A windy country road outside of Minden leads to Caney Lakes, a pair of idyllic reservoirs tucked away in the woods. With your own boat or paddleboard you can get on the water for fishing, birdwatching, or simply enjoying the sunshine. Lower Caney Lake has a sandy beach and swimming area open during the summer as well as a boat ramp and dock. Upper Caney Lake's ramp and dock is open year round, but it has no swimming area. The upper Lake is smaller, quieter, and perfect for a peaceful day of paddling. Beaver Dam Campground is lcoated next to it, so you can even put on the water from your campsite if you are staying there.
When on the lakes, keep an eye out for resident and migratory waterfowl, wading birds, and birds of prey. You may see ospreys in the trees, wood ducks using the nest boxes, herons and egrets searching for fish, and numerous songbirds in the bushes. The lake and its shores are home to plenty of turtles, snakes, lizards, small mammals, and the occasional alligator.
Caney Lakes Recreation Area is part of Kisatchie National Forest, which is maintained for multiple recreational uses including fishing, hunting, boating, camping, and day use. Please honor all fees, regulations, and seasonal closures that might apply. Avoid littering or otherwise damaging the natural scenery.
This paddle adventure was equipped by and published in collaboration with Bote Boards.
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