The Little Known Cave In Louisiana That Everyone Should Explore At Least Once
By Jackie Ann|Published December 28, 2022
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Jackie Ann
Author
Louisiana native and LSU Alum (Geaux Tigers!), Jackie has lived in Louisiana for over three decades and currently lives in New Orleans. She's been writing for OnlyInYourState since 2016 and can often be found with a coffee at her side, dreaming of her next adventure.
Louisiana is full of surprises, you just need to know where to look. Many of these natural wonders can be found in the Kisatchie National Forest, like this incredible cave in Louisiana. Few people know about Wolf Rock Cave’s existence, especially since it’s tucked away in a forested area, but the hike to see it is quick and easy, so easy that the entire family can get in on this unique outdoor adventure.
The cave is located in Vernon Parish, in the tiny town of Leesville.
The trail to the cave is only about 100-200 yards. The area is both kid and dog-friendly, so feel free to bring the whole squad along for the adventure.
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The cave dates back 30 million years and was first occupied by people from the Late Archaic era, around 2500 BC.
It’s the only known cave system in Louisiana that was used as shelter by early people. Situated along a stream that very well could have been a much deeper, bountiful water source hundreds of years ago, it’s easy to see why early inhibitors would have set up shelter here.
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Wolf Rock Cave received another breath of fresh air during the Civil War.
The cave was actually very large, with multiple chambers. It was so large that it served as a garrison and barracks for Union troops to stash horses and supplies during the war.
Of course, it also became a spot for teens to hang out on the weekends. By the 1970s, the United States Forest Service took control of it and decided it was too dangerous for the general public, and triggered off explosives that sealed off the two large back chambers.
Probably for the best.
If you’re feeling extra adventurous, you can crawl inside the narrow entrance.
After you’ve explored Louisiana’s caves, how about trekking up Louisiana’s mountains? Ok, it’s just one mountain, but you’ll have a beautiful view at the summit, and you’ll even get to see Driskill Mountain’s little brother, Mount Jordan.
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