Atchafalaya NWR, Sherburne WMA, Interstate 10 Launch B
This kayak paddle route map shows a second launch from Interstate 10 into the Atchafalaya NWR and Sherburne WMA areas. The prior trip branched to the left early on towards the Big Alabama Bayou but this route explores the right hand of the fork, going as far north as possible to the yellow dot turnaround, then making a loop down the east side before reconnecting. The loop is not super easy to see by satellite map but on the water things were pretty obvious. The launch site lies between the east and west Interstate 10 freeways which roar with traffic and it takes about 3 miles to get to the swamp entry. But, once inside, things are isolated and silent. Atchafalaya @ Butte La Rose gage about 6. A worry for loop routes is that sections are will be blocked by water hyacinth, or will run dry. This time things were good and the plan succeeded. The I-10 water corridor here (seen in the first picture below) is about 7 miles end to end, a straight shot. The curvature of the earth results in about 8 inches vertical change per mile, an arc. Tons of alligators.
30.36868,-91.62594
Launch Site Google Maps Link
Above: Interstate 10 Boat Launch, Exit 127.
Above: Swamp Shanty
Above: A Great Leap Forward.
Above: Swamp.
Above: Some places were a bit brushy to get through.