The Small Town in Louisiana That Comes Alive in the Fall Season

Fall is my favorite time of year, especially in Louisiana. I know we don't see the beautiful fall foliage like our northern friends do, but Louisiana in the fall is stunning in its own way. For starters, you don't have to deal with the skeeters! That alone is the perfect reason to be spending your fall weekends outside, and this small town in Louisiana is just the ticket for anyone looking to check out for a few days and surround themselves in a more natural setting. Today, we're exploring the charming town of Bastrop, Louisiana. Let's go:

Bastrop, Louisiana, is one of the best towns to escape to if you’re looking for a quiet, relaxing getaway. The population hovers just a hair shy of 10,000 residents, the perfect size for a small town. It’s conveniently located about 30 miles northeast of Monroe, so you’re not far away from big-city amenities should you want to pop over.

Bastrop is home to one of my favorite state parks: Chemin-A-Haut State Park. It’s the perfect spot for nature lovers, and one of the best places to see the fall foliage in Louisiana.

It’s also the oldest state park in the Louisiana State Parks system. It was established in 1935 and takes its name from a French translation of “High Road,” as a significant portion of the park is situated on a bluff overlooking Bayou Bartholomew. The 503-acre state park has several miles of hiking, equestrian, and paddle trails to explore.

Speaking of paddle trails, the paddle out to Louisiana's famous Castle Tree.

You can bring your own kayak or rent a canoe if you want to visit the Castle Tree. This isn't just any old cypress tree; it's one of the largest and oldest cypress trees in the country! It measures approximately 20 feet in diameter and is estimated to be between 800 and 1000 years old. You can actually maneuver your canoe inside the tree, which makes for a really cool photo.

The state park offers a variety of accommodations, including RV sites, primitive campsites, and cabins. Check out the Chemin-A-Haut State Park website to peep the rates.

Or you may be inspired to stay in a waterfront rental outside of the park.

This waterfront rental near Bastrop has three bedrooms and a huge deck that overlooks the water. Be sure to bring your fishing gear!

Are you inspired to travel to more wondrous attractions this season? Here are some of my favorite places in Louisiana to visit in the fall. Don't forget to check out when the leaves will change in Louisiana this year so you can time your road trip around the peak!

Plan your own trip to Bastrop with Only In Your State’s AI-powered itinerary planner.