North Toledo Bend State Park offers numerous picnic spots with scenic views, including pavilions and tables near the lake.

Trail A -- 1-1/2 miles

Trail B -- 4 miles

Biking enthusiasts can explore the 1.5-mile Hardwood Hills Trail, but be cautious as it's a challenging route.

The park also offers an easier option with its 4-mile South Hiking trail suitable for casual cyclists.

Remember to wear helmets and follow safety guidelines while biking in these trails due to their varying terrains.

For those seeking more adventure, there are several off-road cycling paths available within this area too.

Please note that bike rentals may not always be available on-site; consider bringing your own equipment.

Be aware of wildlife encounters during rides especially near dusk or dawn when animals tend to roam around most frequently.

The park offers birding trails, home to over 200 species including waterfowl and songbirds. Birdwatchers can spot bald eagles during winter months. Binoculars are available for rent at the visitor center.

Fort Jesup State Historic Site (6 miles east of Many off LA 6, formerly the "San Antonio Trace") - The site of a fort established in 1822 by Zachary Taylor to secure the western border of the U.S. frontier. It features the original field kitchen, a replica of officers' quarters which serves as a museum and visitors center, and interpretive programs.

Hodges Gardens State Park (6 miles south of Florien on Hwy. 171) - Day-use visitors will enjoy the nature trails and extensive picnic area. Water from the 225-acre lake is pumped through an extensive system of pools and waterfalls, adding to the beauty of the formal gardens.

Mansfield State Historic Site (4 miles south of Mansfield on LA 175)--The site of the last major Confederate victory of the Civil War. Visitors may take daily tours, see interpretive programs, spend time in the museum with its comprehensive collection of Civil War artifacts, and walk the trail through the battlefield area.

Rebel State Historic Site (3 miles northwest of Marthaville on State Hwy. 1221, and 25 miles west of Natchitoches and I-49) - Features the gravesite of an unknown Confederate soldier and is home of the Louisiana Country Music Museum. An amphitheater offers concerts featuring gospel, country and folk music.

Los Adaes State Historic Site (1 mile northeast of Robeline on LA Hwy. 485) - The 14-acre site located on the "El Camino Real" near Natchitoches features the remains of a Spanish fort built in the 1700s to protect Texas from the French. It is a major archaeological site and offers interpretive programs.

South Toledo Bend State Park (16 miles west of Anacoco, off LA Hwy. 191) - Set on the scenic bluffs of the southern end of the Toledo Bend Reservoir, the park offers cabins, campsites, a visitor center with meeting room facilities and a paved nature trail. A boat launch provides a route to some of the best fishing in the nation.

Historic Town of Natchitoches (off I-49 on Cane River Lake) - The oldest settlement in the Louisiana Purchase, it has a 33-block Historic Landmark District featuring Creole architecture, bed and breakfasts, restaurants, shops and historic homes.

Cane River Country (South of Natchitoches along LA 1) - Features some of the South's oldest plantation homes situated along the 32-mile oxbow-shaped Cane River Lake. The countryside is dotted with pecan orchards, cotton farms, historic landmarks, plantations, and churches.

Kisatchie National Forest-Longleaf Vista National Recreation Trail (25 miles west of Natchitoches and I- 49) - Take LA 6 west 6 miles, then take LA 117 another 16 miles to this trail featuring spectacular views of mesas, buttes, and sandstone outcroppings within the U.S. Forest Service Kisatchie Hills Wilderness Area.

Sabine Wildlife Refuge (5 miles south of Zwolle) - This area of 14,780-acres of loblolly and short leaf pine is open to visitors to enjoy hunting, birding, and camping.

National Fish Hatchery and Aquarium (615 Hwy. 1 south, Natchitoches) - Tours feature aquarium exhibits of native Louisiana species including turtles and alligators as well as a video presentation. Visitors may also observe seasonal operations such as feeding fish, hatching eggs, and harvesting fish.

Directions: From Shreveport, head south on US 171, and turn right onto LA 482 in Zwolle. Approx. two miles later, turn left onto LA 3229; this road leads to the park. From Natchitoches or I-49, take LA 6 west to Many. Take US 171 north to Zwolle, LA 120 west into Zwolle to connect to US 171 Business, and veer left onto LA 482. Approx. two miles later, turn left onto LA 3229; this road leads to the park