Clocking in at almost a million acres, the Atchafalaya River Basin is the largest wetland and swamp in the country. It’s one of the most beautiful natural areas in the state, and it draws people from all across the world. An airboat or swamp boat tour is one of the most popular ways to see the Atchafalaya, but renting a kayak or a canoe can give you greater access to see the sights.

Because the Atchafalaya is so large, there’s really no one true way to access it.
McGee’s Swamp Tours/Facebook
There are boat launches all over the basin, and several paddle trails, too. The Louisiana Travel website is a great resource for seeking out all of the paddle trails by region.
Lake Fausse Pointe State Park is a great access point.
David Dupree/Google
The 6,000-acre park is nestled right in the heart of the Atchafalaya Basin, and the seven-mile canoe trail is a popular paddle trail for outdoor enthusiasts.
It's a great introduction to the swamp, and perfect for paddlers of all skill levels.
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Just remember to start your paddle headed upstream so that your journey back down is much easier, as you can flow with the current.
McGee’s Swamp Tours offers several different types of tours, including airboat, swamp tours, and sunset tours.
McGee’s Swamp Tours/Facebook
You can also rent a canoe and create your own adventure.

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McGee’s is one of the only rental companies in the Basin that rents canoes and offers unguided paddling trips.
McGee’s Swamp Tours/Facebook
Lake Martin is another popular spot for paddling.
Qian Song/Google
And Champagne's Cajun Swamp Tours offers canoes so you can paddle around the lake.
The Atchafalaya is filled with wildlife, including alligators.
Richard Wingard/Google
Yes, it does seem very scary to see an eight-foot alligator while you're in a canoe, but they care less about you than you do them. Remember, don't feed the wildlife and certainly don't harass them.
You'll see all sorts of wildlife as you paddle around.
Champagne’s Cajun Swamp Tours/Google
It's a great place to do a little birdwatching. Bald eagles, herons, egrets, and anhingas are just a few of the feathered friends you may see out and about during your paddle.

Have you ever paddled around the Atchafalaya? Where is your favorite spot? Let us know in the comments!

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Featured Addresses
Atchafalaya Basin, Louisiana 70517, USA
Champagne's Cajun Swamp Tours, 1151 Rookery Rd, Breaux Bridge, LA 70517, USA
McGee's Louisiana Swamp & Airboat Tours, 1337 Henderson Levee Rd, Henderson, LA 70517, USA