Erin Z. Bass 2017-01-15 20:12:21
Boom or Bust Byway Tubing at Toledo Bend Reservoir Capt. Carl Sevin guides his airboat Ardoyne Plantation Fishing at Sportsman Park, Kayak fishing at Pointe-aux-Chenes Wildlife Management Area Yscloskey fishing village in St. Bernard Parish Crawsh races near Bayou Teche Byway Silos containing Steen’s cane syrup Buckle your seat belt and crank up the tunes as we embark on a tour of 18 picturesque driving trails. Bypass the interstate for your next road trip and travel down one of Louisiana’s scenic backroads. From historic sites to moss-draped oaks, famous eateries and coastal wetlands brimming with wildlife, each drive offers an authentic taste of Louisiana food, music, culture and natural beauty. Part of the National Scenic Byway Program created by Congress in 1991, the Louisiana Byways Program seeks to identify a distinctive collection of roads and their stories in order to enhance the visitor experience. These byways—with such names as Boom or Bust, Longleaf Trail, Myths and Legends, and Southern Swamps—display the blending of human heritage and natural resources. Drive along roads lined with colorful wildflowers, placid bayous, historic plantations and rich farmland and keep an eye out for hidden treasures that tell the story of each route. Those treasures include more than 100 historic sites and points of interest on the Louisiana Colonial Trail. Also there’s Historic US 80, an important historical route for farmers and loggers. Myths and Legends Byway to the west brings to life the real-life history of outlaws, bandits, heroes and soldiers, while the Northup Trail—the latest addition to the system—includes 12 sites related to Solomon Northup (of Oscarwinning film 12 Years a Slave). Those in search of culture will want to travel the Cane River National Heritage Trail known for its plantations, Creole architecture and blend of French, Spanish, African, American Indian and Creole heritage. Louisiana’s Great River Road spans 772 miles of plantation homes, museums, ancient oaks, elegant restaurants and views of the Mississippi River. For a taste of the state’s agrarian heartland, the Wetlands Cultural Byway passes through towns and villages where shrimping, trapping and farming have been a way of life for hundreds of years. Nature lovers also have plenty of options for exploration along the state’s byways. Known as Louisiana’s Outback, the Creole Nature Trail All- American Road (starting in Lake Charles) boasts more than 400 species of birds, in addition to alligators, marshlands and 26 miles of beaches for fishing, crabbing and hunting for shells. Toledo Bend Forest Scenic Byway parallels the largest manmade lake in the South and is lined with impressive pines, parks, marinas and outlooks where travelers can spot eagles and blue herons. Winding through lush swamps and moss-draped bayous, Bayou Teche Byway connects towns with well-preserved historic districts and Acadian culture and music on display. Tales of economic booms and busts, real-life history of colorful characters, settlers drawn to fertile soil and plentiful fishing, the sounds of distinct musical traditions and smells of home cooking will all greet you along Louisiana’s scenic byways. Visit LouisianaByways.com to see maps for each of the state’s 18 routes and find out more about what treasures these roads have in store
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