Chemin-A-Haut State Park

Discover incredible recreation opportunities at this northern State Park.

Chemin-A-Haut State Park Cabins

Waterfront cabins at Chemin-A-Haut State Park.

Castle Tree at Chemin-A-Haut State Park

Paddle up to the massive, centuries-old "Castle Tree" at Chemin-A-Haut State Park.

Chemin-A-Haut is a park with a funny name and seriously fun recreational opportunities. The park takes its name from the French phrase meaning “high road,” which Native Americans once used on seasonal migrations through these north Louisiana woodlands.

Families flock to Chemin-A-Haut for its many activities geared toward kids. The park’s swimming pool, open seasonally, is a great way for visitors of all ages to cool off during the day. For younger guests, a wading pool is also on site. Two playgrounds can be found in the day-use area of the park.

Thirty-five picnic sites, equipped with grills and tables, welcome families looking to dine al fresco. Coursing through these picnic sites and nearby shelters is a hard-surfaced trail that rises to hills overlooking Bayou Bartholomew. Other trails include those designated for horseback riders, and two short paths that offer visitors a short round-trip trek to walk off dinner.

The main attraction here is the bayou. Massive cypress trees crowd the waters flowing through them, making Bayou Bartholomew a photographer’s paradise. The massive "Castle Tree" - an estimated thousand-year-old cypress tree - is a natural wonder. The base of the tree measures 20 feet in diameter, and even has a cave-like opening that offers paddlers a peek inside. Anglers will find freshwater fish such as bream, redear sunfish and bluegill along the banks.

After a day of fishing, photographing, hiking and biking, visitors are welcome to sleep in one of 15 cabins ranging from small-and-cozy to a single spacious group camp that accommodates up to 38 people. Primitive campsites are also available.

Learn more about Bastrop and Morehouse Parish at the Snyder Museum. Over in Monroe, visit the Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge for more outdoor fun. Or, check out the Poverty Point World Heritage Site in Delhi, a collection of prehistoric Native American earthworks dating back over 3,000 years.

Entrance fee: $3 per person; free for seniors age 62 and older, and children age 3 and younger.