Bayou Cane in Louisiana

Trip Overview

Several of my friends like Bayou Cane so I decided to give it a try. I read several of the trip reports before I went.

The launch is sandy gravel with ample parking. The bayou starts out pretty shady but soon opens up to marsh. Not the best idea for a July paddle, although there was a slight breeze which definitely helped. I rather expected more cypress trees. There were some, but honestly there was more pine than cypress and something about pine trees in the swamp is just wrong.

It takes about an hour to paddle from the launch to the lake at a leisurely pace. I did find some nice birds, and that was my highlight. Since this location is about an hour and a half drive from Baton Rouge, I doubt it will be on my regular rotation; just not enough to recommend it.

Accommodations:

None at the site. There was a trash can for tossing litter picked up while paddling. I'd suggest stopping at the McDonalds or a gas station at US 59 & US 190 intersection before getting to the launch.

Fees:

no

Directions:

Traveling east from Baton Rouge, take I-12 to the US 59 exit for Mandeville. Go south on 59 until Hwy 190 and turn left. Go about 3.5 miles and the launch is on the right just past the Fontaineblue fire station which is on the left.

Resources:

Google maps