Henderson

The Henderson boat ramp provides convenient access to Henderson Lake and the broader Atchafalaya Basin, one of Louisiana's most significant wetland ecosystems. Located in St. Martin Parish near Henderson, the ramp features a concrete launch approximately 20 feet wide. This access point is ideal for kayakers and canoeists looking to explore the shallow swamp waters, as well as motorized boaters. The ramp can be accessed via the small road next to the Welcome Center entrance.

From Henderson, paddlers can explore multiple areas of the Basin including Henderson Lake itself, Lake Pelba, Lake Bigeaux, and regions beneath the Basin Bridge. The shallow, interconnected waterways make this an excellent entry point for experiencing the Atchafalaya's unique ecosystem and wildlife. The Atchafalaya National Wildlife Refuge, established in 1984 within the floodplain of the Atchafalaya River, offers scenic paddling opportunities through diverse swamp habitat. This is an accessible launching point for both day trips and extended explorations of the Basin's network of lakes and channels.