300 Fisher Rd
Lafayette, LA

The Bayou Vermilion winds through Lafayette and Vermilion Parishes, passing through swamps, agricultural lands, and the cities of Lafayette and Abbeville before emptying into the Gulf of Mexico at Vermilion Bay. Several boat launches along the bayou make for an easy day spent on the water. Use the Lafayette Parish Bayou Vermilion District’s interactive paddle trail map to map out your custom trip. It shows locations of launches and various sites of interest along your way. A word of advice-when starting out, head upstream first so the return trip is the easiest paddling!

19501 Pleasant Dr
Abbeville, LA

Palmetto Island State Park, located about 30 miles south of Lafayette, has a canoe trail that connects three small ponds and is an easy trip for beginner paddlers. The trail continues to the Vermilion River, giving the opportunity to extend the length of your trip as much as you’d like, depending on your schedule and skill level. Spend the day in the park, or take advantage of their camping and cabin facilities to make it an overnight adventure.

1337 Henderson Levee Rd
Henderson, LA

The Atchafalaya Basin is the nation’s largest river swamp, and as such can be very difficult to navigate for someone unfamiliar with the area. McGee's is the only location in the Atchafalaya Swamp that rents canoes and offers unguided paddling trips through the swamp, as well as guided photography workshops.

317 E Bridge St
Breaux Bridge, LA

The Bayou Teche runs 135 miles through South Louisiana, from Port Barre to Berwick. Along the way, there are 13 established boat launches from which to start your journey. Designated as a National Water Trail by the National Park Service, there are countless possibilities for excursions along the Teche to fit any interest, schedule, or skill level.

St. Martin Parish, LA

Perhaps the most popular location for canoe and kayak trips in this area is Lake Martin. Located about 10 miles from downtown Lafayette, just off of LA Highway 353, it is one of the most accessible and easy to paddle examples of a cypress and tupelo swamp in the area. Follow Rookery Road to the boat launch and start your paddle there. Wind your way through the trees that ring the edges of the lake, keeping an eye out for alligators sunning themselves, and wading birds hunting the shallow waters. Visit early morning or just before sunset when the water is still and the animals are active.