Take A Hidden Staircase To A Louisiana Overlook That’s Like Nothing You’ve Ever Seen Before

If you love primitive hiking trails, the Kisatchie National Forest is your playground. Louisiana’s only national forest features hundreds of trails that meander through the forest’s 600,000+ acres. One of our favorite hiking trails in the forest just so happens to lead to one of the most breathtaking views in the state, so lace up your boots and let’s check it out:

The Longleaf Vista Trail is a loop trail that clocks in at about 1.5 miles.

There’s parking and restrooms at the trailhead, and since it’s a loop trail, you can go clockwise or counter-clockwise and hit all of the beautiful highlights along the way.

While it's a fairly easy trail, you will gain some elevation as you trek through the rolling hills of the forest.

It's a nice change of scenery from the average boardwalk trails more commonly seen here in Louisiana.

If you time your hike after a rainfall, you'll get to see the creeks flowing, and maybe even a little waterfall!

Named for all of the towering longleaf pines that pepper the area, it's truly a nature lover's paradise.

When you get to the staircase, get ready...

...because at the top, you'll be treated to a rare treetop view.

On a clear day, you can see for miles!

You'll feel like you're on top of the world.

Pack a lunch and prolong your stay!

There are plenty of tables around the trailhead, just remember to pack out what you pack in and don't feed any of the wildlife.

Happy hiking!

Have you ever hiked the Longleaf Vista Trail? Let us know in the comments!