Perhaps one of North Louisiana’s best-kept secrets is the extraordinary diversity of outdoor adventure options on offer. In Ouachita Parish alone, an intricate network of lakes, rivers, and bayous invites exploration—offering near-endless possibilities to water-bound wanderers.
On your next visit, swing by the premier local outfitter Ouachita Paddle and Provisions to gear up for days of discovery by canoe, kayak, or paddleboard.
Thanks to our friends at Discover Monroe-West Monroe, we’ve got the inside scoop on the area’s best paddle trails—perfect for first-time floaters and seasoned pros alike. Find details and trail maps at ouachitapaddlingtrails.com.
Cheniere Lake Trail
Called “Shenny” Lake by the locals, this 3,600-acre lake is defined by its gothic, moss-hung cypress vistas and the diverse ecosystem of flora and fauna that flourishes here. Paddling the densely-wooded five-mile loop, you are as likely to see a gator as a beaver, as well as otters, nutria, fish, birds, and turtles.
Black Bayou Eagle’s Nest Paddle Trail
Part of the Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge, this 5.1-mile out-and-back paddle takes you through several distinct habitat types, including wetlands that are home to vital migratory bird species. The high point, though, is an active bald eagle’s nest situated on top of a cypress tree, recently measured to be as much as seven feet wide.
Bayou D’Arbonne Trail
Bayou D’Arbonne is a designated stream in the Louisiana Natural and Scenic Rivers System, running thirty miles through the D’Arbonne National Wildlife Refuge and providing vital wetland habitat for local species like kingfishers, wood ducks, and frogs. The two-mile out-and-back canoe trail here also grants access to Lake D’Arbonne State Park and the Ouachita River.
Bayou DeSiard Trail
There’s arguably no better vantage point from which to explore the University of Louisiana at Monroe campus than the Bayou DeSiard, which flows right through the middle of it. An easy out-and-back paddle with minimal current, the trail has access points at Catahoula’s and across campus, as well as at Connerly’s Landing where—during the summer—you can pick up fresh produce before or after your paddle at Connerly’s Market Stand.
Ouachita River Trail
The Monroe-West Monroe section of the Ouachita River paddle trail moves at a swifter pace than other paddle trails in the area, on account of the river’s powerful currents. But it’s a route that’s been traveled for hundreds of years by the Native Americans who called this part of Louisiana home. Put in at Joe Bob’s Landing, and go as far as you like. The trail leads downstream only, so you’ll need to arrange with a shuttle service or rideshare to get back to your vehicle afterward.
Moon Lake Paddle Trail
Offering a peaceful paddle on placid waters, Moon Lake offers a forty-two-acre, well-kept secret. The five-mile out-and-back trail here leads paddlers across the lake and into Panhandle Bayou, then left into Horseshoe Lake—borne along on a light current beneath a bright Louisiana sky.
Paddling on Cheniere Lake
Paddle along Cheniere "Shenny" Lake
On Deck—Mark Your Calendars
September 20: River Rat Paddle Challenge: For a 9th year, paddleboards, canoes, and kayaks will set off on the Ouachita River for the River Rat Paddle Challenge, a 7.7-mile-long sprint to the finish—to raise funds for the Kiroli Foundation and ACE Charter School. Not feeling the need for speed? This year, the event will also include a 2.9-mile untimed fun paddle option called the Mini Mouse Paddle. All the details are at riverratpaddlechallenge.com.
October 25: Spooky Paddle at Cheniere Lake: Just in time for spooky season, take to the waters of “Shenny Lake” after dark, when the eerie accompaniment of frog songs and glowing gator eyes are at their peak. Get even deeper into the spirit of the season by coming in costume! All the details are at monroe-westmonroe.org.
