Visitor Maps and Guides for the Calcasieu Ranger District, Evangeline Unit
Visitors to the 97,000-acre Evangeline Unit in Rapides Parish can enjoy panoramic views from the shores of Kincaid Lake, swimming, boating, picnicking, hiking, camping, and biking at the Kincaid Lake Recreation Area. Some activities are available year round. In spring, the wild azaleas and dogwoods are spectacular. In the fall, the mixed hardwood-pine forest provides wonderfully contrasting scenery. The Kisatchie's resident eagles may be spotted along the shore of Kincaid Lake or soaring over the forest. Valentine Lake, which was constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps, offers a beautiful setting for picnicking and fishing. Bikers and hikers can enjoy numerous trails around Kincaid and Valentine Lakes. The Wild Azalea National Recreation Trail's 26-mile length offers day hikes along several segments or a two-day hike for those who want to get away for awhile. The Claiborne Multiple-Use Trails offer over 88 miles of motorized, horse, hiking, and biking use.
Evangeline Unit (Rapides Parish) Maps and Guides
Visitors to the 97,000-acre Evangeline Unit in Rapides Parish can enjoy panoramic views from the shores of Kincaid Lake, swimming, boating, picnicking, hiking, camping, and biking at the Kincaid Lake Recreation Area. Some activities are available year round.
Evangeline Unit Recreational Opportunities and Facilities Brochure
The Claiborne Multiple-Use Trail is located on the Calcasieu Ranger District, Rapides Parish, between Woodworth and Forest Hill, LA. Claiborne has approximately 70 miles of designated trails: North Loop = 32 miles, Woodworth Loop = 20 miles, Boy Scout Loop (single-track only) = 30 miles.
NOTE: Trail status may change depending on the amount of rainfall in the area. You may call the OHV Hotline 24/7 at 318-473-7069 for the most recent updates. We do our best to keep information on the website and hotline current; however, there could be a delay in updating information. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. Typically, if a trail is open on Friday afternoon, it will remain open through that weekend. To confirm the status of a trail, please call the District office corresponding to the trail location. After hours, please call the OHV Hotline at 318-473-7069.
This map details the multiple trails surrounding the Kincaid Lake recreation area: the Kincaid Trail, Lakeshore, Lamotte Creek, and Wild Azalea Trail and Spur.
After Hurricane Laura in August 2020, several trails were affected severely by broken and uprooted trees. This map shows the current trail closures of the Kincaid Lake trail system.
The Wild Azalea Trail lies south and west of Alexandria, Louisiana. Its end points are at the Kisatchie National Forest's Valentine Lake Recreation Area and Woodworth Town Hall, an approximate 31-mile trail.
Along the Wild Azalea Trail are six "You are here" maps, showing the parking areas and bathrooms along the trail.
Valentine Lake, constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps, offers a beautiful setting for picnicking, fishing, and camping.
Ever wonder if that little dirt road is legal to drive on the National Forest? Here's a downloadable booklet to provide that information.
Calcasieu Ranger District Motor Vehicle Use Map (includes both Evangeline and Vernon Units)