LOUISIANA

Photo by: Mike Miner, The Water Institute

Louisiana paddling trails allow you to experience Louisiana’s rich cultural heritage and unique environments. The state is a remarkable region to explore from the water. Paddlers can find their adventure in the cypress lined banks of Bayou Teche in Cajun country or in the swamp canals of Barataria Preserve at Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve. For a different urban experience, canoe or kayak the calm waters of Bayou St. John and enjoy the scenery right inside the city of New Orleans. Coastal Louisiana teems with wildlife, and paddlers may see alligators, nutria, and a variety of birds from the pink roseate spoonbill to the brown pelican. The Louisiana Office of Tourism and Office of the Lt. Governor maintain an excellent inventory of paddle trails throughout the state. So, find a kayak, canoe, or pirogue (flat-bottomed canoes used throughout south Louisiana) and explore the waterways of Louisiana. Check out the Louisiana state paddling website for more information.

7,721
_____

Miles of Shoreline

Louisiana has 7,721 miles of shoreline, which is like driving from New Orleans to Lake Charles 37 times!¹

17.5%

How wet is Louisiana? 17.5% of the state is covered by water.²

53,622
_____

Miles of Rivers

Louisiana has 53,622 miles of rivers, which is long enough to travel around the earth two times!³

Famous Louisiana Wildlife

Alligator

.

American Alligator

Louisiana has the largest population of American Alligators, currently approaching 2 million.

Alligator Snapping Turtle

This prehistoric looking turtle is the largest freshwater turtle in North American and among the largest turtles in the world.

Crawfish
.

Crawfish

The most common crawfish species in Louisiana spends most of the fall and winter underground in water filled tunnels beneath mud mounds or “chimneys”.

Great Blue

Heron

Great Blue Heron

The tall, long-legged Great Blue Heron can be found along Louisiana’s coastlines or in marshes waiting for fish.

State Wildflower

The state wildflower of Louisiana is the Louisiana Iris.

State Bird

The state bird of Louisiana is the Eastern Brown Pelican.

STATE TREE

The state tree of Louisiana is the Bald Cypress.

Population

About 4.5 million people live in the state of Louisiana, making it the 25th most populous state.