Things to Do around Forest Hills

Forest Hills, situated within Louisiana's Kisatchie National Forest, offers extensive opportunities for hiking, jogging, mountain biking, and touring cycling. The region features over 600,000 acres of rolling piney hills and diverse forest ecosystems. More than 3,000 visitors have rated routes in the area an average of 4.56 out of 5 stars.

The Kisatchie National Forest provides over 320 miles (515 km) of designated hiking trails. The 1.5-mile (2.4 km) Longleaf Vista Interpretive Trail offers scenic views of the 8,700-acre Kisatchie Hills Wilderness. For a broader selection of routes, consult the Hiking around Forest Hills guide.

Yes, Forest Hills offers various easy hiking options suitable for different skill levels. The Longleaf Vista Interpretive Trail is a relatively short and accessible option. For specific recommendations, refer to the Easy hikes around Forest Hills guide.

The Claiborne Multiple-Use Trail System is a primary destination for mountain biking, offering more than 70 miles (113 km) of trails. This system includes the North Loop (31 miles / 50 km), Woodworth Loop (20 miles / 32 km), and Boy Scout Loop (30 miles / 48 km). The Sandstone Multiple-Use Trail also provides a 33.3-mile (53.6 km) route. More options are available in the MTB Trails around Forest Hills guide.

Touring cyclists can utilize the roads within the Kisatchie National Forest, including the scenic Longleaf Trail Scenic Byway. For gravel biking, routes are available that explore the diverse terrain. Specific routes can be found in the Cycling around Forest Hills and Gravel biking around Forest Hills guides.

The Kisatchie National Forest offers trails suitable for families, including shorter, less strenuous options. The Longleaf Vista Interpretive Trail is a good choice for its manageable length and scenic views. It is advisable to check specific trail details for suitability before visiting.

The region is characterized by rolling piney hills and diverse forest ecosystems, including upland pine forests and hardwood bottoms. The Kisatchie Hills Wilderness is a notable area for its natural beauty. Kisatchie Bayou also provides scenic views and opportunities for water-based recreation.

The Kisatchie National Forest is Louisiana's only national forest, encompassing over 600,000 acres (2,428 sq km) of land. It serves as the primary location for outdoor recreation in the Forest Hills area, offering extensive trail systems and diverse natural landscapes for various activities.

Forest Hills provides numerous trails suitable for jogging and running, often sharing paths with hikers. The Claiborne Multiple-Use Trails offer a primitive experience through hardwood and piney woods. For detailed running routes, consult the Running Trails around Forest Hills guide.

For official information regarding the Kisatchie National Forest, including the Forest Hills/Camp Claiborne area, the official website is fs.usda.gov/kisatchie. The Kisatchie Ranger District can be reached by phone at (318) 472-1840 for specific inquiries.

Camp Claiborne was a major World War II training ground, where over half a million troops trained. Exploring trails that once served as training grounds adds a unique historical context to the natural surroundings. The Claiborne Multiple-Use Trail System is built on this former Army base.