7 Most Scenic Road Trips to Take in Louisiana
While a drive along Route 66 might be what comes to mind when imagining a road trip through the United States, Louisiana is a unique spot to visit, boasting an inviting culture and plenty to see and do. Louisiana is well known for its scrumptious Cajun and Creole cuisines and southern charm, but its expansive architecture, historic sites, and scenic views all draw in visitors. Travel through the deep south by car, admire each stop along the way, and discover new destinations you might not have otherwise known about. To help along the journey, discover some of the most scenic road trips to take in the charming state.
Boom Or Bust Byway
The Boom or Bust Byway traverses 137 miles across northern Louisiana and along the border of Texas, featuring four parishes: Caddo, Bossier, Webster, and Claiborne. Lake Claiborne sits east of the byway, boasting views of natural and serene scenery. Vast rolling hills, tall pine forests, and lush bayous all backdrop the area.
The byway earns its name from the oil field equipment left behind when the oil industry "busted," ideal for a unique photo op. One of the best historical sites is the Germantown Colony at Minden, a 19th-century utopian society that lasted 40 years. Also along the way are several intriguing restaurants, museums, trails, and campgrounds, perfect for stopping to grab a bite to eat, exploring the area, and setting up camp for the night.
Bayou Teche Byway
The Bayou Teche Byway runs along the 125-mile-long waterway of Bayou Teche and three parishes in south central Louisiana: St. Mary, Iberia, and St. Martin. Live oak trees line the banks of the bayou, as do over 100 historic buildings, which earn a spot on the National Register of Historic Places. Begin the trip in St. Mary parish, the marker of Cajun culture, explore the main street of Morgan City, and take a tour with Captain Caviar Swamp Tours.
The byway is considered an integral part of the Atchafalaya National Heritage Area because of its significant cultural and historical spots. The small town of Breaux Bridge sits at the end of the byway, ideal for a cozy finale to the trip, featuring the gorgeous Breaux Bridge overlooking the waterway, a number of charming inns, and the annual Crawfish Festival.
Longleaf Trail Byway
The Longleaf Trail Byway runs within the Kisatchie National Forest in central Louisiana. The two main stops are the Kisatchie Ranger Station and the Longleaf Vista Recreation Area, with a number of campsites, lookout points, and picnic areas scattered in between. The forest houses breathtaking longleaf pines, buttes, and sandstone crops, perfect for hiking trips, wilderness explorers, and scenic views. There are also plenty of opportunities for wildlife watching, with a plethora of birds, deer, and armadillos living in the area.
Natchitoches and Alexandria are about 30 minutes outside of the forest, where visitors can explore local culture, wander the charming main streets, and enjoy a stay in one of the charming inns, B&Bs, or hotels.
Tunica Trace Byway
The Tunica Trace Byway runs 19.62 miles near the border between Louisiana and Mississippi. The winding road, once a route for Native Americans and explorers, begins at the infamous State Penitentiary at Angola and, as the name suggests, passes through the Tunica Forest. The story of the prison is told in the Angola Museum, documenting an interesting history. Enjoy camping, hiking, horseback riding, and fishing within the Tunica Hills Wildlife Management Area.
The road ends just north of the town of St. Francis, which boasts a charming main street and inviting B&Bs, with ample opportunity along the way to enjoy the rolling hills, vast forests, and fields of wildflowers. The byway is a scenic trip in the rural parts of Louisiana, taking about one to two hours to travel through.
Louisiana Great River Road
The Great River Road actually traverses through 10 of the US states, covering over 3,000 miles, beginning in Minnesota and ending in Louisiana. Shorten the trip and travel from St. Francisville through New Orleans. As the name implies, the route runs along the Mississippi River, crossing over the waterway multiple times in Louisiana. It is no secret that the views of the flowing water are spectacular, but there are a number of other great scenes along the way. Stop on the way through Baton Rouge to view the Old State Capitol, check out the historic architecture in Cajun Country, explore the excitement and beauty of New Orleans, and be sure to grab a bite of Cajun cuisine on the journey.
San Bernardo Byway
The San Bernardo Byway begins east of New Orleans and ends in the warm and welcoming coastal town of Shell Beach. Along the way, discover a rich and varied cultural and scenic landscape. The historical detail of the town of Arabi features historic homes, an old jail, and a Domino Sugar refinery. Another stop along the way is the town of Chalmette, which played an important role in the Battle of New Orleans as the battlefield where the troops of General Andrew Jackson won against the British in 1815. There are plenty of local diners, hotels and inns, and charming parks along the way. Upon arriving at Shell Beach, be sure to grab some fresh seafood, relax on the shore, and explore the pier.
Toledo Bend Forest Scenic Byway
The Toledo Bend Forest Scenic Byway runs parallel to the Toledo Bend reservoir, which is just over the Texas border. Enchanting pines surround the area, providing a picturesque backdrop with hiking and biking trails, scenic outlooks, and fishing and swimming opportunities. Grab a pair of binoculars and enjoy a day of birding, keeping your eyes peeled for eagles and blue herons. Be sure to explore the South Toledo Bend State Park, which houses a collection of bluffs boasting scenic reservoir views. While many visitors camp in the area, there is also the opportunity for a more luxurious stay in Cypress Bend Resort, complete with a spa, golf course, and restaurant.
Enjoy a Louisiana Road Trip
Once you have enjoyed one of these scenic Louisiana road trips, you will want to add them all to your bucket list. Louisiana houses a number of picturesque spots and historical locations that are sure to pique your interest. And whether you choose to elongate your stay or just pass through, there is plenty to see and do. While you venture from one place to another, you might even discover a spot that you want to return to in the future.
