Gilliam is a tiny town about 20 miles north of Shreveport that you may have never heard of, but that’s about to change. Home to less than 1,000 people, the town is mostly farmland and rolling hills, including some of the most incredible sunflowers in Louisiana. Every year, Gilliam hosts the annual Sunflower Festival to celebrate this cheerful flower and you’re not going to want to miss it.
The Sunflower Trail is one of the most cheerful road trips you can take - just look at that endless view of sunflowers!
Sunflower Trail & Festival/Facebook
The trail is about 20 miles long and leads you through some truly stunning scenery.
Sunflower Trail & Festival/Facebook There’s nothing like a countryside drive!
Here’s a map to guide your way.
Sunflower Trail & Festival/Facebook
Sunflowers can grow anywhere from 6-14 feet tall, and when they’re in full bloom, it’s mesmerizing.
AC/Google Some can even top 20 feet!
The sunflowers bloom from mid-June to early July.
Sunflower Trail & Festival/Facebook
The trail is free and open to the public as long as the flowers are in bloom.
Sunflower Trail & Festival/Facebook You’ll see bright yellow “sunflower trail” signs along your drive, so just follow the signs.
Give the Sunflower Trail a follow on Facebook so you can stay up to date on the blooms.
AC/Google That way, you can time your drive perfectly!
All of the fields are planted by local farmers.
Sunflower Trail & Festival/Facebook Feel free to stop off and get a closer look, just remember that these fields are maintained by local farmers, so be respectful of their property.
It’s the perfect opportunity for a photoshoot.
Sunflower Trail & Festival/Facebook
The Sunflower Festival takes place on the third Saturday in June.
Sunflower Trail & Festival/Facebook You can drive along the trail whenever you’d like, but the festival is a one-day event, so mark your calendars!
This year, the festival will take place on June 18, 2022.
Sunflower Trail & Festival/Facebook Drive along the trail and then stop off at the festival to celebrate this special flower!
Local artists will be displaying their arts and crafts, featuring everything from handmade jewelry to jams and jellies.
Sunflower Trail & Festival/Facebook Don’t forget to check out the farmers’ market to stock up on local produce. There will also be several local restaurants set up to fill your belly with their delicious creations, local bands, and activities for kids, too, so bring the whole family out for a day of fun!
For more information, visit the Sunflower Trail website, and don’t forget to give them a follow on Facebook so you can stay up to date on the sunflower field’s bloom status and upcoming events. Are you planning on attending the festival this year? Or maybe just the drive? Let us know in the comments!
Sunflower Trail & Festival/Facebook
There’s nothing like a countryside drive!
AC/Google
Some can even top 20 feet!
You’ll see bright yellow “sunflower trail” signs along your drive, so just follow the signs.
That way, you can time your drive perfectly!
Feel free to stop off and get a closer look, just remember that these fields are maintained by local farmers, so be respectful of their property.
You can drive along the trail whenever you’d like, but the festival is a one-day event, so mark your calendars!
Drive along the trail and then stop off at the festival to celebrate this special flower!
Don’t forget to check out the farmers’ market to stock up on local produce. There will also be several local restaurants set up to fill your belly with their delicious creations, local bands, and activities for kids, too, so bring the whole family out for a day of fun!
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: Gilliam, LA, USA
