---
id: "52924"
name: Myths and Legends Byway
distance: "181"
duration: One to two days for a self-guided tour
description: The Myths and Legends Byway in Louisiana is a historic route filled with tales of outlaws, ghost stories, and natural beauty, stretching through the region originally inhabited by the Atakapa and Coushatta tribes. Travelers can explore historic sites, paddle the scenic Ouiska Chitto River, and visit towns DeRidder and Merryville, rich with folklore, Civil War remnants, and wildlife areas.
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organization:
  - url: https://www.louisianamythsandlegends.com/
    name: Myths and Legends Byway
websites:
  - url: https://byways.explorelouisiana.com/byway/myths-and-legends-byway
    name: Louisiana Byways
attractions:
  - url: https://www.allenparish.com/things-to-do/allen-parish-cultural-center/
    name: Allen Parish Cultural Center
  - url: https://beauregardmuseum.org/
    name: Beauregard Museum
  - url: https://bparena.net/
    name: Beauregard Parish Civic Center-Covered Arena
  - url: https://vernonparish.org/things-do/burr-ferry-civil-war-breastworks-1864/
    name: Burr Ferry Civil War Breastworks
  - url: https://www.cecilscajunkitchenla.com/
    name: Cecil's Cajun Kitchen
  - url: https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/page/clear-creek
    name: Clear Creek Wildlife Management Area
  - url: https://www.coushattacasinoresort.com/
    name: Coushatta Casino Resort
  - url: https://faustosfamilyrestaurant.cfd/
    name: Faustos Family Restaurant
  - url: https://www.beauregardtourism.com/jail-history.html
    name: Gothic Jail of DeRidder and Beauregard Parish Courthouse
  - url: https://www.gypsyblueyou.com/home
    name: Gypsy Blue Antiques & More
  - url: https://www.military.com/base-guide/fort-johnson
    name: Joint Readiness Training Center and Fort Polk
  - url: https://www.fs.usda.gov/kisatchie
    name: Kisatchie National Forest
  - url: https://merryvillemuseum.org/
    name: Merryville Museum and Burkes Log Cabin
  - url: https://www.beauregardtourism.com/historical-sites.html
    name: Old Campground Cemetery and Nature Walk
  - url: https://vernonparish.org/things-do/talbert-pierson-cemetery/
    name: Talbert-Pierson Cemetery
  - url: https://treasurecitymarket.com/
    name: Treasure City Market
  - url: https://www.louisianalandcan.org/local-resources/West-Bay-Wildlife-Management-Area/31342
    name: West Bay Wildlife Management Area
designations:
  - Louisiana State Scenic Byway
states:
  - LA
ll:
  - -93.6082413933197
  - 30.746592677031472
bounds:
  - - -93.6082413933197
    - 30.236462
  - - -92.434806
    - 31.356628

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The Myths and Legends Byway in Louisiana is a unique route steeped in history, folklore, and adventure. Originally inhabited by the Atakapa and Coushatta tribes, this land became a notorious refuge for outlaws and land pirates, earning the name No Man’s Land due to territorial disputes between France, Spain, Mexico, and the United States. Travelers can explore sites like Wolf Rock Cave, believed to date back to 2500-1000 BC, and possibly linked to the infamous land pirate John Murrell. The byway offers multiple ways to experience its scenery and history, either by car or by paddling along the Ouiska Chitto River, known for its quartz sandbars and lush surroundings. The river flows through Kisatchie National Forest, providing opportunities for picnicking, camping, and fishing while passing by historic locations.

Driving the byway starts at Burr Ferry, a town with Civil War-era fortifications, and continues through DeRidder, where visitors can tour the eerie "Hanging Jail" and explore the Beauregard Parish Museum. Further along, travelers can visit Sugartown’s forested cemetery walk, explore wildlife areas near Elizabeth, or stop by the West Bay Wildlife Management Area for bird-watching. Another route leads to Merryville, home to the grave of the outlaw Leather Britches Smith, whose legacy remains debated. Just beyond Merryville, the Clear Creek Wildlife Management Area offers a haven for migrating northern wildlife in the winter months.

Whether exploring by land or water, the Myths and Legends Byway provides a rich journey through Louisiana’s past and natural beauty.