36 Miles in the Kisatchie Hills
A 36-mile ride in Louisiana’s Kisatchie Hills can sound like one long, easy loop, but trail mileage does not always mean a single continuous route. Riders need to know which trail system they’re using, what is open, and where to find current access rules. This guide explains how to plan the ride, prepare your machine, and avoid the common surprises that can turn a forest outing into a frustrating day.
What 36 miles in the Kisatchie Hills really means
Trail mileage is not necessarily one continuous loop
The phrase “36 miles” describes a substantial amount of riding, but it does not automatically mean there is a 36-mile loop with one start and finish. A trail network may include connected routes, branches, and spurs. Some paths may bring you back toward a trailhead, while others can require retracing your route or navigating a junction carefully.
That distinction matters when you’re estimating ride time. A group that cruises comfortably on a wide, dry section may slow down on narrow turns, rough ground, or muddy patches. Stops for regrouping, checking the map, and letting a newer rider catch up also add time. It’s better to plan around the route you intend to take, rather than assuming every mile will feel the same.
The 36-mile figure is associated with Louisiana’s Sandstone riding area in Kisatchie National Forest. For a closer look at the location and route system, see [Louisiana's Sandstone Multiple-Use Trail] and [Sandstone's 36 Miles in Louisiana]. Before you unload, match your planned ride to the official forest map so you know which trailheads and connections apply to your trip.
Check the trail system and route map before you go
Kisatchie National Forest covers a broad area, and “Kisatchie” is not a precise enough destination for navigation. Confirm the riding area, access road, and trailhead you mean before leaving home. A route that looks close on a regional map can still involve a different forest road or trail system than the one your group expects.
Start with the official trail information for the riding area, then compare it with a map you can use while riding. The collection at [Kisatchie National Forest OHV Trails in Louisiana] can help you understand the broader riding options. [Louisiana ATV Trail Map Downloads] is useful when you want to review map choices before the trip.
A phone-based navigation tool can be a helpful supplement. For example, onX Offroad can help riders look at routes and orient themselves, but do not make any app your only source of information. Save or download what you need before you lose cell service, carry the official map, and confirm that the route you plan to use is open to your type of machine.
How to plan the ride around access and conditions
Confirm seasonal access and current closures
A trail that appears on a map may not be open to motorized riding on the day you arrive. Seasonal closures, storm damage, maintenance, and other temporary restrictions can affect access. Sandstone has a seasonal motorized-use closure; the details are covered in [Sandstone Trail Closes to Motors January Through April] and [Sandstone Trail Opens to OHVs on May 1]. Treat those dates as a planning reference, then check the trail’s official status before towing out.
This check is especially important after heavy rain. Forest roads can become difficult for a truck and trailer, while trail surfaces may be too soft or damaged for responsible riding. Even if the trail system is technically open, a storm or local condition can make a particular route unsuitable. If the forest posts a closure or warning, follow it rather than trying to find an unofficial way around it.
Make checking status part of your trip routine: look before you leave, and look again if weather changes or you’re planning a later visit. [Checking a Trail Status Page First] is a useful reminder that a saved map or old trip report cannot confirm today’s access conditions.
Sort out passes, permits, and machine eligibility
Forest riding may require a pass or other access steps, and requirements can depend on the site and activity. Review [Louisiana Forest Trail Use Passes] before you go, and confirm the details for the exact trailhead you intend to use. Do not assume that a pass for one site automatically covers every riding area, or that a permit you obtained for another type of public land applies here.
Also check the machine rules. A trail system can have restrictions on vehicle type, size, or use. A side-by-side rider should confirm that the route permits UTVs rather than assuming that every OHV trail is open to every machine. If your group includes both ATVs and UTVs, verify that everyone’s machine is allowed on the same planned route.
| Planning question | What to verify before leaving |
|---|---|
| Where are we riding? | Exact trail system, trailhead, and access road |
| Is the route open? | Seasonal dates, temporary closures, and storm-related notices |
| What do we need to enter? | Applicable pass, permit, or site-specific access requirement |
| Is our machine allowed? | Vehicle type and any size or use restrictions |
| Can we navigate offline? | Downloaded map, official trail map, and a backup plan |
Keep passes and required documents accessible rather than buried under riding gear. A little preparation at home can prevent a long wait at a trailhead or a disappointing drive back to the nearest town.
Preparing your machine and group for a long forest ride
Give the ATV or UTV a practical pre-ride check
A forest ride puts ordinary wear items to work. Before you leave, check tire condition and pressure, brakes, steering, lights, battery, fuel, and fluid levels. Look for loose fasteners or damage that may have appeared during the last ride. If the machine has a belt, inspect it according to the manufacturer’s maintenance guidance, especially if it has recently been used in mud or water.
Pack for the length of the ride, not just the short drive from the parking area. Bring enough water, basic first aid supplies, a tire repair kit, tools suited to your machine, and a way to contact help. A small problem such as a loose battery connection can become a much bigger hassle when you’re far from the truck and the group is losing daylight.
For a UTV, confirm that everyone has a safe seat and that cargo is secured. For an ATV, make sure the rider has the protective gear and skill level appropriate to the route. If a newer rider is coming along, plan a shorter option or an early turnaround point. There’s no prize for completing every mile if someone is tired, uncomfortable, or struggling to keep pace.
Plan around weather, terrain, and daylight
Louisiana weather can make a familiar route feel entirely different from one visit to the next. Dry ground may be dusty, while recent rain can leave slick sections, standing water, and soft shoulders. Ride at a pace that leaves room to react, and do not assume a puddle is shallow just because it looks manageable from the trail.
Use onX Offroad or another navigation option to help follow your planned route, but keep a paper or official forest map available as a backup. Mark the trailhead and any planned turnarounds before the ride begins. At junctions, stop and regroup rather than letting the fastest riders disappear around the next bend. If the group gets separated, a clear meeting point is more useful than relying on a patchy phone signal.
Set a turnaround time that gives you room to return before dark. Keep in mind that a slow section, a stuck machine, or a mechanical issue can change the schedule quickly. Tell someone who is not riding where you plan to go and when you expect to be back. That basic check-in is easy to overlook when everyone is focused on loading the trailer, but it provides an important backup if plans change.
Riding responsibly and making the day go smoothly
Stay on routes open to motorized use
Stay on designated routes and follow posted signs. Riding around a closure or making a new shortcut can damage sensitive ground and create access problems for other visitors. It can also make it harder for land managers to maintain routes that are open to the public.
At a junction, slow down and check the map before choosing a direction. If a route is blocked, closed, or unclear, turn back rather than treating the obstacle as an invitation to explore off-trail. A convenient-looking spur may lead to a non-motorized route, a closed area, or private property. When you are unsure, choose the known route and confirm the rules before the next trip.
Keep noise and speed considerate near other forest users and trailheads. You may encounter hikers, horseback riders, cyclists, or another group of machines. Slow down, give others room, and avoid kicking up dust near people or parked vehicles. These small choices help keep a shared riding area pleasant and reduce the chance of conflict.
Build a backup plan before you unload
A good plan includes a shorter ride. If rain moves in, a machine develops a problem, or a rider in the group needs a break, you should be able to turn back without leaving anyone stranded or rushing to beat sunset. Choose a clear regrouping location and make sure everyone knows the plan before engines start.
If you are traveling from outside the area, think through the practical details too: fuel stops, food, trailer parking, and whether your vehicle can handle the access road. Do not count on reliable cell coverage throughout a forest ride. Download maps in advance and share the route with your group so each rider is not depending on one person’s phone.
After the ride, check the machine for mud and debris, especially around the radiator, brakes, suspension, and drivetrain. Give the trailhead area a quick look before you leave, and pack out everything you brought in. A clean, uneventful finish is part of a successful day—not an afterthought once the machines are back on the trailer.
Disclaimer
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Laws, prices and regulations vary by location and change over time. Consult a qualified professional for guidance on your specific situation.
