Winn Parish Kisatchie National Forest Backbone Ridge Extension

The old timber roads threading through Winn Parish’s section of Kisatchie National Forest tell the story of Louisiana’s logging boom through ruts carved deep into red clay. This network of fire roads and hunting trails connects Saline Bayou Recreation Area to the old Goldonna Ranger Station, crossing Saline Creek multiple times where cypress knees jut up like weathered fence posts. The highlight comes at mile 12 where an abandoned timber bridge forces a technical creek crossing through knee-deep water and loose sand.

This is moderate territory requiring high-clearance 4WD and recovery gear — those creek crossings turn nasty fast when rain swells the waterways. Best tackled April through October when water levels stay manageable, though summer brings humidity thick enough to chew and mosquitoes that’ll drain you dry. No permits needed on national forest land, but fuel up in Winnfield before heading out. What you get is genuine Louisiana backcountry, the kind of piney woods solitude that reminds you why they call this state wild.