Franklin Paddling Trails

New Iberia-Morgan City Area
Region
New Iberia - Morgan City Area
Type of Route
Bayou
Canal
Distance
9-10 miles
Difficulty
Beginner

Franklin is a charming city near the coast of southern Louisiana. The flowing rivers, marshy bayous and countryside canals surround the quaint community. Two easy paddling choices near Franklin are the Hanson Canal Trail, a linear route of about 10 miles, or the Bayou Portage Trail, a nine-mile loop.

The fairly narrow canal trail boasts a minimal current, while the deeper, wider bayou trail boasts stronger ones. Both trails, though, offer scenic vistas and the opportunity to glimpse local wildlife, including otters, beavers, gators, coyotes, hogs and fish. They are also excellent bird-watching areas with many species, from the Mississippi kite and red-shouldered hawk to warblers, egrets and shrike.

Franklin is also a haven for lovers of historic architecture with a district that encompasses some 400 noteworthy structures. Take a self-guided tour of the area to discover buildings like the majestic, Greek-revival-style Shakespeare Allen House and classic Victorian-style Frere-O’Neil House.

After your tour, stop by Franklin’s downtown Main Street for enchanting local shops and tasty eats. Have a sweet treat at the mom-and-pop Lamp Station Ice Cream Shoppe; enjoy a waterfront lunch at Annie Mae’s on the Bayou; or head further down Main Street for mouthwatering tamales at Landry’s Hot Tamales.

Learn more about the area: Cajun Coast Visitors & Convention Bureau.

Contact Info: 
Mandalay National Wildlife Refuge
Address: 1725 Willow St., Franklin, LA 70538
Telephone: (337) 828-0061
Website