Atchafalaya, Henderson Swamp, I-10 Welcome Center
The above kayak route trail map in the Henderson Swamp area of the Atchafalaya Basin starts at the Public Boat Launch on Interstate 10 just next to the Atchafalaya Welcome Center. This was the third attempt launching here. The first time Henderson Swamp was a mud flat and the launch was closed. The second time the parking lot was packed with trucks and trailers because it happened to be the first day of waterfowl season. Not such a good time to be paddling and although the hunting day ends at 2 p.m I left. This trip, late winter, launched at about 1 pm after driving from Dallas. Overcast and chilly, and high water, the gages for ‘Atchafalaya at Butte La Rose’, and ‘Lake Pelba at I-10’, were both at about 14.7. A lower level makes things more maze-like, at this level you can pretty much go anywhere. The route goes up to the canal that comes out of the West Dixie Indian Bayou Launch, then goes down and around the west side of the swamp before returning to the launch. Lake Fausse Pointe State Park is about 30 minutes away to the south along Levee Road. One gator.
30.34089,-91.72821
Launch Site Google Maps Link
Above: The Interstate 10 launch site near the Atchafalaya Welcome Center. The two bridges are the east and west lanes of Interstate 10. The yellow sign says BEWARE OF SNAKES. It’s good advice, but.. how many snakes?
Above: Overcast day on Henderson Swamp.
Above: Looks cold, but come summer you want it back.
Above: The sun peeked out for a bit.
