For nature lovers, there’s no better spot to spend a day or two exploring than Chicot State Park. Located in Ville Platte, the 6,400-acre state park is the largest state park in Louisiana, and it’s also one of the oldest. From birdwatching to nature walks, you’ll never run out of things to do here. Once you’ve tackled all of the land-based activities, consider taking to the water and making your way around the canoe trail, one of the most scenic paddle trails in Louisiana.

The 2,000-acre man-made lake is truly the crown jewel of this state park.

Ector Garcia/Google

You can rent a canoe at the park, or bring your own and launch it into one of their three different boat launches.

John Hazlett/Google

The paddle trail is eight miles long and is clearly marked.

Alicia Faciane/Google Just keep an eye out for these signs as you make your way around the lake.

The current can make paddling in the open water a bit tricky, so you may want to stay close to the bank.

Jim Henley/Google Remember, paddle upstream first so that your journey back is much easier!

There are so many little nooks and crannies to explore.

Joe Calderone/Google Paddle off into the many little alcoves around the lake - the water is much calmer in these areas and the endless rows of cypress trees are absolutely mesmerizing.

As you make your way along the paddle trail, you’ll see the waterfront cabins that are available to rent.

Chicot State Park/Facebook These cabins are built right over the water and have their own dock, so you can paddle right up to your front door.

Take your time paddling around, you never know what you’ll see!

Debbie Eastlin/Google The lake is home to several alligators, and during the warmer months, you’ll see them out and about catching rays along the shore. The general rule of thumb with alligators is that if you don’t bother them, they won’t bother you.

Be sure to give the park a follow on Facebook so you can stay up to date on the latest news and future events.

Ector Garcia/Google

John Hazlett/Google

Alicia Faciane/Google

Just keep an eye out for these signs as you make your way around the lake.

Jim Henley/Google

Remember, paddle upstream first so that your journey back is much easier!

Joe Calderone/Google

Paddle off into the many little alcoves around the lake - the water is much calmer in these areas and the endless rows of cypress trees are absolutely mesmerizing.

Chicot State Park/Facebook

These cabins are built right over the water and have their own dock, so you can paddle right up to your front door.

Debbie Eastlin/Google

The lake is home to several alligators, and during the warmer months, you’ll see them out and about catching rays along the shore. The general rule of thumb with alligators is that if you don’t bother them, they won’t bother you.

Have you ever paddled this canoe trail? Let us know in the comments! And for even more awesome paddle trails, consider one of the many paddle trails located around the Atchafalaya River Basin.

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Address: Chicot State Park, 3469 Chicot Park Rd, Ville Platte, LA 70586, USA