Cheniere Lake Trails (3)

Impounded in 1946, Cheniere ("Shenny") Lake is the largest lake in Ouachita Parish, covering approximately 3,600 surface acres at pool stage. The lake is located about 3 miles SW of West Monroe, Louisiana (Well Road Exit, then South). Cheniere Lake is studded with tall Spanish moss, laden Cypress trees, and towering Tupelo Gum trees. Its many varieties of Louisiana wildlife include fish, birds, beaver, otter, nutria, turtles and alligators. Several spring-fed streams flow into the lake and it is relatively free of unnatural pollutants. Cheniere Lake is known for its natural scenic beauty and is operated by the Ouachita Parish Police Jury for the enjoyment of the public with six designated recreation areas.

Explore All Three Cheniere Lake Trails

Scroll down to explore all three trails and find the perfect paddle for your next adventure! Each of the three routes is considered intermediate-level and showcases a different side of Cheniere Lake.

Cheniere Lake Loop Trail Information:

This is a 5 mile Loop Paddle Trail. Cheniere Lake offers great shade from the sun and heat. The trees offer good protection from the wind. Paddlers should always be aware of other boat traffic. Paddlers need to exercise caution and be aware of duck hunters during duck season. Always Respect other Sportsmen. Please note this is a dense wooded paddle trail in Cheniere Lake. If you want to paddle open water, launch at Waypoint #5 and paddle the open part of Cheniere Lake.

Want the maps downloaded on your phone? Click below!

Click HERE for a Google Map version of the Cheniere Lake Paddle Trail.

Cheniere Lake Joe’s Island Trail Information:

This is a 3.2-mile loop paddle trail beginning at the boat launch at Area 1. From the launch, head south along the White Boat Road. At the Green Road intersection, turn right and continue west along the Green Road to “Grand Junction.” From there, turn right and head north on the Red Road toward Area 8. Continue along the Red Road before turning right again to paddle east back toward Area 1, completing the loop. Much of this trail winds beneath towering cypress trees and through shaded waterways. While the canopy provides relief from the sun and creates a beautiful paddling experience, be mindful of low-hanging branches, cypress knees, and other natural obstacles along the route.

want to download the map to your phone? click below!

Click HERE for a Google Map version of Cheniere Lake Joe's Island Paddle Trail.

Cheniere Lake Cypress Paddle Trail Information:

This is an out-and-back paddle trail beginning at the kayak launch at Area 3 near the spillway. From the launch, the trail heads north to open water, running parallel to Highway 3033 along the tree line before turning left into the cypress trees toward Mill Pond. The route then continues through semi-open water for an additional half mile to a beaver hut. To return, simply follow the marked trail points from the beaver hut back to the kayak launch.

want to download the map to your phone? click below!

Click HERE to download a Google Map version of the Cheniere Lake Cypress Paddle Trail.

boat roads are marked as follows:

The GREEN Road is an East-West Road from Area 3 to Puckett Lake. If you paddle the GREEN Road and head East you will end up at the Spillway.

The RED Roads always head to land. If you paddle a RED Road, you will end up on the bank somewhere. There are way signs that mark which area you are headed to.

The WHITE Roads always head away from land. If you paddle a WHITE road, you will normally end up at the Green Road or a Red Road.