Atchafalaya NWR, Sherburne WMA, Interstate 10 Launch A
The Atchafalaya kayak route trail map above begins at a loud and somewhat unpleasant launch at Exit 127 on Interstate 10 between Atchafalaya (where the welcome center is) and Ramah, which is to the east. It’s an odd launch, located between two busy I-10 east-west lanes. The more popular I-10 launch at the Atchafalaya visitor center was closed due to extremely low water levels. Atchafalaya @ Butte La Rose gage about 4. To get into the Sherburne WMA area from here you first need to paddle about 3 miles east along the interstate water corridor. It’s not so great, but it is pretty fast flatwater paddling. Once you reach the entrance to the bayou you disappear into the swamp, although for the first mile or two the land is owned by a hunting club. Further up the fork to the left will eventually hit the Big Alabama Bayou. The route didn’t make it that far, it stalled out due to log jams, shallow water, and hyacinth clusters. So the route backtracks to take the right hand fork, which was even better. Aside from the 3 mile I-10 access channel this area is scenic, remote, and more natural than many of the canalized Atchafalaya routes in the southern part of the basin.
30.36868,-91.62594
Launch Site Google Maps Link
Above: Big alligator! wait, or……wood? (wood)
Above: Typical sign in the Atchafalaya Basin area, No Trespassing, Keep Out, Posted, No Hunting, Private Property.
Above: Find the trespassing owl.
Above: Fused double tree.
Above: Alligator, he was resting in the shade on the shore with a friend. He looks irritated.
Above: Interstate 10 launch. Very loud. The swamp entrance is a ways away.
Above: Trudging through the swamp, with a dragonfly.
Above: Good spot.