Best Waterways in Louisiana

Trying to find the best waterways in Louisiana? Bivy has great hiking, biking, paddling, climbing, skiing, riding and more, with hand-curated trail maps, as well as detailed driving directions.

1

Louisiana, Caddo Parish County

00 :32 hrs
1.3 mi
14.224426 ft
I

Back Bayou Louisiana. Lots of alligator snapping turtles and bird watching. Bring your bug repellent!

2

Mississippi, Pike County

02 :53 hrs
6.8 mi
7.4956665 ft
I

The Bogue Chitto River is tiny and logjammed in its upper reaches but as it extends into Pike County, it widens into one of the prettiest and most popular paddling rivers in Mississippi. It is not too small that you are constantly fighting logjams yet not too big that you are forever fighting headwinds. It has a swift current with sharp bends and submerged logs that will keep your attention. The river abounds in wildlife, the water is clear and the scenery is gorgeous, alternating with woods and sandbars. This stretch offers a very pleasant float with gorgeous forested scenery. It can become very busy on weekends and in the summer, especially as you approach the water park. There are canoe rental companies available near the park as well.

3

Mississippi, Gulfport

10 :15 hrs
12.8 mi
0.3679123 ft
SK V

The Gulf Islands National Seashore is one of the prime places to paddle along the Mississippi Coast and is headquartered in Ocean Springs. Cat Island is the westernmost island and is a perfect playground for paddlers. Its unique T-shape was created by colliding Gulf currents. The beautiful sandy beaches are backed by dense forests of slash pines and live oaks. Bayous and marshes on Cat Island are home to alligators as well as refuge to migratory birds. The scenery is spectacular and there are many places to explore.

4

Louisiana, St. Martin County

01 :26 hrs
3.2 mi
1.5122844 ft
I

Lake Martin is an excellent place to paddle for those who love birdwatching, wildlife viewing, and dramatic scenery. The lake is owned by the Nature Conservancy and is one of the largest nesting colonies for a wide variety of bird species. Alligators are also common in the area. The lake is surrounded by dense forest and cypress swap terrain that is scenic and very interesting. The lake is open to the public and free to access. There are also hiking trails in the area but some are closed during alligator nesting season.

5

Mississippi, Pike County

02 :08 hrs
5.1 mi
9.762527 ft
I

The Bogue Chitto River is tiny and logjammed in its upper reaches but as it extends into Pike County, it widens into one of the prettiest and most popular paddling rivers in Mississippi. It is not too small that you are constantly fighting logjams yet not too big that you are forever fighting headwinds. It has a swift current with sharp bends and submerged logs that will keep your attention. The river abounds in wildlife, the water is clear and the scenery is gorgeous, alternating with woods and sandbars. This section includes perhaps the finest stretch on the river from Bogue Chitto Water Park to just below Highway 48 in Walthall. The river is narrow enough to provide shade, tricky enough not to be dull, and has little sign of human presence. Wildlife is abundant and ospreys are frequently spotted.

6

Mississippi, Gulfport

13 :26 hrs
33.6 mi
0.42277518 ft
SK V

The Gulf Islands National Seashore is one of the prime places to paddle along the Mississippi Coast and is headquartered in Ocean Springs. Ship Island is the collective name for two barrier islands, East Ship Island and West Ship Island. Hurricane Camille split the once single island into two separate islands in 1969. Fort Massachusetts is found on the western end and pine, cedar, and live-oak dominate the wooded areas. Evidence of Hurricane Katrina is easily found as well.

7

Mississippi, Newton County

01 :29 hrs
3.3 mi
9.574905 ft
I

Turkey Creek Water Park features a 250-acre lake located just five miles southwest of Decatur. This is one of the most popular lakes around, attracting skiers, paddlers, fishermen, campers, and other outdoor enthusiasts. It is known for its conservation program and natural beauty. The shorelines are filled with wildflowers, thick forest, deer, squirrels, ducks, turkeys, and other wildlife. There is also a white sand beach for swimmers, wooded picnic areas, and nature trails.

8

Mississippi, Covington County

04 :02 hrs
9.5 mi
11.642513 ft
II

Mississippi is not a state that has a lot of whitewater. Several streams have occasional chutes and drop-offs, but only the Okatoma is renowned for its whitewater. The Okatoma Creek is just a regular Mississippi creek that happens to have four notable rapids on a popular stretch between Seminary and Sanford. Drawing huge crowds and making the Okatoma one of the most popular floats in the state, these rapids provide quite a thrill. The first rapid contains a fairly easy passage to the left of some rock shoals blocking most of the river. The Chute is a narrow channel on the left that requires paddlers to make a hard right to negotiate the second drop at fast speeds. Okatoma Falls comes 2 miles below the Chute and consists of a straightforward plunge of about 2.5 feet. The last rapids comes right after the falls as the river narrows into a tree-lined gorge and provides some excitement but poses no threat.

9

Mississippi, Perry County

04 :09 hrs
9.8 mi
10.117439 ft
I

Black Creek is Mississippi’s premier paddling stream. For most of its length it is ideal paddling size, avoiding logjams and strainers of a small creek and motorboats and headwinds of a large river. The current is strong and steady with no whitewater and no stagnant pools and it is located largely in the De Soto National Forest and contains wilderness surroundings and gorgeous scenery. Its name comes from the dark, tannin-stained waters. The dark water is highlighted with white sandbars beneath green forest walls. Many wildflowers and wild berries can be found along the river banks as well. This wonderful stretch of river is a designated national Wild and Scenic River and the Black Creek Wilderness Area fills the surrounding land.

10

Mississippi, Wiggins

04 :16 hrs
9.5 mi
1.1998672 ft
I

Flint Creek Reservoir is a 600-acre lake located in the Flint Creek Water Park in Wiggins. The lake is stocked with bass, bream, crappie, and catfish. Boating, waterskiing, swimming, jet skiing, and paddling are other popular activities on the water. Also available is the parks waterslides. Many other family recreational opportunities are available. The scenery is wonderful and wildlife is abundant with thick, beautiful forest filling the shorelines. Wild turkey, deer, squirrels, ducks, and other waterfowl can often be found along the lakeside.

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