Bayou Bartholomew, with the oldest cypress tree in Louisiana

In the far north of Louisiana, in the town of Bastrop, lies one of the state’s most stunning natural parks. Chemin-A-Haut State Park is one of those places where history and nature intertwine.

It owes its French name to its picturesque and strategic location atop a high cliff, once a stopping point for Native Americans during their seasonal migrations through the northern forests.

Popular with families for its pristine environment, it boasts numerous trails for hiking, horseback riding, and biking, as well as some thirty picnic areas and a children’s playground.

Its main attraction remains Bayou Bartholomew, where imposing cypress trees line the tranquil waters.

A true paradise for photographers, it is particularly popular in autumn or winter when the mist appears and adds a mystical touch to the atmosphere.

The majestic « Castle Tree, » a giant cypress estimated to be a thousand years old, is a natural treasure hidden within it.

Its base, six meters in diameter, has a cave-like opening that allows you to glimpse the inside of the tree when approaching it in a canoe.