Outdoor sports enthusiasts and nature lovers from all over flock to Webster Parish for the area’s stunning scenery and natural wonders. Our parish boasts a scenic state park and national forest, a beautiful bayou, and three picturesque lakes.
Each of our waterways features a paddle route that is part of the Webster Parish Paddle Trail, an adventurous and unique way for visitors to discover the beauty of our parish by water.
While paddling is one of the most popular reasons for visiting our parish, it’s not the only way to explore the Great Webster Parish Outdoors!
Webster Parish is home to the Caney District of the Kisatchie National Forest—Louisiana’s only national forest—that offers not only unforgettable paddling experiences but also some of the best mountain biking opportunities in the state.
Take a closer look at the epic cycling adventures waiting for you in Webster Parish.
Caney Lakes and the Sugar Cane National Recreation Trail
There are a number of trails throughout Kisatchie National Forest that are perfect for hiking, mountain biking, and even horseback riding. The Sugar Cane National Recreation Trail near Minden, however, is rated one of the best for cycling and draws visitors from near and far.
The Sugar Cane Recreation Trail follows a nearly six-mile loop around the beautiful Caney Lakes and is known for being a flowing, sometimes fast, singletrack path with small creek crossings great for cooling off; stunning scenery; and just the right amount of challenge.
The trail is generally considered an easy route that takes just under an hour to complete, so it’s a great option for riders of all skill levels.
During your ride you’ll likely see a range of wildlife, including deer, armadillo, wild turkeys, raccoons, and a colorful array of birds and waterfowl. You might even spot a Louisiana black bear!
Lost Man’s Trail
For riders looking for an extra challenge, give the Lost Man’s Trail a go. This lesser-known trail is a hidden gem that begins and ends on the north side of the Caney Lakes, not far from the Upper Caney Campground.
While this three-mile loop trail is roughly half the distance of the Sugar Cane Trail, its terrain is considered moderately challenging and takes slightly longer to complete. The beautiful waterfront views are worth it, though!
Suggested Itinerary for Exploring the Caney Lakes District
There’s a lot to see and do when visiting Kisatchie National Forest and Caney Lakes. To maximize your time and make sure you get the most out of your visit, we’ve put together a suggested itinerary.
Morning
Before hitting the trails, fuel up for the day with a smoothie bowl or a New York-style bagel from Brick Street Coffee, a top-rated coffee shop and roastery in Minden. Their menu also features the full gamut of hot and cold coffee creations.
Grab your water bottle and saddle up for a thrilling ride along the scenic and historic National Sugar Cane Trail, named for the crop that was once cultivated here.
Lunchtime
Keep the mountain biking fun going with a hearty, on-the-go meal before embarking on the next part of your Kisatchie Forest adventure.
Hit up Geaux Fresh for homemade cafe-style fare or Smokin’ J’s BBQ for lip-smackingly good BBQ. And don’t forget dessert! We recommend a Dorcheat Bottom Cookie or some ooey-gooey peach cobbler. Savor the flavors of these Webster Parish go-tos while taking in views of Caney Lake.
Afternoon
Hydrate well before setting out on Lost Man’s Trail to put your mountain biking skills to the test and soak up unmatched views of Caney Lakes.
If you’ve had your fill of riding and are after a more relaxing afternoon, take a nap in the shade or launch your watercraft on the lake for some paddling fun or to catch some fish.
Dinner
After a full day of exploring the trails and the lake, venture into Downtown Minden for delicious Louisiana cuisine.
Get your fill of Cajun goodness at Seafood Empire, Bon Temps, Wilson’s Steak and Seafood, or Crawfish Hole #2.
You’ll find the best home cooking at spots like Lumberjack Grill, Peaches Porch, and Alice’s Soul Kitchen.
For wings, burgers, and other fresh-off-the-grill meals, head to Under Dawgs Sports Grill or Neta’s Drive-In.
If you’re after some entertainment with your meal, you can’t go wrong with El Jimador Mexican Grill and Under Dawg Sports Grill. These two hot spots are a go-to for listening to live music from local musicians, catching the big game, or playing some trivia.
Explore more Webster Parish dining options here.
Evening
Hang your hat up for the night and sleep under the stars at the Beaver Dam Campground in the Caney Lakes Recreation Area. Each campsite can accommodate up to eight campers and comes with electric and water hookups.
For visitors looking for a less rustic place to stay, our parish is home to some cozy cabins, charming B&Bs and airbnbs, and comfortable hotels.
More to Discover in Webster Parish
The panoramic trails around Caney Lakes are just a glimpse of the beauty and fun to be found in Webster Parish.
Extend your stay and carve out some time to explore Lake Bistineau State Park; set sail on the expansive Webster Parish Paddle Trail; visit our area’s fascinating museums and historic places; and make memories and new friends at our annual festivals and events.
