When people think of Louisiana, food and music often come first — but the state’s waterways are the real hidden treasure. Nearly 15% of Louisiana is covered by water, making it a paradise for paddle boarders looking for slow currents, flat water, and immersive scenery.

A bayou is a slow-moving, marshy river, often bordered by cypress trees and wetlands. These calm waterways make stand up paddle boarding Louisiana accessible for beginners while still captivating experienced paddlers.

Located in northwestern Louisiana, Lake Bistineau State Park offers one of the most scenic flatwater paddling experiences in the state. An 11-mile marked water trail winds through hardwood forests filled with towering cypress and tupelo trees.

The lake itself was formed more than 220 years ago after a massive log jam flooded the Red River basin. Today, it spans nearly 27 square miles, with shallow, calm water ideal for paddle boarding.

While paddling, expect to see:

• Turtles basking on fallen logs

• Waterfowl nesting along the shoreline

• Cypress knees rising dramatically from the water

This park is perfect for long, relaxed SUP sessions with minimal boat traffic.

At 365 miles long, Bayou Bartholomew is the longest bayou — and longest undammed waterway — in the United States. Locals affectionately call it “Da By.”

Undammed rivers tend to be more scenic, and this one delivers with:

• Cypress and hardwood forests

• Bald cypress stands near Chemin-a-Haut

• Frequent wildlife sightings including alligators and migratory birds

Most of the bayou is slow and manageable for all skill levels, though paddlers should always check water levels after heavy rain.

Whiskey Chitto Creek (also called Ouiska Chitto) is one of Louisiana’s most beautiful paddle boarding rivers. Stretching more than 70 miles, it’s known for white quartz sandbars and clear water — a rarity in the state.

This river is ideal for:

• Beginner to intermediate paddle boarders

• SUP fishing for redeye bass and catfish

• Wildlife viewing, including deer and wild turkeys

The sandy banks make excellent rest spots, and the gentle flow keeps paddling stress-free.

The Sabine River offers Louisiana’s only whitewater paddling, with Class II rapids at Moccasin Rapid and Roman’s Playground. While much of the river is calm, these sections add excitement for experienced paddlers.

Why paddlers love the Sabine:

• Rare whitewater in Louisiana

• Excellent sandbar camping

• Designated as a Top 10 U.S. camping stream

Conditions can change quickly, so checking river flow is essential before launching.

Located within the Atchafalaya Basin, the largest swamp in the U.S., Lake Fausse Pointe delivers a surreal paddle boarding experience through flooded forests.

From your board, you’ll glide past:

• Ancient cypress trees up to 20 feet in diameter

• Moss-covered trunks and shallow forest water

• Boardwalks and wildlife viewing areas

Paddling here feels like traveling through a living museum of Southern wetlands.

Lake Pontchartrain spans over 400,000 acres, making it one of the largest lakes in the U.S. A favorite launch spot is Cane Bayou, which offers protection from wind and a quieter paddling experience.

From Cane Bayou, paddle boarders enjoy:

• Osprey nests and turtles

• Cypress trees with exposed “knees”

• Easy access to Fontainebleau State Park

The bayou itself is short, but its connection to surrounding wetlands offers plenty of exploration.

Louisiana’s waterways offer something most states cannot:

• Slow, flat water ideal for beginners

• Dense wildlife and untouched ecosystems

• A quiet, immersive paddling environment

Whether you’re on a lake, river, or bayou, stand up paddle boarding Louisiana is about connection — to nature, history, and a slower pace of life.

Louisiana paddle boarding is unlike anywhere else in the country. From ancient bayous and flooded forests to wide lakes and quiet rivers, the Bayou State offers unforgettable SUP adventures for paddlers of all levels. Skip the crowds, slow things down, and experience Louisiana the way it was meant to be explored — from the water.