Not sure about hotel accomodations there. VERY small town and off of I-20 quite a ways (the roads in that part of Louisiana aren't very good and have lots of farm traffic - I've been stuck behind many a tractor near there). However, you're less than 25 miles from Monroe at Rayville and Monroe has a ton of hotels, restaurants, etc.

Hiking - Most places have shorter trails and driving tours as alternatives. I'm asthmatic and often have trouble breathing in the higher altitudes. So, I'll usually take the short trails to sites rather than the longer trecks into the wilderness. I've never felt like I was missing much.

Laura