| Tyler to New Orleans A Motorcycle Ride I took big road TX 69 down to Alto from Tyler, because I wanted to go to the Texas State Railroad in Rusk. (Article coming) At Alto, below Rusk, take Tx.21 to the Louisiana border. This is one fine road, reminding me of the good riding in Arkansas. Only one town of any size, Nacogdocehes, which has a historical section worth visiting. (My family plays a part there.) Get gas there. Gas gets scarce until the La. border. Below is the Louisiana portion of the trip. With time a priority for this writing, let's just ride. Points of interest, maybe later. When you cross Toledo Bend, where there is gas, turn right on 191 which rides the ups and downs across the drainage into the lake. Continue on 191 to Negreet. Continue through town on 191, then turn left on 474. Take it to Florien. At Florien, take US-171 north for a short distance and turn right (east) on La.118 to Kisatchie. (you are in the Kisatchie National Forest) Camping is available and a pretty road, The Longleaf Vista Scenic Byway which rides through the forest is just north of this intersection, but since you've just been through E.TX, it wouldn't seen that awing. Back to ride. At Kisatchie take 117 south to Kurthwood. There ake 465 east all the way to the intersection with 121 above Hineston. At Hineston take 112 to Forest Hill. For this trip I'll send you on the fastest, but not the best route out of Forest Hill. Continue on 112 to I49, south. Just a little interstate to the next treat. Get off on 181 west. 181 runs into 115 (fine road), go right (south). It will end at 106, take a right (west) to 3042, take a left south. This goes down a beautiful winding road and the entrance to Chicot state park Cabins for rent, if getting tired, make reservations, I like the older ones They look like fishing camps but have air-conditioning, the works, see article on website. Take 3042 into Ville Platte. 3042 will dead end at La.29, take a left, east. It will take a right. Soon you will meet 363 , take a right, south, to the historic town of Washington (along the way it changes to 103, make no road turns, keep straight along the way,. At Washington take La.10 east to Lebeau where 10 make a right and then quickly a left. Continue on 10 to Melville, (you just crossed 71 and are doing one of the best side trips). At Melville, go south on 105, the Easy Rider Road (where they were shot in the movie. It is a levee road and great riding.) Take 105 to Krotz Springs where you get on US 190 east Take 190 across the swamp (Atchafalaya) to Lottie where you go south on 181 to77 and turn south (right). You are in plantation country, riding along a winding bayou. 77 goes under I-10 at Gross Tete. Continue to Plaquemine to La. 1. Ride boring straight La.1 south to Donaldsonville or get on the levee road at Plaquemine La.405 (my choice) and ride to it hits La.1 above Donaldsonville. At Donaldsonville it gets a little weird. Just continue toward the Sunshine Bridge, just before the bridge, get on the levee road, La.18 for more great riding with historical pts of interest all along the way. This brings you to US. 90, West Bank. (you can sell this route, it's that good) An option for speed is to take straight 3127 a little west of Donaldsonville, but it takes you to Boutte, a drag going into New Orleans, unless you get off of it, there are several connections to La.18. There is a chance you will hit lots of traffic at times and stop lights once you are on US 90. The levee is much better. |
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