Cheniere Lake Trail

Drift into Cheniere Lake, a quiet body of water canopied in cypress trees and gauzy Spanish moss. Paddle between towering Tupelo Gum trees, whose roots wind into the dusky blue water. Along the way, see great blue herons lift into flight, otters slip beneath your paddle and turtles warm themselves in the sun — every bend an adventure.

This paddle trail makes a five-mile loop. Trees offer cool shade, but for those seeking open sky and wider waters, launch from Spillway Boat Ramp and paddle toward the lake’s broader expanse.

After a morning on the water, head to Warehouse No. 1 in Monroe, a former cotton warehouse turned upscale eatery perched on the banks of the Ouachita River. For a casual lunch or fresh coffee, Butter: A Louisiana Bakery offers flaky croissants, delicate jam-stuffed macarons and creamy craft lattes. In the afternoon, stroll through Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge, where boardwalk trails and bird blinds offer another window into the region’s vibrant ecosystem. 

Learn more about the area: Discover Monroe-West Monroe 

Contact Info:
Discover Monroe-West Monroe
Address: 601 Constitution Drive West Monroe, LA 71292
Telephone: (318) 387-5691
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