Fall Break is next week! As a reminder, the kids are out of school Monday and Tuesday, October 14th and 15th. Take advantage of the gorgeous weather and time off with a spontaneous road trip! 

Whether you're looking for a quick day trip for a change of scenery, or a long weekend and change of elevation, here are some ideas within a 7-hour drive that offer some semblance of foliage, a scenic drive, or a peaceful retreat.

And when you have a little more time to plan your perfect escape, give us a call! Zachary Travel is located right here in Zachary, and we've been planning getaways for 41 years. 

 1. Kisatchie National Forest, Louisiana

   - Distance: ~3 hours

   - Highlights: The only national forest in Louisiana, Kisatchie offers over 600,000 acres of diverse landscapes. The forest is filled with hardwoods, pines and miles of trails. Ideal for hiking, camping, horseback riding and more! Don't miss the Longleaf Vista Scenic Byway for breathtaking views.

2. Natchez Trace Parkway, Mississippi

   - Distance: ~2.5-3 hours

   - Highlights: A scenic byway that runs from Natchez, MS, up to Nashville, TN. The stretch near Natchez and Jackson is especially picturesque in fall. Stop in historic Natchez for antebellum homes surrounded by colorful trees, then follow the road for a peaceful drive through wooded areas with beautiful fall colors. 

3. Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas

   - Distance: ~6.5-7 hours

   - Highlights: Nestled in the Ouachita Mountains, Hot Springs National Park offers spectacular fall foliage, with maple, oak, and hickory trees transforming the landscape into a vibrant mix of colors. While there, enjoy scenic drives, hiking trails, and the famous thermal springs. The surrounding Ouachita National Forest is also worth exploring for more autumn scenery.

4. Petit Jean State Park, Arkansas

   - Distance: ~6.5 hours

   - Highlights: Arkansas's first state park is renowned for its dramatic fall colors. The park’s Mather Lodge overlooks Cedar Creek Canyon, providing panoramic views of the fall foliage. There are several hiking trails with overlooks, waterfalls, and cliffs that showcase the colorful scenery.

5. Northshore, Louisiana (Covington, Mandeville, Abita Springs)

   - Distance: ~1-2 hours

   - Highlights: A close-to-home option with lovely scenic routes along the Tammany Trace bike path or nearby state parks like Fontainebleau. The Northshore’s oak and cypress trees offer autumnal colors with the backdrop of Lake Pontchartrain.

Each of these destinations offers a unique fall experience, from vibrant forest canopies to scenic overlooks, making them perfect for a memorable Fall Break road trip!\

6. Poverty Point (by way of Natchez, Epps)

   - Distance: ~3-4 hours

   - Highlights: Louisiana's own version of Stonehenge, these Indian mounds were created more than 3,000 years ago.  Poverty Point is a UNESCO World Heritage site that offers visitors the chance to explore ancient earthworks built by a prehistoric civilization. You can walk the mounds, visit the museum to learn about the site's history and culture, and take guided tours to understand the significance of the artifacts and the massive earthen structures used for ceremonial purposes.