Paddle the Lakes

With 350-plus lakes in the area, Alexandria is a natural fit for paddling. Kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding have grown significantly in recent years — you’ll see paddlers on most of the major lakes from May through September.

Best Lakes for Paddling

Lake Le Homme Dieu and the smaller connected lakes offer sheltered bays and scenic shoreline ideal for kayaking. Lake Agnes near town is good for a quick after-work paddle. Lake Carlos is beautiful but can get choppy on windy days — stick to the bays and protected shoreline if conditions are rough. The Chain of Lakes lets you paddle between connected lakes for longer trips.

Rentals

Kayak and paddleboard rentals are available from a few operators in the area. Some resorts offer rentals to non-guests. Pricing is typically hourly or half-day. If you’re trying paddleboarding for the first time, a calm morning on a smaller lake is the way to start — wind and boat wake are the enemies of new paddleboarders.

Launch Points

Any public boat launch works for kayaks and paddleboards — you don’t need a trailer or a ramp, just enough shoreline to get in the water. City Park on Lake Agnes is one of the easiest access points. Some public swimming beaches also work well for launching.

Safety

Life jackets are required to be in the boat — wear one, especially on larger lakes where conditions can change quickly. Wind is the biggest hazard for paddlers on open water. Check the forecast before heading out and stay close to shore if conditions are iffy. Early mornings are typically the calmest and most pleasant time to paddle.