Louisiana Outdoors A to Z MOUNTAIN BIKING OFFROAD & By Erin Z. Bass ouisiana’s diverse terrain makes it perfect for a freewheeling, high-octane, two-wheeled thrill ride. In the hills of north Louisiana, Lincoln Parish Park is rated as one of the best mountain bike trails in America. The 10-mile trail located in Ruston o ers a challenging course for both advanced and beginning riders. Kisatchie National Forest boasts L elevation changes of 200 feet along an out-and-back 12-mile trail southwest of Natchitoches. Near the central part of the state, Indian Creek Recreation Area sports a more manageable 3.5-mile trail shared with hikers. Those looking to see the sights on two wheels don’t necessarily need to leave the city, though. A 4.31-mile bike path starting in downtown Baton Rouge promises views of the Mississippi River and LSU campus. In St. Charles Parish, the levee bike path o ers access to New Orleans on the east side of the river, stretching all the way to Audubon Park with historic plantations along the way. n PHOTOS: Xterra Epic-Rustman triathlon, Ruston E POVERTY POINT By Mark Sanders xperts called American Indian archaeological site Poverty Point “the New York City of 1400 B.C.” for good reason. As an absolutely enormous trading center on the Mississippi River, this site in Northwest Louisiana brought in artifacts carried from over a thousand miles away. Come see a 72-foot tall bird-shaped mound and concentric ridges that measure up to three-fourths of a mile apart—all built by hand. View exotic artifacts up close at Poverty Point World Heritage Site. Learn PHOTO: Hiking at Poverty more of the story at the on-site Point World museum, and then walk or take Heritage Site a guided tour to the manmade hills and ridges overlooking picturesque Bayou Maçon. n Begin your Poverty Point journey by visiting PovertyPoint.us. LouisianaTravel.com 31
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