PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 12, 2026

CVB Contact: Sheila Snow
Phone: 318.387.5691
E-mail: ssnow@monroe-westmonroe.org

Discover Monroe-West Monroe Launches Phase II of Ouachita Paddling Trails

MONROE-WEST MONROE, La. ― Discover Monroe-West Monroe (DMWM) is celebrating the launch of Phase II on Friday, June 12, 2026, from 3 p.m. - 5 p.m. at Cheniere Lake Area 3, located at 178 LA-3033, West Monroe, LA 71292.

Phase II includes the addition of six new trails within Ouachita Paddling Trails. The new trails are:

Cheniere Lake Joe’s Island Trail (Area 1 Launch)

Cheniere Lake Cypress Trail (Area 3 Launch)

Black Bayou West Trail

Bayou DeSiard Frenchman’s Bend North

Ouachita River Moon to Monroe

Ouachita River Campbell’s Landing

Three of these trails are at new launch locations: Cheniere Lake Area 3 178 LA-3033, West Monroe, Campbell’s Landing, 120 North Riverfront Street, West Monroe and Frenchman’s Bend on Bayou DeSiard at Hwy. 134 Boat Ramp, Monroe.

In conjunction with Phase II, the Ouachita Parish Police Jury is opening a brand-new kayak launch at Cheniere Lake Area 3, creating more opportunities to explore natural waterways in the parish.

Phase II includes expansion of the Ouachita Paddling Trails website: https://www.monroe-westmonroe....

A new feature is the addition of paddling events with full weekend itineraries included. The website includes trails that are perfect for beginners, all the way to advanced. The trails have those details noted next to them on the website. Annual events will continue to include leisure paddles as well as races.

This celebratory day included a demo day of experiencing kayaks and paddling equipment, led by Ouachita Paddle and Provisions. Launch day attendees can try out a kayak or stay to experience a short, guided kayaking paddle.

The public is welcome to experience the full brand-new Cheniere Lake Cypress Trail at Area 3 on Saturday, June 13 at 9 a.m.

Anyone can make a full weekend of their paddling adventure in the Twin Cities from June 12-14, 2026, using this itinerary: https://www.monroe-westmonroe....

As a reminder, DMWM offers safety guidelines to ensure a fun adventure for all who participate. It’s recommended to never paddle alone and to keep these recommended items when taking a Ouachita Paddling adventure: sunglasses with a strap attached, lip balm, matches, cash/credit card, camera, binoculars, knife, extra water and food, extra clothes, and a rain jacket.

Visitors can find the paddling safety checklist here.

For more information, visit www.ouachitapaddlingtrails.com or reach out to DMWM at 318-387-5691.


About Discover Monroe-West Monroe

Discover Monroe-West Monroe promotes Ouachita Parish as a destination for leisure travel, conventions, meetings and sporting events, creating a positive economic impact for our local community through increased visitor spending and sales tax collections. For more information about Discover Monroe-West Monroe, visit https://www.monroe-westmonroe.org/