Introduction
The United States Congress designated the Kisatchie Hills Wilderness (
map) in 1980 and it now has a total of
8,679 acres.
All of this wilderness is located in
Louisiana and is managed by the Forest Service.
Description
The Bayou Cypre forms the heart of the state's largest designated Wilderness Areas. Locally known as the "Little Grand Canyon", the Kisatchie Hills Wilderness is home to some of the most unique topography in Louisiana with unusually steep and rugged terrain with flat-topped mesas, sandstone bluffs and outcroppings, and distinct forest ecosystems. Ten miles of trails offer scenic access into the wilderness for hiking and dispersed camping. The Backbone Trail provides access to three other trails within the wilderness. Adjacent to the wilderness, the Longleaf Vista Recreation Area and trail provides excellent views of the 8,700 acre Kisatchie Hills Wilderness, which surrounds the vista on three sides. A large portion of the wilderness lies within the Red Dirt Wildlife Management Preserve. In addition, enjoy the scenery on the way to and on the way home on the Longleaf Scenic Byway that travels adjacent to the wilderness.
