Tour of byways can take a few days or a few weeks to enjoy.
Louisiana is like its own country. The influences of France, Germany, Africa and Spain are apparent. Those influences have created some mystique around the people, food, dialects and culture.
The state’s scenic byways that pass through back roads and communities are just as fascinating. Tours of byways, from one end of the state to the other, offer visuals of oil derrick graveyards, alligators, swamps, fishing holes and beaches. One could spend days or weeks exploring Louisianans relaxed way of life, attractions, restaurants, outdoor recreation, and shops. Learn more about some of Louisiana’s byways and how to get to them from nearby airports.
Boom or Bust Byway – Northwest Louisiana
The Boom or Bust Byway is a 136-mile route along Louisiana Highway 2 and is defined by the Louisiana/Texas border. So why is it called the Boom or Bust Byway? The answer soon will be apparent. As you drive along the byway you will see evidence of the economic booms and busts experienced by the resilient people of Northwest Louisiana. You’ll see graveyards of old oil field equipment that died when the oil industry went bust. But you’ll also see new oil and gas facilities being built in response to the current booming oil and natural gas economy. The scenic drive traverses back roads lined with colorful wildflowers, placid bayous, well-kept churches reflecting the Protestant faith of most 19th century settlers, peaceful plantations, shady forests, and rich productive farmland.
Website: www.boomorbustbyway.com
Getting Here
Shreveport Regional Airport (SHV), Shreveport, Louisiana
Dallas/Fort Worth Airport (DFW), Dallas, Texas
George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), Houston, Texas
Cane River National Heritage Trail – North Louisiana
Located in Natchitoches Parish, 75 miles south of Shreveport is the Cane River National Heritage Trail. Stretching from the Spanish Presidio of Los Adaes to the Cane River Creole National Historical Park, the highways of the Cane River region reveal historic plantations, military history, Creole culture and cuisine, as well as the scenic beauty of the many waterways and Louisiana’s pine forests. This byway received a 2016 TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence.
Website: www.canerivernha.org
Getting Here
Shreveport Regional Airport (SHV), Shreveport, Louisiana
Dallas/Fort Worth Airport (DFW), Dallas, Texas
George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), Houston, Texas
Toledo Bend Forest Scenic Byway – North Louisiana
The Toledo Bend Forest Scenic Byway, which runs along Louisiana Highway 191 courses the length of Toledo Bend Reservoir and showcases 76 miles of rolling hills lined with stately pine trees. Along the Scenic Byway, 30-plus marinas and other accommodations offer opportunities to enjoy water sports and activities. Beaches, state parks, historical sites, a 700-acre garden, luxury golf courses, interpretive signage areas, observation towers at the dam, and excellent birdwatching, including habitat for the once endangered Bald Eagle exist all along the byway. It’s worth noting that Toledo Bend was named the #1 bass lake in America two years in a row.
Website: www.toledobendlakecountry.com/listing/toledo-bend-forest-scenic-byway
Getting Here
Shreveport Regional Airport (SHV), Shreveport, Louisiana
Dallas/Fort Worth Airport (DFW), Dallas, Texas
George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), Houston, Texas
Myths and Legends Byway – West Central Louisiana
Located in west central Louisiana is the Myths and Legends Byway. This byway covers a portion of the area formerly known as “no man’s land”, an area once populated by outlaws and gunslingers. True stories and tall tales abound throughout the region with everything from pirates and lost treasure to a haunted jail. Fish on the Calcasieu River, the waterway that infamous buccaneer Jean Lafitte is known to have traveled. Search for the ghost-protected buried treasure of two Jayhawkers—pro-Union Civil War rebel guerrillas—from the 1800s. These are all parts of a collection of true stories and tall tales that can be experienced along the 178-mile Myths & Legends Byway. The route has been separated into three sections to aid in navigation.
Website: www.louisianabyways.com/byway/myths-and-legends-byway
Getting Here
Dallas/Fort Worth Airport (DFW), Dallas, Texas
George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), Houston, Texas
Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY), New Orleans, Louisiana
Creole Nature Trail – Southwest Louisiana
One of only 43 designated All-American Roads in America, the Creole Nature Trail is a natural outdoor wonderland where you can view alligators, more than 400 bird species and other marsh creatures right from your vehicle, or as you walk on boardwalks right into the marsh. Visit 26 miles of accessible natural Gulf of Mexico beaches. Top-notch fishing, hunting, crabbing, boating and nature photography distinguish it as a recreational paradise. Download a free personal tour app in multiple languages by searching “creole” in your app store.
Website: www.visitlakecharles.org/creole-nature-trail
Getting Here
Dallas/Fort Worth Airport (DFW), Dallas, Texas
George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), Houston, Texas
Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY), New Orleans, Louisiana
Flyway Byway Scenic Trail – Southwest Louisiana
Explore the Flyway Byway. It offers a 55-mile driving route through the communities of Welsh, Lake Arthur, and Jennings, Louisiana. More than 80 miles of existing waterway or ‘blue way’ routes exist throughout the byway. If you like taking back roads and exploring what “real America” really is then you’ll love this byway. On the drive you will see rich farmland and small communities. It offers outdoor adventures like biking, kayaking and canoeing. One of the many sites along the byway is the Lacassine National Wildlife Refuge, which offers many opportunities for birding and fishing year-round. The byway is easily accessed from Interstate 10.
Website: www.jeffdavis.org/tourism/flyway-byway.html
Getting Here
Dallas/Fort Worth Airport (DFW), Dallas, Texas
George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), Houston, Texas
Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY), New Orleans, Louisiana
For a map and additional information about the 18 Louisiana byways visit www.louisianabyways.com.
