When you have some of the most beautiful scenery in the country right in your own backyard, it can be easy to take it for granted. To prevent this from happening, check out the following Louisiana road trip. Aside from taking you all over the Pelican State, and showcasing some of the most scenic spots, be prepared to fall in love with Louisiana all over again. So, what are you waiting for? Gas up the car and laissez les bons temps rouler!
To get started on your Louisiana road trip, take a look at the following map.
Google Maps Along with the designated spots on this route, feel free to add more stops to the tour too.
- Driskill Mountain
John Portie/All Trails Driskill Mountain, Louisiana 71275, USA
Google/anirudh girey We’re kicking off this scenic road trip in Louisiana with one of the most underrated attractions in the state - Driskill Mountain. Standing 535 feet, it may be a laughable hill compared to other states. However, it’s the tallest natural summit in Louisiana and we love it. There’s a trail that will take you to the summit where you can sign the guest book and sit for a bit to admire the view too.
- J.C. “Sonny” Gilbert Wildlife Management Area
Sandy Bayou/Google J.C. “Sonny” Gilbert Wildlife Management Area, Sicily Island, LA 71368, USA
Sophia Webber/All Trails Our next stop brings us to the 7,524-acre J.C. “Sonny” Gilbert Wildlife Management Area, a nature lover’s paradise due to the Louisiana scenery. There are several hiking trails to explore, and you’ll even be treated to a few waterfalls along the way! There are three waterfalls within the WMA, the Sandy Bayou Waterfall, St. Mary’s Falls, and Rock Falls. At 17 feet, Rock Falls is known to be the tallest waterfall in the state.
- Longleaf Vista Nature Trail
Justin McCreary/Google Longleaf Vista Nature Trail, Unnamed Road, Natchitoches, LA 71457, USA
Ernest Daniels/Google This next stop on your epic Louisiana road trip is great for everyone. Tucked away within the Kisatchie National Forest, the Longleaf Vista Recreation Area offers incredible views without ever leaving your car. Of course, if you want to stretch your legs, the hiking trail is just under two miles and really showcases the beauty of the forest.
- Louisiana State Arboretum
Cathy Ann/Google Louisiana State Arboretum State Preservation Area, 1300 Sudie Lawton Lane, Ville Platte, LA 70586, USA
Badkitty795/Google As we head into Cajun Country, let’s stop off at The Louisiana State Arboretum. It’s located within Chicot State Park, and here’s where we start to see the landscape shift from the rolling hills and vista views in the north. You’ll be surrounded by beautiful cypress trees, the sights and sounds of wildlife nearby, and picture-perfect views. When you top here, it’ll be easy to understand why it’s on this scenic road trip in Louisiana itinerary.
- Lake Martin
Ryan Ballard/All Trails Our final stop brings us to the Atchafalaya River Basin, one of the most iconic Louisiana scenery landscapes. Lake Martin, Louisiana, Louisiana 70517, USA
The lake is part of the Cypress Island Preserve, just on the western edge of the Atchafalaya. For wildlife viewing, you won’t find a better spot. There’s a nature trail for those on foot, but for a truly unique adventure, consider renting a canoe to explore the lake from an entirely different perspective. Of course, you may want to keep your distance from the alligators that call the lake home. Regardless, this will be a highlight during this best road trip in Louisiana.
Melanie Deslongchamps/Google There are countless ways to experience the nation’s largest river swamp, and an airboat or swamp tour is highly recommended. Lake Martin is a great place to start, and Champagne’s offers tours daily.
Are you inspired to take this road trip to experience Louisiana scenery up close and personal? Let us know in the following comment section. If you’d like to explore more, check out this Louisiana road trip to castles.
Google Maps
Along with the designated spots on this route, feel free to add more stops to the tour too.
John Portie/All Trails
Driskill Mountain, Louisiana 71275, USA
Google/anirudh girey
We’re kicking off this scenic road trip in Louisiana with one of the most underrated attractions in the state - Driskill Mountain. Standing 535 feet, it may be a laughable hill compared to other states. However, it’s the tallest natural summit in Louisiana and we love it. There’s a trail that will take you to the summit where you can sign the guest book and sit for a bit to admire the view too.
Sandy Bayou/Google
J.C. “Sonny” Gilbert Wildlife Management Area, Sicily Island, LA 71368, USA
Sophia Webber/All Trails
Our next stop brings us to the 7,524-acre J.C. “Sonny” Gilbert Wildlife Management Area, a nature lover’s paradise due to the Louisiana scenery. There are several hiking trails to explore, and you’ll even be treated to a few waterfalls along the way! There are three waterfalls within the WMA, the Sandy Bayou Waterfall, St. Mary’s Falls, and Rock Falls. At 17 feet, Rock Falls is known to be the tallest waterfall in the state.
Justin McCreary/Google
Longleaf Vista Nature Trail, Unnamed Road, Natchitoches, LA 71457, USA
Ernest Daniels/Google
This next stop on your epic Louisiana road trip is great for everyone. Tucked away within the Kisatchie National Forest, the Longleaf Vista Recreation Area offers incredible views without ever leaving your car. Of course, if you want to stretch your legs, the hiking trail is just under two miles and really showcases the beauty of the forest.
Cathy Ann/Google
Louisiana State Arboretum State Preservation Area, 1300 Sudie Lawton Lane, Ville Platte, LA 70586, USA
Badkitty795/Google
As we head into Cajun Country, let’s stop off at The Louisiana State Arboretum. It’s located within Chicot State Park, and here’s where we start to see the landscape shift from the rolling hills and vista views in the north. You’ll be surrounded by beautiful cypress trees, the sights and sounds of wildlife nearby, and picture-perfect views. When you top here, it’ll be easy to understand why it’s on this scenic road trip in Louisiana itinerary.
Ryan Ballard/All Trails
Our final stop brings us to the Atchafalaya River Basin, one of the most iconic Louisiana scenery landscapes.
Lake Martin, Louisiana, Louisiana 70517, USA
Melanie Deslongchamps/Google
There are countless ways to experience the nation’s largest river swamp, and an airboat or swamp tour is highly recommended. Lake Martin is a great place to start, and Champagne’s offers tours daily.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: Driskill Mountain, Louisiana 71275, USAAddress: J.C. “Sonny” Gilbert Wildlife Management Area, Sicily Island, LA 71368, USAAddress: Louisiana State Arboretum State Preservation Area, 1300 Sudie Lawton Lane, Ville Platte, LA 70586, USAAddress: Atchafalaya Basin, Louisiana 70517, USAAddress: Longleaf Vista Nature Trail, Unnamed Road, Natchitoches, LA 71457, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Louisiana Road Trip February 09, 2023 Marla S. What are some of the best road trips in Louisiana? Aside from this scenic road trip in Louisiana, take a look at some of the best road trips in the state:
The Creole Nature Trail Road Trip: Take as many stops as you’d like along this 180-mile route. The Louisiana Fall Foliage Road Trip: Tour the northern part of the state on this scenic road trip in Louisiana. The Road Trip Through Louisiana’s Countryside Hidden Gems: Check out less popular sites when you go on this outing. The Epic One-Day Road Trip Across Louisiana: Spend the entire day exploring The Pelican State.
Discover these trips that’ll take you to view Louisiana scenery, too. What are some of the best places to enjoy Louisiana scenery? Here are some of the best places to enjoy Louisiana scenery:
The Bayous: You’ll get to see wildlife, such as alligators, in their natural habitat. Grand Isle State Park: Feel free to relax on the beach and birdwatch when you take in this Louisiana scenery. Bayou Savage National Wildlife Refuge: Remember your binoculars when you explore this 24,000-acre animal refuge. Lake Pontchartrain Causeway Bridge: Take in the water views when you drive along this 24-mile bridge.
Learn more about these places that highlight Louisiana scenery.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Louisiana Road Trip
February 09, 2023
Marla S.
What are some of the best road trips in Louisiana? Aside from this scenic road trip in Louisiana, take a look at some of the best road trips in the state:
The Creole Nature Trail Road Trip: Take as many stops as you’d like along this 180-mile route. The Louisiana Fall Foliage Road Trip: Tour the northern part of the state on this scenic road trip in Louisiana. The Road Trip Through Louisiana’s Countryside Hidden Gems: Check out less popular sites when you go on this outing. The Epic One-Day Road Trip Across Louisiana: Spend the entire day exploring The Pelican State.
Discover these trips that’ll take you to view Louisiana scenery, too. What are some of the best places to enjoy Louisiana scenery? Here are some of the best places to enjoy Louisiana scenery:
The Bayous: You’ll get to see wildlife, such as alligators, in their natural habitat. Grand Isle State Park: Feel free to relax on the beach and birdwatch when you take in this Louisiana scenery. Bayou Savage National Wildlife Refuge: Remember your binoculars when you explore this 24,000-acre animal refuge. Lake Pontchartrain Causeway Bridge: Take in the water views when you drive along this 24-mile bridge.
Learn more about these places that highlight Louisiana scenery.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Aside from this scenic road trip in Louisiana, take a look at some of the best road trips in the state:
- The Creole Nature Trail Road Trip: Take as many stops as you’d like along this 180-mile route.
- The Louisiana Fall Foliage Road Trip: Tour the northern part of the state on this scenic road trip in Louisiana.
- The Road Trip Through Louisiana’s Countryside Hidden Gems: Check out less popular sites when you go on this outing.
- The Epic One-Day Road Trip Across Louisiana: Spend the entire day exploring The Pelican State.
Discover these trips that’ll take you to view Louisiana scenery, too.
What are some of the best places to enjoy Louisiana scenery?
Here are some of the best places to enjoy Louisiana scenery:
- The Bayous: You’ll get to see wildlife, such as alligators, in their natural habitat.
- Grand Isle State Park: Feel free to relax on the beach and birdwatch when you take in this Louisiana scenery.
- Bayou Savage National Wildlife Refuge: Remember your binoculars when you explore this 24,000-acre animal refuge.
- Lake Pontchartrain Causeway Bridge: Take in the water views when you drive along this 24-mile bridge.
Learn more about these places that highlight Louisiana scenery.
