Sometimes the best way to find yourself is to get a little lost—preferably in a kayak, surrounded by cypress knees, sun-speckled water and the slow rhythm of the Gulf South's bayous.
New Orleans has more than jazz and jambalaya. It has water—*so much water*—it's practically an island. Whether you're a seasoned paddler or still learning which end of the paddle goes forward, here are seven kayak launch spots around the Crescent City worth exploring. Bring your curiosity and maybe some bug spray.
Gator Country
1. Tchefuncte River – Madisonville, LA
Vibe: Classic Louisiana River Town.
Why paddle here: The Tchefuncte is wide, fairly calm and combines small town with nature views — pass marinas, cozy waterfront homes, moss-draped oaks and detours like the Hidden Harbor Marina. Travel north around a couple bends to arrive at Fairview Riverside State Park. The town of Madisonville makes for a charming pre- or post-paddle stroll with restaurants and coffeeshops overlooking the river.
Tip: Launch next to Madisonville LA-22 bridge and head north.
Tchefuncte River
2. Bogue Falaya Park – Covington, LA
Vibe: Nature + art town charm.
Why paddle here: This is a floaty, beginner-friendly river that runs right past downtown Covington. Launch at Bogue Falaya Park and glide under multiple bridges, alongside riverbanks teeming with turtles, herons, and the occasional rope swing.
Tip: Paddle north, upstream for some effort, then coast back down with the current. Earn that meal and drink at Chimes Restaurant on the way back, there's docking and outside dining.
3. Cane Bayou – Lacombe, LA
Vibe: Quiet, wild, and intimate.
Why paddle here: Cane Bayou is a narrow, winding waterway that feels like paddling through a wildlife documentary. Ospreys, gators, cypress canopies and tall grasses accompany you all the way from the put-in at Hwy 190 to the open water swells of Lake Pontchartrain.
Tip: This stretch has an abundance of gators of all sizes. Paddle with care or skip if you want a more relaxing paddle.
Cane Bayou
4. Liberty Bayou – Slidell, LA
Vibe: Serene suburbia meets secret wild.
Why paddle here: Liberty Bayou winds quietly through Slidell's neighborhoods before opening into lush, undeveloped wetlands of Lake Pontchartrain. It's peaceful and lightly trafficked—ideal for a slow paddle with just enough bends to keep things interesting. Think mirror-like water, overhanging trees, and the occasional heron flapping off just ahead of your bow.
Tip: Launch at the end of Jefferson Ave for a quiet paddle north passing a combination of neighborhood yards and wild undeveloped riverfront properties.
5. Bayou St. John – New Orleans, LA
Vibe: Urban paddler's dream.
Why paddle here: Paddle past City Park, historic homes and the occasional brass band warming up on a porch. Bayou St. John is like NOLA's liquid Main Street. You're just as likely to see pelicans as you are paddleboarders and yoga classes happening on shore. Test your own flexibility as you glide under the low clearance bridges along the route.
Tip: Put in just South of 6-10 next to Bayou Paddlesports. Head North for lakefront neighborhoods and south for a sunset paddle with skyline views.
Bayou
6. Black Bayou – Near Ruddock, LA
Vibe: Swampy, picturesque, classic bayou scenery
Why paddle here: This is the kind of place where you half expect to see a ghost in a pirogue in those tighter passes. Once past the elevated highway, it feels wonderfully untouched. There's a great combination of expansive and narrow waterways to explore with gators, fish and crabs making appearances.
Tip: Bring snacks and a dry bag. You'll want to wander.
7. Logtown – Pearlington, MS
Vibe: Ghost town tranquility.
Why paddle here: Launch where Logtown Rd meets Pearl River past the Logtown Cemetary. The Pearl River really opens up at this area before meeting Lake Borgne. Head North then East to enter Bogue Homa waterway if water levels are high or continue North to paddle around an oxbow in the River.
Tip: Check out the nature walk just before the launch point if you haven't had enough exploration for the day.
Final Paddle Notes:
Always check tides and weather. Have a plan if storms pop up unexpectedly.
Map the route for offline access. Cell towers may not consistently reach your location.
Pack light but smart. Water, sunscreen, hat, and a dry bag are must-haves.
Respect wildlife. You're a guest in their house.
Whether you're chasing stillness, adventure or just a new place to dip your paddle, these seven spots offer something uniquely Southern, uniquely wild, and uniquely you.
Let the water write the story. You just have to show up and paddle.
