FRANKLIN, La. – The City of Franklin will conduct a Ground Breaking Ceremony with Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser on the Franklin Paddle Trailhead which will create the State of Louisiana’s only Loop Paddle Trail. The Ground Breaking will take place at the Mouth of the Franklin Canal near, 671 Fifth Street, Franklin, LA on Tuesday, October 25, 2022 beginning at 1:30 pm.
Once constructed and complete, paddle enthusiasts and eco-tourists will be able to paddle and explore Franklin’s Historic Waterways including the Historic Bayou Teche, Franklin Canal, Bayou Teche National Wildlife Refuge (Franklin Unit & Garden City Unit), Bayou Portage & the Hanson Canal in the State of Louisiana’s only loop paddle trail.
Paddlers will be able to launch at either the Bayou Teche Paddle Trail Launch on Teche Drive or the Franklin Paddle Trail Launch on Fifth Street and paddle the 12.52 mile loop with a .8 mile walk from the start to retrieve their vehicle. The development is expected to rapidly increase eco-tourism in Franklin and the Acadiana region.
The Franklin Paddle Trailhead Dock, Floating Kayak/Canoe Dock was funded through the State of Louisiana by a FHWA Recreational Trails Grant.