13 Top Places To Visit In Louisiana This Fall
Louisiana is a wonderful place to visit in the fall. Although it might not be the first state that comes to mind when you think of autumn, the Bayou State’s scenic shores, parks, and wetlands come alive as the seasons change. From marveling at the cypress trees in Lake Fausse Pointe State Park and traveling through the Cajun countryside in Breaux Bridge to attending a football game or fall festival in New Orleans, there are so many ways to enjoy Louisiana in the autumn. Note that the best time to enjoy the fall colors is typically between mid-October and early November. You won't be disappointed no matter what part of this Deep South state you plan to explore in the fall.
Lafayette
Don’t miss out on visiting the heart of Cajun country this fall in Lafayette. This Louisiana city is bursting with history and culture. It also happens to have some delicious food and a vibrant nightlife scene. Some attractions worth visiting at any time of year include the Acadian Cultural Center, Lake Martin, Acadiana Park Nature Station, LARC’s Acadian Village, and Vermilionville Historic Village.
However, if you’re in Lafayette in the fall, several other events are not to be missed. For example, you can catch a live sports game at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette or attend the Southern Screen Festival in November. If you’re a foodie, don’t miss the Blackpot Festival & Cookoff or the World Championship Gumbo Cook-Off, which both happen in October.
Lake D’Arbonne State Park
Lake D’Arbonne is one Louisiana state park that is not to be missed during the fall months. The park is full of cypress trees, which are gorgeous in the fall. It also features five fishing piers, a picturesque freshwater lake, and plenty of boat docks. This state park spans over 600 acres and is ideal for fishing, kayaking, biking, picnicking, and canoeing.
There are also several hiking trails to explore in Lake D’Arbonne State Park, and autumn is the perfect time to do so. Two popular trails include the Cypress Bend Trail and the Lake D’Arbonne Woodland Trail. Additional facilities in the park include tennis courts, a disc golf course, seven premium campsites, and 51 improved campsites.
Lake Fausse Pointe State Park
Lake Fausse Pointe State Park is crawling with giant cypress trees, and it’s for this reason that it’s a popular Louisiana destination in the fall. During these months, the leaves on the cypress trees turn to shades of bright orange and red, making it even more gorgeous than it already was. For those who don’t know, this state park is 6,000 acres in size and offers tons of activities for people to enjoy, like hiking, kayaking, canoeing, and camping. There are 14 premium campsites in the park, along with 20 improved campsites that provide a comfortable overnight outdoor experience.
While in the park, be sure to look out for its resident wildlife, like alligators, raccoons, birds, catfish, shrimp, and crawfish. Lastly, if you’re at Lake Fausse Pointe State Park in the fall, don’t miss out on the annual Fall Fest event, which takes place each October.
New Orleans
With a population of roughly 400,000 people, New Orleans is hands down the largest city in Louisiana. It also has an international airport, the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, which makes it the ideal first stop on your Louisiana vacation. As you might suspect, New Orleans has tons of attractions to be enjoyed year-round, like The National WWII Museum, the St. Louis Cathedral, New Orleans City Park, Audubon Zoo, the New Orleans Museum of Art, Audubon Park, and Mardi Gras World.
New Orleans also has several festivals and events that can only be enjoyed in the fall. For example, you can attend the New Orleans Film Festival, Deutsches Haus’ Oktoberfest celebration, the Treme Fall Festival, or the famous college football event, The Bayou Classic, where the Grambling State University Tigers face off against the Southern University Jaguars.
Avery Island
Avery Island is a lovely place to visit year-round, but there is something special about traveling here in the fall. Located just south of Lafayette in the southern part of the state, this island is actually a salt dome. It also happens to be owned by Tabasco (yes, the company that produces the famous condiment). The Tabasco factory is open all year and provides tours to guests.
While fascinating, if you’re visiting Avery Island in the fall, there is one attraction you won’t want to miss: Jungle Gardens. Jungle Gardens is a 170-acre botanical garden that sits on Avery Island. This garden's foliage and surrounding areas are nothing short of stunning during the autumn months. Give yourself time to meander through the grounds on a sunny fall day.
Natchitoches
If you’re a history buff who also loves the fall season, you must make your way to Natchitoches, Louisiana. As the oldest settlement in the state and one that hosts many autumn events, it offers the best of both worlds. The village's origins date back to the early eighteenth century, although it didn’t become an official settlement until the Louisiana Purchase of 1803. Its long history has resulted in a wide range of period buildings that have been preserved over the years. You can marvel at French and Spanish architecture, step inside colonial homes, and even tour the Fort Saint Jean Baptiste military fort, which dates back to the eighteenth century.
Plus, if you’re visiting in the fall, you might also be able to attend the St. Augustine Creole Festival and the Melrose Fall Festival at the Melrose Plantation. For a unique time, stop by for the craft wine and beer festival called Tappedtober or participate in the Crows on the Cane Scarecrow Contest.
Chemin-A-Haut State Park
Another fantastic spot to visit in Louisiana this fall is undoubtedly Chemin-A-Haut State Park. The fall colors in this 500-acre state park are mesmerizing. Plus, the park offers dramatic scenery at every turn, thanks to the fact that it sits on a bluff overlooking Bayou Bartholomew. Whether you want to spend the day walking around and snapping photos or getting out on the water, you can do so in Chemin-A-Haut State Park. Popular fall activities in the park include swimming in Big Slough Lake (please note that the pool closes on Labor Day), fishing, boating, camping, and horseback riding. There are 26 premium campsites in the park and several other primitive sites.
Breaux Bridge
If you’re visiting Lafayette this fall, plan to also stop at Breaux Bridge. This small enclave is situated right outside Lafayette and is known for its Cajun culture, including its tasty cuisine. While in Breaux Bridge, experiencing Cajun food and learning about the area’s history is a must. Thankfully, there are several restaurants, food tours, historical walking tours, and even haunted cemetery tours. Some top spots include La Poussiere and Fat Pat’s, offering delicious meals and a fun environment.
Speaking of walking, there are many outdoor activities to enjoy in Breaux Bridge, and the fall is the perfect time for it. That’s because the temperatures have finally dropped, making it comfortable to spend time outside again. You can go bird watching at Lake Martin or fishing in the basin. Breaux Bridge also hosts a town-wide garage sale every year on the first weekend of October.
Great River Road
The Great River Road is a 70-mile-long road that is beautiful to travel on during the fall months. This road connects the largest city in Louisiana, New Orleans, with its capital city, Baton Rouge. It has been designated a National Scenic Byway and an All-American Road. The road is lined with awe-inspiring oak trees and Southern Spanish moss, both of which become even more breathtaking during the fall months. You won’t be able to resist stopping for photos while driving along this scenic road that winds along the Mississippi River.
Traveling down Great River Road also allows visitors to learn more about America’s darker past, as you will drive by several antebellum homes and plantations. In fact, a portion of this drive is referred to as Plantation Alley. While the homes feature beautiful architecture, the history behind them is far more sinister. Thankfully, there are a number of educational exhibits at sites like the Oak Alley Plantation.
Grand Isle
Grand Isle is another destination to visit in Louisiana this fall. This beautiful barrier island sits where the Gulf of Mexico meets Barataria Bay. It is 100 miles south of New Orleans and is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. In fact, the fall is often the preferred time of year to get outdoors in Grand Isle as the temperatures cool and become more manageable. Sites like Grand Isle Beach and Grand Isle State Park shine with tons of autumn opportunities. Moreover, visitors can still enjoy many summer activities, like swimming, fishing, and canoeing.
Plus, Grand Isle hosts a number of events in the fall, like the Pumpkin Patch event in Grand Isle State Park or the Grand Isle Ladies Fishing Rodeo, both of which take place in October annually.
Kisatchie National Forest
Kisatchie National Forest is the next Louisiana destination to stop by in the fall. Located just south of Alexandria, this green space that spans over 600,000 acres is the only national forest in the entire state. During autumn, the green shifts to yellow, red, and gold, showcasing the colorful charm of Louisiana’s wilderness.
Given its vast size, you will find all kinds of outdoor activities in Kisatchie National Forest. For example, you can camp, fish (Kincaid Lake and Corney Lake Recreation Area are two of the best spots for fishing), bird watch, swim, hunt, boat, and of course, hike. There are over 100 miles of trails that are ideal for hiking or horseback riding, with a few of the most popular being the Longleaf Vista Interpretive Trail, Sugar Cane Trail, and Wild Azalea Trail. Be sure to carry a sweater as it can get chilly in the later months of fall.
University Lakes in Baton Rouge
University Lakes in Baton Rouge is one more place to visit in Louisiana this fall. During the autumn months, the leaves of the resident cypress trees on the lakeshore turn shades of canary yellow and crimson, making it a stunning spot to visit.
The University Lakes system in the capital city of Baton Route, Louisiana, spans 360 acres. It dates back to the Great Depression when over 900 men built it. Formerly the Cypress-Tupelo swamp, it was turned into the magnificent park and lake you see today (it is actually Baton Rouge’s largest public park and features six lakes 20 feet deep). University Lakes has been improved multiple times over the years and now has walking and biking lanes, as well as boardwalks for visitors to enjoy. Of course, kayaking and canoeing on the lakes are popular activities in the fall.
Jean Lafitte National Historical Park And Preserve
See the leaves change in real time while visiting Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve. This park comprises Louisiana’s famous wetlands (it’s no wonder it’s called the Bayou State) and gets its name from a French pirate named Jean Lafitte.
The park offers visitors a blend of nature and history. While here, you can do everything from learning about Cajun culture from a local to watching an alligator sit on the riverbank or even walk the same path as those who fought in the Battle of New Orleans in 1815. Moreover, the park hosts multiple cultural centers nearby, such as the Wetlands Acadian Cultural Center in Thibodaux. Wildlife in Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve is also very active in the fall, so make sure to keep an eye out for alligators, owls, snakes, herons, pelicans, otters, and turtles.
Wrapping Up
You can’t beat fall in Louisiana. Now that you’re inspired to travel to Louisiana during the autumn months, it’s time to start planning your trip. Whether you end up in vibrant cities with lots of fall festivals like New Orleans or Lafayette or in one of Louisiana’s beloved state parks, like Chemin-A-Haut State Park, Lake D’Arbonne State Park, or Lake Fausse Pointe State Park, you will surely fall in love with the Deep South during your time in the Pelican State.
