Louisiana Paddle Trails

The rivers and lakes of the Alexandria area are prime for paddling. Chicot State Park offers 1,600 acres of calm waters surrounded by cypress trees. The lakes of Kisatchie National Forest offer stunning surroundings for a day on the water.

With many lakes and bayous once influenced by the Mississippi River, the Baton Rouge area offers many great locations for paddling. For example, Lake Fausse Pointe State Park offers multiple canoeing trails through its 6,000-acre site in the Atchafalaya Basin.

The Northshore Area contains miles of bayous, rivers, and streams to enjoy either at your leisure or with an expert guide. Located on the sandy shores of Lake Pontchartrain, Fontainebleau State Park offers plenty of space to launch your canoe or kayak.

The unique environment of New Orleans lends itself to experiences such as urban paddling in waterways such as Bayou St. John. Just outside of the city, you will find endless channels sprawling through wildlife preserves, such as Jean Lafitte Historical National Park.

Surround yourself with the soaring cypress of Manchac Swamp as you explore the mysterious waters, beautiful flora, and exotic wildlife.

The protected waters of the Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary are the perfect place to paddle for the wildlife enthusiast, as they are home to nearly 200 species of birds. Explore fresh and saltwater marshes, cypress swamps, and barrier island beaches.

Meander through the secluded waters of the Atchafalaya Basin Swamp, with its moss-draped cypress trees and over 170,000 acres of wildlife management areas. With multiple designated paddling trails, explore south Louisiana's environment and cultures.

Paddle through endless bayous and swamps in the Lafayette area. Wind your way through the trees in Lake Martin for incredible bird watching opportunities or explore the Bayou Teche National Water Trail.

The rivers, bayous, and lakes of the Lake Charles area bring you an abundance of calm water to explore. Explore beneath the cypress trees of Indian Bayou or look for dolphins in the area's ship channels.

Amateur and experienced paddlers alike will enjoy the lakes, rivers, and creeks of Toledo Bend – Lake Country area. Trips down the Sabine River, Toro Creek, and Kisatchie Bayou are filled with sandy beaches and natural beauty.

The calm waters of Cane River make for the perfect place to leisurely paddle, whether that be on a stand-up paddleboard, kayak, or hydrobike.

Whether paddling the calm waters of Poverty Point Reservoir State Park's 2,700-acre lake or along the moss-draped banks of Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge, the Monroe-Ruston area offers beautiful views and abundant waterways.

Among the many waterways to explore in the Shreveport-Bossier City area is the 11-mile canoe train amongst the cypress and tupelo trees of Lake Bistineau State Park. For a paddle into relaxation, try out the calm waters and sandy beaches of Lake Claiborne State Park.