The first month-long outdoor adventure festival is underway in Central Louisiana. Kisatchie National Forest is doing its part Saturday.
A day of free activities and outdoor seminars will be held at the Kincaid Lake Recreation Area near Alexandria. Kisatchie National Forest public affairs specialist Amy Robertson says there will be how-to classes on trail running, mountain biking, paddle boarding and kayaking. She’s also organized yoga sessions, guided nature walks, CrossFit workouts and a family fun run.
“Living in Louisiana, we’re all so used to people referring to us as sportsman’s paradise, and that there are so many things to do outside -- and there really are!" Robertson said.
The outdoor enthusiasts who are leading the seminars are frequent users of the national park, according to Robertson. The gear they bring for these activities will be available for the public to try out.
“For folks who’ve never tried these activities, you don’t really want to make that kind of investment in a kayak, mountain bike, or paddle board, if you don’t really know if you’re going to enjoy it and use it,” Robertson said.
Kisatchie National Forest Day runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 15. Roberston hopes that the sampling of activities will be a gateway to new hobbies and exercise options for people, and showcase Kisatchie as an outdoor playground.