A Wonderful Fall Walk Through The Town of Long Leaf | Louisiana Through My Lens

 Photos and Story by Ken Hulsey

I've been holding onto these images for nearly a month now, and I really wanted to share them sooner. Life has been a whirlwind lately, so I’m catching up on my 2025 inventory of images before I dive into creating fresh content for 2026. Back in late November, my adventures took me through the heart of the state, and I made a stop at one of my all-time favorite places: the historic town of Long Leaf.

I had my sights set on visiting the Southern Forest Heritage Museum, which preserves most of the remnants of this quaint town, including the old Crowell & Spencer Lumber Company mill complex and the historic Red River and Gulf Railroad. However, I arrived on a Monday afternoon only to discover that the museum is closed on Mondays and operates only from Sunday to Tuesday. Although I was a bit disappointed, I didn’t let that stop me! Instead, I decided to embrace the opportunity to stretch my legs and explore the grounds surrounding the museum.

What’s fantastic about this area is that many of the remaining structures from the town are accessible for exploration without needing to pay the museum's admission fee. That said, I highly recommend investing in the small admission charge to experience the mill complex and the railroad facilities—they're definitely worth it! Today Long Leaf consists of an active post office, the charming old lumber mill commissary building, a handful of historic houses, a forestry lookout tower, a lovely walking trail, and the tracks of the old RR&G railroad. 

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I always find myself returning to this site during the fall and winter months. There’s something special about it that evokes nostalgic memories of vintage photographs and paintings of yesteryear. Even though this once-thriving town has fallen into a state of quiet abandonment, it still possesses enough charm to transport you visually back in time. As a photographer, I cherish moments like these, capturing the town wrapped in stunning fall colors with beautiful, crisp leaves scattered about. It truly provides a glimpse into simpler times—what I like to call a slice of Americana.

Walking around Longleaf is always a rewarding experience for me. It offers a calming atmosphere that centers me, allowing me to momentarily escape and let my worries dissolve, even if just for a couple of hours. We all need those special places in our lives, don’t we? 

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I really hope you’ll consider seeking out this hidden gem, nestled between Highway 165 and LA-497, located between Glenmora and Forest Hill. It’s astonishing how many locals I’ve spoken to are unaware of its existence, and that just adds to its charm. I truly hope that the images from my adventures in Longleaf inspire you to make the journey there—you won’t regret it!