www.SawdustRiver.com

Atchafalaya NWR, Sherburne WMA A

The above kayak paddle trip begins at the boat launch in the Sherburne WMA/Atchafalaya NWR at the start of Big Alabama Bayou. The launch is south of Krotz Springs LA just below 190 on road 975, which is the east side of the Atchafalaya River. There is a primitive campground here (and shooting range), although I stayed at Lake Fausse Pointe SP about an hour south. To use the boat launch you need an LA WMA access permit (available online) as well as the two part day permit (available onsite). The campsite requires a third permit, talk about big government. The route above is out and back, first up Bayou Close to the Iron Gate Road crossing, then down the Big Alabama to a point where the bayou branches. It was summer, and hot, and that was long enough. For this trip water levels were very low, and I wonder if it might be possible to do a Bayou Close loop route if levels were higher, but I don’t know. Lots of alligators, mostly in the water but a few in the shade along the shore. This is a flatwater paddle in a wide channel with nice scenery, not a swamp exploration paddle.

Above: The Sherburne WMA, Atchafalaya NWR launch site.

Above: The Big Alabama is open flatwater paddling.

Above: Is it a burl?

Above: Fairly large alligator resting in the shade launches itself into the water when I paddle by.

Above: Two cypress knees cracking through the pavement.

Above: A regular at Lake Fausse Pointe State Park. I worry he might sometimes be fed by campers which will be trouble for him later.

Above: Bit of brush to get through on Bayou Close.