The Kisatchie National Forest is one of my favorite natural areas in Louisiana. The 600,000-acre National Forest is truly a nature lover’s paradise. Don’t get me wrong, I truly adore our swamps, bayous, and marshes, but there is just something special about this forest. The rolling hills, the endless trails, the unique views—I love it all! 

With such a large forest, you can bet that there are hundreds of primitive trails to explore. The Wild Azalea Trail is probably the most well-known trail in the forest, but honestly, you could spend a lifetime wandering through the Kisatchie and still find new trails. 

This trail is one of those hidden gems that few people know about, and that’s a shame because it truly is a wonderful hike. Let’s check it out:

The Turpentine Hill Loop is a 2-mile loop trail not far from the Longleaf Vista Recreation Area. The trail eventually meets up with the Backbone Trail, which is a 15-mile trail so take that into consideration if you plan to link the two together. 

Since it’s a primitive trail, it tends to get overgrown in some areas. I’d recommend wearing long pants and waterproof shoes. The hike can get muddy after it rains, but that’s all part of the fun!

One of my favorite things about the trail is the views. The Kisatchie National Forest is full of unique views, including this one. You won’t find treetop views like this in the bayou!

The trail does have some steep sections, but overall, I’d say it is relatively easy as far as hiking trails go. It’s certainly more difficult than a boardwalk trail through the swamps but much easier than a hiking trail in a northern state with mountain terrain and huge elevation gains. 

Since this is such a hidden gem, it’s entirely possible you’ll be the only one on the trail. Pay attention to where you’re walking—primitive trails tend to become a favorite spot for spider webs, and there’s nothing that will ruin your day faster than walking into a spider web. 

Overall, this trail is a short and sweet trail that offers beautiful views and a chance to hike through a secluded terrain. Camping in the Kisatchie is allowed, just make sure you’re off the trail and leave no trace. 

If you enjoy this trail, you’ll love the Wild Azalea Trail. It’s a doozy, though! The Wild Azalea Trail is nearly 24 miles long, and it’s the longest primitive hiking trail in Louisiana. If you’re looking to challenge yourself, this is the trail for you. Make sure you have an AllTrails + account before you take off.