Despite everything that has happened in the past couple of years, road tripping is still considered one of the most popular tourist activities in the U.S. during the fall season. Compared to other Western countries, the U.S. is fortunate enough to have miles of forests, deserts, prairies, and mountains with small towns in between, making it the perfect setting for an exciting road trip. Furthermore, road trips allow families to take vacations cheaply and conveniently.
Luckily, Covington is near some very gorgeous landscapes and destinations that are ideal for a road trip. It doesn’t even matter if you don’t own a vehicle – you can always visit the nearest car rental around Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to rent the perfect vehicle for a road trip. Whether you’re planning an afternoon drive to leaf peep or longing to explore the countryside’s fall foliage for a whole weekend, a car rental near Covington, LA, recommends these scenic routes for your autumn road trip.
The Bayou Teche Scenic Byway
This 125-mile stretch is home to several of nature’s most incredible and historic landscapes. The route is peppered with moss-draped oak trees, lush cypress forests, and breathtaking swamplands. Also, if you are interested in old architecture, the Bayou Teche Scenic Byway features properties on the National Register of Historic Properties. The best part is that your eyes will not be the only ones satisfied in taking this route but your belly as well. The small towns located along this route are famous for their delicious French Cajun cuisine.
Creole Nature Trail
This 180-mile route takes you through Louisiana’s charming little swamps and marshes. It’s the perfect route for nature lovers as it brings them closer to the thriving wildlife living along the trail. Aside from featuring 26 miles of the Gulf of Mexico coast, the Creole Nature Trail is home to more than 400 bird species. For this reason, many tourists affectionately call this scenic route “America’s Last Great Wilderness”. A word of caution, though: don’t forget to bring some mosquito repellent if you plan to include this trail for your fall road trip.
San Bernardo Scenic Byway
From the borders of Orleans, stretching along the Louisiana Hwy 46, this 29-mile route is famous for history buffs as it houses the Old Arabi Historic Districts and the Islenos Museum & Village Complex. Drivers are in for a treat as this route takes them to wealthy plantation homes, ancient burial grounds, and the infamous Contreras Plantation site. Along the way, you can feast on the fresh seafood offerings that St. Bernard’s popular eateries have to offer.
Cajun Prairie
Located just outside Eunice, LA, the Cajun Prairie is managed by a non-profit organization, the Cajun Prairie Habitat Preservation Society. The organization is responsible for approximately 2.5 million acres of prairie land across Louisiana. The Cajun Prairie, in particular, includes the savannah regions between Attakapas Country and the Great Southwestern Prairie. You can enjoy the full autumn colors by visiting the Cajun Prairie.
If you want to know more about these routes or are curious about the other scenic ways you can take, check out Baldwin Subaru for more helpful tips.