Atchafalaya, Bayou Pigeon
The above kayak trail route launches out of Bayou Pigeon on the east side of the Atchafalaya Basin. The Atchafalaya area is big; from Lake Fausse Pointe State Park on the west side to the Bayou Pigeon launch on the east side is one and a half to two hours drive depending on whether you go north and over or south and over. This trip was the first on the east side, the launch was picked from Herndon’s book. The area has some plusses and minuses. The land is often posted no trespassing, the swamp is largely canalized, and quite a few powerboats cruise the main throughways even on weekdays. The privatization of the area makes for a different experience than in WMAs and NWRs. And, to some extent paddling down an artificially straight canal and turning around feels a bit manufactured. However, if the water is up there are lots of route options and many launch sites that can get you into different parts of the swamp. The paddle route above wants to make a loop back around to the Little Tensas (so labeled by Google maps, labeled by DeLorme as Intracoastal Waterway). But, a mile or two short it became clear that the water levels were too low and the water hyacinth (lilies) were too thick…the passage had run out. So, the route is an out and back, about 22 miles round trip.
30.079,-91.30671
Launch Site Google Maps Link
Above: The water is low, the banks are pretty muddy.
Above: Into Turkey Bayou, so named on posted signs.
Above: Barge near the launch.
Above: Momma crashed into the water, leaving junior squeaking right by the boat. Took a quick snapshot and left ASAP.
Above: I wonder what will happen if I go down here?