Discover the beauty of the bayou state on your board.
Have you ever imagined gliding on calm waters with lush greenery surrounding you?
The best places to paddleboard in Louisiana are ready for you to explore.
Embark on an unforgettable adventure in this southern gem. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Map
Where to Paddle Board in Louisiana
Please note: While we strive for accuracy, always verify details before paddling. If you spot an error or if you're a local official wanting to make a correction, please comment below. Thanks!
#1 Bayou St. John
- Location Type: River
- Access Point: Harrison Avenue and Marconi Street access points (Google Maps)
- ???? Water, Currents & Wind: Calm, freshwater river, mild wind
- Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
- ???? Wildlife Encounters: Turtles, herons, egrets, the occasional alligator
- ????️ Landmarks & Views: Historic homes, New Orleans City Park
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for boat traffic, adhere to local regulations, be aware of wildlife
Bayou St. John offers a tranquil paddling experience in the heart of New Orleans. Glide past historic homes and lush greenery while enjoying the calm waters.
Keep an eye out for turtles, herons, and other wildlife as you paddle this serene waterway.
#2 Cane Bayou
- Location Type: River
- Access Point: Fontainebleau State Park boat launch (Google Maps)
- ???? Water, Currents & Wind: Calm, freshwater bayou, mild wind
- Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
- ???? Wildlife Encounters: Alligators, turtles, varied bird species
- ????️ Landmarks & Views: Dense cypress forests, Fontainebleau State Park
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Be cautious of wildlife, respect private properties along the bayou
Cane Bayou offers the quintessential Louisiana bayou paddling experience. This calm waterway meanders through dense cypress forests, providing paddlers with a truly immersive encounter.
Keep an eye out for various wildlife, including alligators and turtles, as you journey through this captivating environment.
#3 False River
- ????️ ️Location Type: Lake
- Access Point: Norwood, Valverda, and Torbert boat launches near Baton Rouge (Google Maps)
- ???? Water, Currents & Wind: Mild currents, freshwater lake
- Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
- ???? Wildlife Encounters: Fish, turtles, varied bird species
- ????️ ️Landmarks & Views: Pointe Coupee Parish, North Louisiana countryside
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Watch for boat traffic, adhere to local regulations
False River, an oxbow lake near Baton Rouge, offers a serene and scenic paddling experience.
Surrounded by lush vegetation and the picturesque Louisiana countryside, this freshwater lake provides the perfect setting for a captivating paddleboarding adventure.
#4 Lake Pontchartrain
- ????️ ️Location Type: Lake
- Access Point: Bonnabel Boat Launch in Metairie (Google Maps)
- ???? Water, Currents & Wind: Calm lake waters with some wind and boat traffic
- Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
- ???? Wildlife Encounters: Fish, seabirds, occasional dolphins
- ????️ ️Landmarks & Views: New Orleans skyline, Causeway Bridge
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Be cautious of boat traffic, follow local regulations
Lake Pontchartrain, just north of New Orleans, offers a vast and diverse paddling experience. The calm lake waters provide a fantastic view of the city skyline and the iconic Causeway Bridge.
Be prepared for some wind and boat traffic, but enjoy the scenery and abundant wildlife.
#5 Black Bayou Lake
- ????️ ️Location Type: Lake
- Access Point: Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge boat launch (Google Maps)
- ???? Water, Currents & Wind: Calm, freshwater lake, occasional wind
- Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
- ???? Wildlife Encounters: Alligators, turtles, varied bird species
- ????️ ️Landmarks & Views: Dense cypress forests, wildlife refuge
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Respect wildlife, adhere to refuge regulations
Black Bayou Lake, part of the National Wildlife Refuge, offers paddlers a chance to experience Louisiana’s wild beauty. The calm freshwater lake is surrounded by dense cypress forests, providing an enchanting backdrop during your paddle.
Keep an eye out for diverse wildlife, including alligators and turtles, and be sure to follow the refuge’s regulations to protect the environment.
#6 Atchafalaya Basin
- ????️ ️Location Type: Swamp
- Access Point: Henderson, Louisiana boat launch (Google Maps)
- ???? Water, Currents & Wind: Mild currents, swamp water, occasional wind
- Popular Seasons: Spring to Fall
- ???? Wildlife Encounters: Alligators, turtles, varied bird species, fish
- ????️ ️Landmarks & Views: Cypress swamps, waterways
- Safety, Environment and Rules: Be cautious of wildlife, respect private properties, follow local regulations
Atchafalaya Basin, the largest swamp in the United States, offers a paddling experience like no other. Navigate through the cypress swamps and waterways, discovering an ecosystem teeming with wildlife.
Be cautious of alligators and respect private property, but revel in this unique Louisiana natural treasure.
FAQ
Where can you paddle board in Louisiana?
Top paddle boarding spots in Louisiana include Bayou St. John, Lake Pontchartrain, Cane Bayou, and Bogue Chitto River.
Do paddle boards need to be registered in Louisiana?
No, Louisiana does not require paddle boards to be registered.
When is the best time to paddle board in Louisiana?
The optimal time for paddle boarding in Louisiana is during the spring and fall months due to more pleasant temperatures.
