How to's & Considerations

Guide to understanding the LOAT. The "Routes" are made up of two components: Sections & Waypoints.

Sections:

-Sections are simply suggested start and end points typically ending at popular campgrounds.  They range in distance anywhere from 100 to 140 miles typically. Consider your fuel ranges in between given Fuel waypoints, also reference business hours to ensure you'll have access to pumps.  The "Notes" can be helpful.

-Naming: Each section is generally named based on the end points, However, some may be named for the POI in which that section takes you to or by. These will be noted as OPT/EXT for (Optional or Extentions). Lastly, BYPASS sections will be on sections used to bypass road types, conditions, or temporary detours.(Refer to "Notes" for specific details)

-Colors: Sections will be natively colored for there type. Main sections will be PURPLE while OPT/EXT will be GREEN. BYPASS sections will be ORANGE (Note: OnX app makes every section the same color when importing the GPX file. Consider changing them to match these native colors)

Waypoints:

Each .gpx file contains a collection of waypoints to help you on your journey.

Waypoints for towns along the route will be labeled with the services they offer. While some notable businesses or places may be Indicated individually if they are unique or have certain attributes to showcase.

Additional:

Our designated track colors will translate to Garmin devices and Gaia, but some platforms (including Gaia) may inadvertently change the track colors. We recommend you manually change the track colors on your navigation device to match ours for easier reference. 

Using a PC or Phone simply go to File Download and fill out the Terms and Conditions waiver and submit. You will be provided a link within the embedded page to a Google Drive Folder, where you will have 2 download option for each route (Infinity & Throughway) You should also receive an email with the link . If you do not receive the email, check your spam folder. 

 The first option is simply a Single file download found in the folders for the respective routes, titled "______-Single-Download". This file contains everything lumped altogether, waypoint, routes, etc. Infinity, however, is missing several option, extension, and bypass routes, in order to keep the file size small enough to import into some GPS apps. 

The second option is individual gpx files subdivided into "Type" categories. This allows you to import them into GPS apps as their own folder. Example: "Fuel, Food, & Grocery" waypoint type or "Campsites" waypoint type.  "Main routes" or "OPT/EXT & BYPASS routes" route type.  Note: onX Offroad only allow you to "Import map data to a new folder" using the PC or Browser app. That option is not available on the mobile app. It is also recommended to move each "sub older" into a parent folder, again to help keep things organized. Example: "Infinity" parent folder with "Routes" and "Waypoints" as subfolders. Then within each of those subfolders, subfolders for each "Type" can be added.

IMPORTANT NOTE: some users may encounter a "403 error" when you click on the download folder link. This usually happens if you are a Google Workspace user or you have multiple accounts signed into your browser. Easiest solution is to Right Click or Hold down(mobile) on the link and choose "open link in incognito window". or clear cookies and browsing history. 

Once you've download the GPS track file from the Google Drive Folder, you must then manually ‘import’ the file into your Gaia desktop or mobile app.

NOTE: For some mobile users it may try to open the file instead of just downloading it due to your browser settings. However if you already have the app you wish to import it in to on your phone it should simply ask to choose which app to open it in. 

• be sure and select all tracks and waypoints to be imported 

• it may require you to "Save" the content.

• track colors should carry over into Gaia, if not you can manually change track colors or waypoint icons as desired.

• If using option 2 download method, Import each separate gpx file into a coordinating folder. (recommended) Organize the folders neatly within Parent folders.  

• While logged into Gaia on your desktop computer, any changes you make to the tracks will automatically sync with your phone app.

How to Video for Android phone. 

1. Download GPX file/files at File Download 

2. Save the .gpx in your ‘Downloads’ or ‘Files’ folder on your device.

3. Open the onX Offroad app, and from My Content (at the bottom of the screen), click “Import” and select the .gpx file to import. (On PC you can choose to "Import map data to a new folder" , this option is not available on the mobile app. You might be able to use or "Desktop" mode in your browser to log into onX and do it that way.

Alternatively, you can click on the file in your folder and ‘share to’ the onX Offroad app.

4. When the import is complete, you will see numerous Routes and Waypoints if using download option 1. We recommend creating a separate Folders. One for each "Route" ie LOAT Infinity, LOAT Throughway, to keep the data separated. Additionally, you can make sub folders for your different types of waypoint and routes. Example: POI's, Food & Fuel, Cities & Lodging, Camp Sites, and Info & Cautions. You will have to manually move each waypoint into the appropriate folder. It can very time consuming, but very useful. Allowing you to toggle visibility on and off for each individual folder(type) of waypoint. 

Download opt 2: If you have each gpx file of the "types" downloaded, import each one into a  folder and name it appropriately respective to it's type. This way you can move them and organize them into parent folders for each route (Infinity & Throughway)

5. onX Offroad natively imports all tracks as a cyan color. We recommend you change the track colors to match our GPS tracks, or choose colors that you like best.

The default track colors are PURPLE for main sections, GREEN for OPT/EXT, and ORANGE for BYPASS.

6. With a premium subscription, you can download offline map layers before your trip, so you can view map layer data even when there is no cell service on the route.

Have your route showing in the map, and from the bottom of the screen click Offline Maps -> New Map -> select the area and

Save it. You may need to do this in portions, and be sure and do it just before you leave for each trip.

Yes, any GPS unit that supports GPX import should work. Refer to the manufacturer on how to import and use GPX files.

GPS tracks can be used in either direction. They are simply a static colored line that you follow, and they do not change, move, or respond. 

It is important to download offline maps before leaving internet service and have the LOAT GPX file downloaded on your phone.

With a Gaia or OnX Premium account for example, you can download the offline maps of a designated area while on wifi. This will allow you to have the full map data, even when there is no cell service.

We strongly recommend doing this before you go.

Typically no, whether in a overland vehicle or a motorcycle most of the roads are easy to manage. HOWEVER, 1 notable issue is dirt roads after heavy or recent rains. Some of the roads can get quite treacherous in these conditions. We can't possible know at all times the state of these roads. It is recommended you do your best to consider recent weather events when planning.  If on a motorcycle or not equipped for slippery mud, there typically should be a BYPASS option nearby whether indicated in the GPX or not. Use good judgement.

Additionally, at times roads can be flooded watch for "High water" signs, sometimes they are present, but not always. Again, use good judgement.

Single lane roads: Many of the roads can be narrow with lots of blind hills and turns, always drive with the expectation there is someone coming on the other side, ensuring you'll be ready for when it actually happens.

VERY IMPORTANT Some of the routes and campsites are part of Louisiana's Wildlife Management Areas. All activities require annual (or 5 Day) access permits and self clearing permits (at the time of activity) with notable exceptions for driving through on the most direct route without engaging in any activity. It is your responsibility to understand and comply with these requirements. Learn more HERE 

VERY IMPORTANT Louisiana is a very active hunting state. With most of the National forest's and WMA's open to public hunting, it is important to be prepared and understand the risks while overlanding through these areas. If you venture off the roads on foot at any point it is advised to have hunter's orange on. Even on designated hiking trails. Also, be considerate to others whom are engaging in hunting activities. Don't loiter unnecessarily on the trails if you feel like hunters are present. Hopefully preventing any negative engagements. 

With the use of so many parish roads it's inevitable that some of them pass by/through rural homes and communities. Country folks can get warry, especially of changes in activity in the area. While we understand these roads are public, it is also wise to be considerate. Obey speed limits, watch for kids at play signs, use an abundance of caution just in general. Be polite and friendly. Understanding that that one lone trailer house at the end of the long DIRT road, may be the only thing keeping that road public for us to enjoy. In our attempts to create these routes we've encountered so many awesome roads, that were simply abandoned by the parish due to the lack of public need. Be good stewards!

Some campgrounds will not take drive in visitors (Thanks Covid) Please consider this when planning your trip. Check websites or call ahead.

It can be expected at times that road conditions worsen or unplanned exits from the road can occur, it's best to be prepared. Downed trees can be an issue at times as well, if space is available a chainsaw isn't a bad idea. 

Primitive campsites: Often these sites aren't well cared for at all times, especially "Hunter's camps", when they are only tended to during hunting season. Rakes, hoes, or weedeaters can come in handy. WMA campsites also require human waste management if there are no on site facilities.

Many of the sites, restaurants, fuel stations etc will have unique and varying hours of operation. Plan ahead. Some of the waypoints will have this info in the notes section.