HOMER, La. (WAFB) - This is something I don’t expect to see in Louisiana, the hills. I’m driving through Lake Claiborne State Park, located in north central Louisiana, barely 30 miles from the Arkansas state line.

Instead of using the campground, I opted for one of the park’s newly renovated cabins. The cabins stand on a hill overlooking the lake, and the views are wonderful. From the outdoor deck to the loft bedroom with a panoramic outdoor view. Amanda Morris and her family are staying in one of the cabins for the first time.

“We normally take our RV out here, but um, we did. They’re really nice and they look like they’ve just been updated,” said Morris.

Lake Claiborne’s beach is a popular hangout, especially during the hot summer months. Jesse Gunnels is about to start her final semester of college. She found a sunny spot to read and stay cool.

“I think I’ve been four or five times this summer just to swim and things. I like to come out and walk the trails. It gets really pretty down here in the fall,” Gunnels said.

The state park has two highly ranked disc golf courses and several miles of trails for hiking and biking that take advantage of the forested hilly landscape.

“No matter where you are here in the park, there is always a trail that you can step out on and get started,” said Assistant Park Manager Shonna Jordan.

One of the unique things I’ve noticed at your beach here is that you’ve got the sun, the beach, the water, but you’ve got a lot of shade.

“That’s one of the reasons why we have those cabanas down there as well, that that extra layer of protection,” Jordan said.

New cabanas are being built. The sandy swimming area and beach were reshaped when the manmade lake was drained last fall for routine maintenance. Jacki Maynor is visiting from Milwaukee.

“It’s spacious. The water is wonderful. The water’s warm, very warm, very nice. It’s sandy,” said Maynor.

I really enjoyed watching the sunset over the lake from the cabin deck. The next morning I was surrounded by the sounds of birds singing in the treetops and with the help of an app, I recorded nearly a dozen bird sounds in only 10 minutes.

“You listen to the birds and the quietness, the stillness we’re off the beaten path. Right now, this morning we have deer that are right outside the office. I mean, it’s a getaway from the hustle and bustle,” Jordan said.

I had a relaxing stay and I enjoyed being surrounded by trees. The singing birds, a breeze coming off the lake, the rustling of leaves, and going for a nature walk in our state’s hill country.

More information on Lake Claiborne and other Louisiana state parks can be found on Heart of Louisiana’s website .

to report a typo.