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Visitors > Sports & Outdoors > Canoeing
Canoeing

Where to Go:

Fausse Point State Park and Canoe Trail

This beautiful park is located on the edge of the Atchafalaya Basin Spillway and offers a marked canoe trail with primitive campsites, several miles of hiking trails, waterfront cabins, campsites, boat launch, pavilions, conference center and a playground. There are miles of waterways for canoeing and kayaking. Located south of St. Martinville on the west guideline levee. Rental canoes are available at the Park Store. (337) 229-4764

 

Lake Martin

Lake Martin is one of Louisiana's largest nesting colonies for many species of water birds. Some of these species include the Anhinga, Great Blue Heron, Great Egret, Snowy Egret, Little Blue Heron, Tri-colored Heron, Cattle Egret, Black-crowned Night Heron, White Ibis, and Roseate Spoonbill. There is a trail just off of Rookery Road that leads to the best viewing area, however the trail is closed in late May to October because of Alligator nesting. Rookery Road is open year round.

 

Lake Martin, which is only seven miles from Lafayette, is owned by the Nature Conservancy and is open year round and has free admission. From Hwy. 31 between Breaux Bridge and Parks, take a right on Lake Martin Road and follow it to the lake.

 

Bayou Vermilion District

The Bayou Vermilion District (BVD) was created in 1984 with the mission of improving the water quality and promoting recreational use of the bayou. In addition to creating the Vermilionville Cajun/Creole Heritage and Folklife Park in 1990, the BVD has developed several recreational facilities to allow public access to the Bayou Vermilion for boating and other activities.

 

Public Boat Launches:
Southside Park, 2201 Robley Dr.

North Landing, Louisiana Avenue @ I-10

Rotary Point, West Bayou Parkway

Beaver Park, University @ Evangeline Thruway

 

The BVD has 12 canoes (each holding 3 people) that they lend out to groups, organizations and schools so they can closely explore the flora and fauna that live on the Bayou. If you are interested in paddling along the Bayou, contact the BVD at canoes@bayouvermilion.org or (337) 237-8360.

 

 

Pack and Paddle

Pack & Paddle adventures are a great way to relax and get away from the stress and problems of everyday life. Go to www.packpaddle.com to find a trip that matches your interests.

 

 

Paddling Events:

Chicot State Park Overnight Primitive Camping

November 18-19, 2006

Registration Deadline: Nov. 18, 2006 

Please Contact needtopaddle@yahoo.com for information on this trip.

 

Lake Fausse Point State Park Annual Campout

December 9, 2006

Registration Deadline: Dec. 9, 2006

For information on this trip, contact the Lafayette Paddle Club (www.lafayettepaddleclub.org). 

 

 

Lafayette Paddle Club

The Lafayette Paddle Club is a Lafayette, Louisiana based paddling club comprised of members from all over southern Louisiana. Our mission is to promote paddling and responsible stewardship of the environment. We welcome all ages and skill levels to join us at our meetings or activities. For scheduled trips and information, go to www.lafayettepaddleclub.org.