Natchitoches Parish - Kisatchie Ranger District

The Longleaf Vista Recreation Area lies on a ridge that provides excellent views of the 8,700-acre Kisatchie Hills Wilderness, which surrounds the Vista on three sides. This popular day-use recreation area offers a variety of opportunities including picnicking, a ~ 1-mile trail, and access to the wilderness. The Kisatchie Hills Wilderness Area is a favored place among hikers and horseback riders who often enter along the Backbone Trail. Kisatchie Bayou Recreation Area offers day-use picnicking, swimming, fishing, canoeing or kayaking on the bayou, and hiking. Camping areas are oriented towards walk-in tent-camping along the banks of the bayou. Biking and horseback riding may also be enjoyed on the beautiful ~ 10.5-mile Caroline Dormon Trail.

The Kisatchie Ranger District offers visitors numerous activities that include multiple scenic overlooks, 12 miles of wilderness hiking trails, 20 miles of canoeing or kayaking down Kisatchie Bayou, 50 miles of multiple-use trails, and a 17-mile national scenic byway. The Red Dirt National Wildlife Management Preserve is a popular area for various hunting opportunities. Visit our hunting page to download the current season permit required to hunt in the preserve.

Download and print the Kisatchie Ranger District recreation brochure and map for more recreation information and details.

Download and print the Kisatchie Motor Vehicle Use Maps to discover where you may drive your vehicle or off-highway vehicle on national forest lands.

District phone number: (318)472-1840.