Arkansas Canoe Club Forums

Hey everyone, I'm gonna be spending a couple of weeks in Monroe, LA for training for a new job. Does anyone know anything about that area? Anything worth running or checking out? This will be my first time in LA, so I don't know what to expect, honestly.
Jon Ellwood

DeBo and I did some minimal exploring of areas to the east of there when on our way back from another trip, but don't know of anything close to town. However, looking at Google earth, there appear to be several potential "swamp paddle" type lakes and WMA's within a few miles of town. I'd suggest seeing if there are any local paddling outfitters; if not, then wander into any sporting goods store, boat dealer with camo jon boats, or even gun shop, and ask, "hey, where's the closest place to duck hunt around here?" (Duck hunting = wildlife viewing potential in a water-based environment...)

There are a few spots listed on the AW site for LA paddling. Hopefully Roman LA will speak up since he is one of the LA paddlers.

PS Roman LA, you have populated the AW site with some nice stuff.. thanks!

check the D'Arbonne Kayak club facebook -

http://www.facebook.com/pages/DArbonne- ... 4805228886" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Cowper's on the money - lots of flatwater opportunities - swamps, bayous, WMA's - but rain has been pretty scarce, so a lot of the venues other than the Mississippi or local lakes may be tough going.

The Ouachita runs through Monroe/W.Monroe, but it's a little tough to put in and take out of, is all flatwater and has a good bit of motorized traffic.

If you're into burgers and brews check out Enoch's - http://enochsirishpub.com/Site/pub-cafe/pub-grub/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Killer nachos too.

FS,

you might check out the Beouf river a few mile east of Monroe. Never paddled it but have driven over it numerous times and always wanted to check it out. Looks quite scenic.

Ahhhh......Funroe! I used to work there when I lived in Ruston, La. There's some decent bars and restaurants. I guess you could paddle around on the Ouachita River. If you mountain bike, there's a pretty good park somewhere around Ruston.

MaxTexan wrote:There are a few spots listed on the AW site for LA paddling. Hopefully Roman LA will speak up since he is one of the LA paddlers.

PS Roman LA, you have populated the AW site with some nice stuff.. thanks!

Thanks! If we ever get some rain, I should have another sweet run posted soon!

The place to be right now is the Toledo Bend Spillway. They're currently releasing at 600cfs, so there's a couple of fun rapids. I've built a trail along the river, so you can carry back up for multiple laps. People spend most of their time playing in the bottom rapid though. It has a bunch of lines, places to surf, and it's a good spot for eddy line moves.

American Whitewater
http://www.americanwhitewater.org/conte ... l/id/10178

I'd recommend staying at South Toledo Bend State Park. It's only a few miles away and has everything from primitive camping (I recommend site 2 or 5) to cabins. It has a few hiking decent hiking trails too.
http://www.crt.state.la.us/parks/istb.aspx

Google Map Directions to 31.19156n 93.56890w
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=monroe+la ... =0&t=m&z=8

Just drive to Alabama. It's so much more worth it.

How do I get to Alabama? Just keep making those left hand turns like in NASCAR? Seriously, next week when I come back down here, I'm gonna try bringing my boat.

How do I get to Alabama? Just keep making those left hand turns like in NASCAR? Seriously, next week when I come back down here, I'm gonna try bringing my boat.

Lake cheniere is pretty.
one access is on this map continue south on Landfill Road to the small Lake cheniere park and boat ramp.
http://tinyurl.com/4x23zq2" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;