Blind River

**Location & Access:** The Blind River boat launch is located at 39186 Highway 61 in Gramercy, Louisiana (St. James Parish). From US 61, take the highway south approximately 5 miles—the St. James Boat Club marks the area, though signage is minimal. The unmarked entrance is easy to miss, but U-turns are readily available if needed.

**Paddling Conditions:** This access point serves the Blind River and connects to backwater paddling opportunities. The area can experience significant motorboat traffic, especially between Highway 61 and Lake Maurepas, so paddlers should be comfortable navigating wakes from larger vessels. Kayaks and canoes 12 feet or longer work well for most paddling areas, though shorter boats may access more remote sections. Always wear a properly-fitted life jacket on the water.

**What to Expect:** The river corridor is lined with residential properties, camps, boat slips, and docks. If you plan to paddle downriver on the north side of Highway 61, expect busy conditions with commercial and recreational boat traffic. This is primarily a backwater exploration area rather than an open-water paddling destination, making it accessible for paddlers of varying skill levels who are comfortable with motorboat wakes.