Louisiana’s state highway system forms a crucial backbone of transportation across the Bayou State. Managed by the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD), these highways range from major arterial roads linking cities and parishes to scenic byways traversing swamps, bayous, and historical towns. Numbered in a grid-like system that reflects the geography of the state, Louisiana’s highways serve both local commuters and long-distance travelers.

The system includes hundreds of designated routes, typically identified with “LA” followed by a number—such as LA 1, LA 10, or LA 30. Lower-numbered highways like LA 1 often stretch for long distances and serve as regional corridors, while three-digit routes frequently function as connectors or serve rural areas. Many highways pass through culturally rich areas, including Cajun country, plantation corridors, and French Creole towns, offering travelers a look into Louisiana’s diverse heritage.

A number of Louisiana state highways are also part of designated scenic byways or heritage trails. For instance, the Great River Road (partially following LA 18) and the Cane River National Heritage Trail offer picturesque routes filled with historic and natural landmarks. Whether you’re navigating through the Atchafalaya Basin, skirting Lake Pontchartrain, or driving toward the Gulf Coast, Louisiana’s state highways provide both function and a distinct flavor of the Deep South.