 2 - Longleaf Trail Scenic Road.
Start Location: Bellwood, Louisiana
Final location: Gore, Los Angeles
Length: Mile 23
Best driving season: All
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Although the distance on this journey is short, travelers traveling this route are likely to be surprised by the variety of terrain and wildlife present on this route through the Kisatchee National Forest. From flat farmland to steep-sided rocky cliffs, be prepared for just about anything, especially if you decide to hike one of the trails from the Longleaf Visitor Center. Adventure seekers can head to the Kisatchie Bayou Recreation Area to experience the Class II rapids by kayak or canoe.
No. 1 - Cane River Heritage Trail.
Start Location: Allen, Los Angeles
Final location: Cloutierville, Louisiana
Length: Mile 48
Best driving season: All
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This scenic route through the Cane River region is a virtual tour of Civil War history and also showcases a wide range of cultures including Native American, French and African peoples. In Natchitoche, explore the downtown Historic District full of specialty shops and restaurants to suit all tastes. Along LA-119, there are three Civil War plantations that are open to the public—Oakland Plantation, Melrose Plantation, and Magnolia Plantation—all of which provide a glimpse of what life was like for both slaves and wealthy plantation owners during that period. .
