Pearl River WMA in Louisiana

Trip Overview

This is a beautiful still paddle through some gorgeous LA swamp, in this trip you are in the swamp monster territory. The paddle is about 4 miles one way, easily done in 6hrs from launch to pick-up.

It starts at the foot of the interstate, launch and go left under I-59 and then the train bridge, the bayou follows along a very unused road for the first mile approx. Then the swamp really gets hold of you, gorgeous cypress, one in particular that grows right in the bayou, you can go round and round if the mood strikes.

Big owls, osprey, an alligator about 12ft long, and the occasional distant howling sound from the trees that sends a chill down your spine, people encounters are limited and rare. This trip is 2nd in my mind only to Bayou Cane in Mandeville. The swamp gets really thick about 4 miles in, if the water is high enough you can fight your way through the cypress for about a half mile and the bayou will open back up again.

Not recommended without GPS or one heck of a sense of direction, you do not want to be lost in Honey Island Swamp. Bring bug repellent if you plan on being out in the evening.

Accommodations:

Town of Pearl River and Last Stop grocery right off exit.

Fees:

Louisiana requires a hunting, fishing license or wild Louisiana stamp for entry in NWR

Directions:

I-59 north from Slidell to exit 5, spur 41 exit, go left and shortly after you will see the gravel parking lot, launch is all the way at the bottom of the hill. Once again park under overpass for a nice cool car when you get back.

Contact:

Louisiana Dept Wildlife and Fisheries.

Resources:

maps are available for the Pearl river WMA