The routes follow various segments of the state-maintained highway system, usually rural in character, and are mostly located in the central and southern areas of the state.

There are currently 18 routes that are active members of the Louisiana Scenic Byways program, following its reorganization in 2010.

Like most of Louisiana's Scenic Byways, it does not follow a linear route but instead consists of a network of existing state-maintained highways.

The trail spans a total of 180 miles (290 km) through a remote area sometimes referred to as "Louisiana's Outback."

The surroundings range from marshland and prairie to sandy beaches and contain a wide variety of wildlife, including alligators, birds, butterflies, and fish.