Bayou St. John

For a purely urban paddling experience, this is the place. Bayou St. John affords the opportunity to canoe or kayak the calm water of a scenic waterway and enjoy the scenery right inside the city of New Orleans. The paddling is easy, and this could be a fun little trip for families with kids. Water levels are affected primarily by rainfall, and when the water is high, crossing under bridges can be a bit tricky. The short route takes you through a historic residential area along both banks of the bayou. The neighborhood views make for an interesting paddle, and it’s easy to make stops along the way. Toward the upper end, just north of the Harrison Avenue Bridge, you can take a short paddle around Park Island. Your trip will be peaceful – no motor boats are allowed in the bayou. Bayou St. John is navigable from the Orleans Avenue Bridge to the gate at the Robert E. Lee Bridge. To get to the Dumaine St. Bridge from Interstate 10, exit at City Park Avenue/Metairie Road and head east toward the park. After you pass the N. Carrolton Avenue intersection, make an immediate right on Moss Street, which runs along the bayou and intersects with Dumaine. This part of Moss is also a bike trail so watch for cyclists.