The National Red Dirt Wildlife Management Preserve is located on the Kisatchie Ranger District totaling 38,450 acres of forest which includes the 8,700 acre Kisatchie Hills Wilderness Area. The National Red Dirt Wildlife Management Preserve was established in 1941 with a cooperating management by the U.S. Forest Service and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.

Visitors to Red Dirt can find 38,450 acres of forest featuring some of the most unusually steep and rugged terrain to be found in Louisiana. The Preserve is a popular area for various hunting opportunities. State licenses and regulations apply, along with an additional management preserve permit issued by the Forest. Seasonal designated camping areas or Hunter Camps are established in and around the management preserve during hunting season.

Visitors can also enjoy panoramic views from the sandstone bluffs of the Longleaf Vista Recreation Area; feel the cool currents, white sandy beaches, and rocky rapids at Kisatchie Bayou Recreation Area; experience a wilderness challenge in the nationally designated Kisatchie Hills Wilderness; drive leisurely along the 17-mile Longleaf Trail Scenic Byway; ATV trail riding on the Sandstone Multi-Use Trail; or ride your horse on the Caroline Dormon Horse Trail.

The Longleaf Vista Recreation Area lies on a ridge that provides excellent views of the 8,700-acre Kisatchie Hills Wilderness, which surrounds the Vista on three sides. This popular day-use recreation area offers a variety of opportunities including picnicking, a 1.5 mile interpretive trail, and access to the wilderness. Locally known as the “Little Grand Canyon”, the wilderness area is a favored place among hikers and horseback riders who often enter along the Backbone Trail. Kisatchie Bayou Recreation Area offers day-use picnicking, fishing and canoeing on the bayou, and hiking and biking on the Caroline Dormon Trail Spur and Trail. Camping areas are orientated towards walk-in tent camping along the banks of Kisatchie Bayou.

The District offers visitors numerous dispersed activities that include 9 scenic overlooks, 12 miles of wilderness hiking trails, canoeing over 20 miles down Kisatchie Bayou, 50 miles of multiple use trails and a 17 mile scenic byway and panoramic vistas. The Red Dirt Wildlife Management Preserve is a popular area for various hunting opportunities. State licenses and regulations apply, along with an additional management preserve permit issued by the Forest. Seasonal designated camping areas or “Hunter Camps” are established in and around the management preserve during hunting season.
From Interstate Hwy 49, take the Derry exit, exit 119 and drive south on Louisiana Hwy 119 5.5 miles to Forest Highway 59 (Longleaf Scenic Byway). Turn right (west) on FH 59. From this point on, the Wilderness will lie on your right (north) and Red Dirt will be on your left (south). Entry via LA Hwy 117 is also possible. See Map.