These Small Towns in Louisiana Come Alive in Fall
As October hits, the leaves are changing colors across the nation. Nature lovers follow the fall foliage trail to catch some of the most spectacular views. Louisiana has incredible fall colors and serene scenery. Since it is a southern state, the best time to see fall foliage is the end of October and the beginning of November. Beyond foliage, in Louisiana, you can see one of the oldest giant cypress trees in Bastrop. There are also charming markets and an art festival to enjoy in Covington. See the spectacular amber, gold, orange, and red hues in these small towns that come alive with fall colors.
Bastrop
This small town has a population of 9,691, making Bastrop a quiet, relaxing getaway. It is in western Morehouse Parish, in Northern Louisiana, only 30 miles northeast of the city of Monroe. One of the most popular attractions near Bastrop is Chemin-A-Haut State Park. This 503-acre park is a fall paradise just a few miles north of the town. There are opportunities to hike, paddle, fish, and ride horses at Chemin-A-Haut.
The park is home to the famous hollow, giant cypress tree, nicknamed the "castle tree." The tree is a rare sight in Louisiana and has grown there for 800 to 1000 years. The base of the tree is 20 feet in diameter, enough to fit a kayak inside. Most of Chemin-A-Haut State Park is on a bluff overlooking bayou land. There are two trails that wind through the park for visitors to enjoy stunning views of the surroundings. These include the Bobcat Trail, which is 1.1 miles, and the Boy Scout Trail, which is 1/4 mile long. Both trails showcase the beauty of the bayous next to the brilliant-colored fall foliage. There is also a trail designated specifically for horseback riders. Chemin-A-Haut has 35 picnic spots with grills and tables, perfect for a fall picnic feast.
Homer
The beauty of Louisiana goes beyond bayous. One of the most popular spots to visit in the fall is Homer. Named after the Greek poet, the town is quaint, with a population of 2,747. Lake Claiborne State Park attracts visitors here throughout the year. The park offers a tranquil retreat for outdoor lovers looking to be in the beauty of north Louisiana's rolling hills. There are several nature trails to enjoy the woods at Lake Claiborne, including White Tail Trail. This 2.5-mile loop is the perfect day hike for all skill levels.
Another great way to enjoy scenic fall views in Homer is by taking a scenic drive to the heart of town. The history and culture of the Northern countryside is still preserved in Homer. Visitors can check out the preserved HS Ford Memorial Museum. The town also has a unique Greek Revival-style courthouse from the mid-1800s. It is a well-preserved piece of history from the town's past and a functioning antebellum courthouse, still in use today.
Chatham
Outdoor enthusiasts will also love visiting Chatham. The Louisiana town is in Jackson Parish, in north central Louisiana. The town is small, with a population of 491 people at the 2020 census. While the town is not overly developed, this has left room for the countryside to flourish. Chatham is home to hundreds of acres of forest, lakes, and bayous. Caney Lake is a popular destination near Chatham, in Jimmy Davis State Park. It is around 5 miles south of Chatham and has some of the best opportunities for fishing in Louisiana.
Caney Lake is also a popular spot for paddling. The damming of Caney Creek in 1986 has also made the lake a great spot for waterskiing. While enjoying the lake, don't forget to look at the surrounding forest area. A beautiful mix of pine and hardwood surrounds the lake. Those looking to get closer to the forest should check out the Jimmie Davis Camp Path trail. The trail takes around 1 hour to complete and takes visitors on a path to enjoy the stunning fall foliage around Caney Lake.
Farmerville
Another must-visit town on your fall adventure to Louisiana is Farmerville. This rural town is the largest town in Union Parish, with a population of 3,298 as of the 2022 census. Farmerville is home to another of the state's most stunning parks, Lake D'Arbonne State Park. Rolling hills and pine forests of bald cypress attract visitors to the 655-acre park.
Cyclists will also enjoy the park. The rolling hills turn into steep inclines that showcase the beauty of North Louisiana. Lake D'Arbonne is also a popular spot for water recreation, such as fishing and kayaking. Some of the fish seen in the lake include bass, crappie, catfish, and bream.
Covington
Those looking for a quieter town with a rich culture should add the adorable town of Covington to their fall itinerary. Enjoy the cooler fall nights amongst charming towns and rolling hills. Located across the lake from New Orleans, Covington is at a fork of the Bogue Falaya, Abita, and Tchefuncte Rivers. Historically, the town's location made it desirable for tradesmen. They used to come to the town and park their oxen in squares. While oxen are no longer parked in town squares, the historic, southern charm of Covington makes it a popular tourist destination.
One of the best ways to explore the town is by renting a bike. The local Brooks' Bike Shop offers daily bike rentals. Once you rent a bike, enjoy the town's tree-lined streets and peddle down a converted railroad corridor, the Tammany Trace. Those who don't feel like biking and prefer a slower pace should walk through the downtown district. Here you can enjoy galleries, shops, museums and restaurants. Some of the local shops have been around for decades. The HJ Smith and Sons General Store and Museum has been around since 1876. The family-operated business is the perfect place to grab a quirky collectible item or souvenir.
There are several art galleries downtown showcasing local artists, including St. Tammany Art Association and Saladino Gallery. Art lovers will also enjoy the Covington Three Rivers Art Festival, which happens every fall in November. A group of 200 artists take over several city blocks and display their work in booths on the street. Works in every medium, from ceramics to metalwork, painting, and fiber art, are on display.
Abita Springs
If you are looking for more fall festivals, make a stop at Abita Spring's annual Fall Fest. The festival started in 2019 as a way to celebrate local music and art in October. At the festival, you can enjoy live music, see local artists, and enjoy food and drinks.
Beyond the Fall Fest, Abita Springs has a charming main street that looks stunning with the fall colors. Abita Springs was originally a Choctaw Indian village and got its name from the nearby Medicine Springs. The springs are the secret ingredient in the award-winning Abita beer, a must-try for beer lovers.
Natchitoches
Established in 1714, the town of Natchitoches holds a special place in Louisiana's history as the state's original French colony. This history lives on today in the town's architecture. The Association for the Preservation of Historic Natchitoches preserves some of the homes dating back to the 1800s. A unique way to enjoy fall in Louisiana is by taking a tour of these historic homes. In the fall, guided tours are available, where residents open up the doors of their historic homes to public tours.
One of the best sites of Natchitoches is the Cane River Lake, which sits in the heart of Natchitoches. The stunning body of water flows through the downtown. In fall, the view of the lake next to the changing trees is breathtaking.
From bayous to pine woods and an art festival, Louisiana is a great travel destination in the fall. Whether you want to see Chemin-A-Haut State Park or enjoy the fall art festival in Covington, there is something for everyone to enjoy in Louisiana. To make the most of your fall adventure, it always helps to do a bit of planning to make the most of your time. Don't miss out on events like the Three Rivers Art Festival, or Nature's Hideaway Gardens and Barnmarket. Once you know what towns you want to visit, gas up your car and get ready to enjoy the unique beauty Louisiana offers in the fall.
