Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a map for the trail?

Yes. Maps can be found at Pack & Paddle in Lafayette, visitors and tourist information centers in St. Landry, St. Martin, Iberia and St. Mary parishes, and on our website here.

Where can I rent a boat or kayak?

You can rent a boat with shuttle service from this outfitter on Bayou Teche: Bayou Teche Experience, 317 E. Bridge St., Breaux Bridge, or by calling 337-366-0337. Boats can also be rented from these outfitters in Lafayette: Pack & Paddle (337-232-5854) and The Backpacker (337-406-8754).

Where are access docks located? 

The TECHE Project has 13 dock sites, with two more to go! Breaux Bridge represents our first full-service trailhead, but other sites are located in city parks or at city boat launches with additional facilities. Find the full list here.

What is there to see and do along the trail? 

A lot! We have developed a Paddle Planner available for download here that includes maps, itineraries for each of the four parishes (St. Landry, St. Martin, Iberia and St. Mary), a shopping list, places to spend the night or camp, travel times, Bayou Teche Bucket List and lots more.

How did the Bayou Teche become a National Water Trail?

In 2010, The TECHE Project applied for and received technical support from the National Park Service’s Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance program to write the Bayou Teche Paddle Trail plan with residents, local, state and federal governments, the Chitimacha Tribe of Louisiana, recreation groups, small businesses and tourism officials. The plan was accepted by the National Park Service in 2012 and is available to view here. The TECHE Project submitted an application in 2013 to be considered for inclusion in the National Water Trail System. Bayou Teche is the ONLY National Water Trail in Louisiana and No. 17 in the National Water Trail System. It joins the Chattahoochee River in Georgia, Waccamaw River in South Carolina, Alabama River in Alabama, among others throughout the nation.

Who manages the trail?

The TECHE Project manages the Bayou Teche National Water and Paddle Trail. We manage the official plan, map, website and logo and assist our communities and local businesses in designing infrastructure for improved access and promotion of the paddle trail.

What other programs are affiliated with the National Park Service in our area?

The Atchafalaya National Heritage Area includes the 14 parishes in and around the Atchafalaya Basin. It promotes cultural and nature-based tourism and is managed by the Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism and receives planning and promotion assistance from the National Park Service. The National Register of Historic Places, a program of the National Park Service, boasts dozens of buildings in the Bayou Teche Corridor, including Shadows-on-the-Teche in New Iberia.

Find more information about the National Water Trail System here: http://www.nps.gov/WaterTrails/.

Is the water in Bayou Teche safe?

Bayou Teche is included on the state’s impaired waterways list and is not safe for fish consumption but is safe for paddling. One of our immediate goals is to get the bayou removed from this list and work toward making if safe for fishing and swimming.