Longleaf Trail is in west-central Louisiana about 35 miles northwest of Alexandria. It begins about five miles south of Derry off LA 119 and travels west across the Kisatchie National Forest. It ends at the intersection with LA 117, south of Bellwood. Longleaf Trail follows FSR 59, a two-lane paved road suitable for all vehicles. It remains open year-round and is 17 miles long.
The Longleaf Trail National Forest Scenic Byway travels across the Kisatchie National Forest through some of the most unique scenery in the state. The terrain along the byway is unusually rugged for Louisiana, with elevations ranging from 120 to 400 feet above sea level. The byway offers many scenic vistas of mesas, buttes, and sandstone outcrops set against the backdrop of longleaf pines. The trail was originally constructed as a single-lane road by the Civilian Conservation Corps around 1935.
The Kisatchie Hills Wilderness lies next to the byway and is known locally as the “Little Grand Canyon” because of its steep slopes, rock outcrops, and mesas. Hiking and horseback riding trails lead you into this wilderness area. The Longleaf Vista Picnic Area is surrounded on three sides by this 8,700-acre wilderness area. A 1.5-mile nature trail is located here as is a small visitor center. Restrooms and drinking water are also provided.
Wildlife observers will find white-tailed deer, foxes, opossums, squirrels, raccoons, and coyotes inhabiting the area. An occasional roadrunner can also be seen. Birdwatchers will delight in the numerous songbirds.
Most of the camping areas along the byway are primitive but do have drinking water or restroom facilities. Dogwood Campground is the most developed and has 20 RV and tent sites, drinking water, and flush toilets. Kisatchie Bayou has 17 walk-in sites and only one drive-in unit. Drinking water and vault toilets are provided. There is no water at Coyote, Cane, and Oak Campgrounds.