This Hidden Nature Preserve In Louisiana Is Only Open A Few Times A Year, And Now’s Your Chance

Caroline Dormon was Louisiana's very own wonder woman. From being the first woman hired in the United States Forest Service to her many preservation efforts for Louisiana's native plant life, we owe Caroline Dormon a great deal of thanks for many of the natural landscapes we are blessed to enjoy (Kisatchie National Forest and the Louisiana State Arboretum, just to name a few). She gifted her home to the public after she died, and today it's an incredible nature preserve like none you've ever seen before. It's only open a few times a year and now's your chance to check it out.

Nestled within the rolling hills of the Kisatchie National Forest, Briarwood Nature Preserve might just be the best hidden gem in Louisiana.

The address is 216 Caroline Dorman Rd., Saline, LA 71070.

The Nature Preserve has a fascinating history.

It was once the home of the world-renowned botanist, author, preservationist, and historian Caroline Dormon, who was actually born here in 1888. Prior to that, the property belonged to Caroline's grandparents who started a cotton plantation (named Briarwood) in 1859.

Caroline Dormon had an interest in plants and wildlife from a very early age.

After college and teaching for many years in several Louisiana schools, she moved back to Briarwood in 1918 and built her dream home while beginning to collect and preserve native trees and plants. In 1922, she persuaded the United States Forest Service to establish a national forest in Louisiana and played a huge part in bringing the Kisatchie National Forest (Louisiana’s only national forest) to fruition.

When she died in 1971, she willed Briarwood to the public.

It’s run by the Foundation for the Preservation of the Caroline Dormon Nature Preserve who continue to carry on the work that was started by Caroline so many years ago.

Briarwood is only open a few times a year and now’s your chance to visit.

They’re open for public tours in March, April, May, October, and November on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

During your visit, you’ll have the opportunity to see countless native plants.

From camellias to irises, you’ll be mesmerized by all the flowers in bloom.

There's a peaceful little pond that's perfect for sitting for a spell and gaze out on the water.

You'll feel like you're a million miles away from everything.

Briarwood is also a birdwatcher's paradise.

Briarwood has seen countless species of birds, so keep your eyes peeled and have your cameras ready — you never know what you're going to see!

You can find Briarwood at 216 Caroline Dorman Rd., Saline, LA 71070.

Take a Saturday off and road trip out to this natural paradise for an experience you won't soon forget.

Have you ever been to Briarwood? Let us know in the comments below!