Kisatchie Hills Wilderness Trail
Louisiana's only wilderness, old logging roads.
The Kisatchie Hills Wilderness Trail cuts through 8,700 acres of Louisiana’s most rugged terrain, following abandoned logging roads that once hauled virgin longleaf pine from these hills. The route threads between sandstone outcrops and creek bottoms, passing the remnants of Camp Claiborne where World War II soldiers trained in these same piney woods. Key waypoints include Backbone Ridge overlook and the challenging descent into Saline Creek bottom.
This is moderate 4WD territory with sandy two-tracks, seasonal mud holes, and creek crossings that can run waist-deep after heavy rains. High-clearance 4WD essential, recovery gear smart. Best driven October through March when mosquitoes ease up and water levels drop. No permits needed, dispersed camping allowed. You’ll earn solitude in Louisiana’s wildest country and understand why this pocket of hills feels more like Arkansas than the bayou.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Sand |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 18 mi / 29 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 410 ft |
| Best season | October-March |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD |
| Nearest town | Bentley, Louisiana |
| Land manager | U.S. Forest Service |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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