Experience spectacular seasonal flora displays at gardens, national forests and nature preserves in the Toledo Bend area and in adjoining Natchitoches Parish.

When many people think of Toledo Bend Country, they think of Hodges Gardens, a botanical garden park that has been around for more than a half-century. The park, now under the Louisiana State Parks, features roses, flowers and plants of all kinds. All photos in the film strip you see above and below this section were taken at Hodges Gardens.

Experience spectacular seasonal flora displays at gardens, national forests and nature preserves in the Toledo Bend area and in adjoining Natchitoches Parish. 

Virginia Mitchell Bailey Memorial Garden is located in a wooded area adjacent to Cypress Bend Resort.  The Garden offers hundreds of species of plants and varied garden features that induce pleasure as you leisurely stroll the walkway.






Cypress Bend Golf Resort and Conference Center has numerous areas on its 400 acres that provide views of marvelous color and texture combinations of plant materials that are artistically designed into the landscape.  Group tours are available with the horticulturist, or at designated times golf carts are available for rent to tour the entire golf course and resort.  Late afternoon tours are a favorite.  Located off Hwy 191 south of Toledo Town. 

Call (318) 590-1500, or (877) 519-1500

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Hodges Gardens State Park is a 700 acre scenic natural wonderland composed of an old domestic rose garden, new hybrid roses, seasonal flora, cascading waterfalls and stunning multi-level floral gardens.  Overnight accommodations are available in a full service RV park and cabins around a 225 acre trophy bass fishing lake.  Located 15 miles south of Many on Hwy 171, across from Emerald Hills Golf Resort and Mulligan’s Bar & Grill.  Open daily from 8:00am to 4:30pm. 

Call (318) 586-3523 or (800) 354-3523

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Kisatchie National Forest/Longleaf Trail Scenic Byway in Natchitoches Parish is accessed off Hwy 117 to Forest Service Road 59.  Favorites for many visitors are the hundreds of dogwood trees in bloom in March and April and miles of native wildflowers.  For those wishing to take time to explore, there are many rare species in the bog areas. Maps are available at Toledo Bend Tourist Information Centers.  Call (318) 473-7160

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Carolyn Dorman Nature Reserve, known as Briarwood, is a tribute to Caroline Dorman’s pioneering work as the first woman employed in forestry in the United States.  Conservationists and horticulturists from all over the world feel it’s the most complete botanical sanctuary in Louisiana.  Briarwood is open to the public on weekends in April, May, August and November.  Located on La Hwy 9 in Natchitoches Parish between the towns of Saline and Campti.

Call (318) 576-3379

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