How do I access Old Highway 51 (North)?

Old Highway 51 (North) is a public boat ramp in Louisiana. There is no entrance fee.

What activities are available at Old Highway 51 (North)?

Old Highway 51 (North) supports kayaking, canoeing, stand up paddleboarding. The difficulty level is rated beginner, making it great for all skill levels.

What amenities are at Old Highway 51 (North)?

On-site amenities include boat ramp, parking. Parking: Parking lot available at boat ramp facility.

When is the best time to visit Old Highway 51 (North)?

The best time to paddle at Old Highway 51 (North) is during spring and summer and fall and winter. Year-round

What are the water conditions at Old Highway 51 (North)?

Water conditions at Old Highway 51 (North) include calm, flatwater.

Is Old Highway 51 (North) good for beginners?

Yes, Old Highway 51 (North) is rated beginner difficulty, making it an excellent choice for first-time paddlers and families. Calm, sheltered water suitable for first-time paddlers. No significant current or wave hazards expected.

A couple of boats that are sitting in the water

Photo by Ryan Guidry on Unsplash

Activity

KayakingCanoeingSUPBeginner

Conditions

CanalCalmFlatwater

Amenities

Boat RampParking

Best Time to Visit

Spring Summer Fall Winter

Old Highway 51 (North)

Akers, LA · Boat Ramp · Public

Old Highway 51 (North) is a public boat ramp on I-55 canal near Akers, Louisiana. This beginner-level spot offers kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding. Amenities include boat ramp, parking. Best visited in spring and summer and fall and winter.

At a Glance

Water Body

Canal

Launch Type

Boat Ramp

Difficulty

Beginner

Activities

Kayaking, Canoeing, SUP

Parking

Parking lot available at boat ramp facility

Cell Service

Good

Calm, sheltered water suitable for first-time paddlers. No significant current or wave hazards expected.

About This Location

Launch into I-55 canal near Akers, Louisiana. Beginner level with calm and flatwater water.

Old Highway 51 (North) in Louisiana provides access to I-55 canal, a canal offering straightforward flatwater paddling.

This is a solid spot for kayaking, with enough room to settle into a comfortable paddling rhythm. Canoeing works well here, especially for those looking for a peaceful day on the water.

Water conditions are generally calm and flatwater. Year-round is the recommended window for paddling here. Facilities include boat ramp and parking.

Getting here from Akers takes about 5 min, putting Old Highway 51 (North) within easy reach for a day trip or afternoon paddle.

New to paddling? This is a great beginner spot.

Calm canal waters make Old Highway 51 (North) ideal for first-timers. Make sure you have the right gear:

Kayaks →Life Jackets →Paddles →

Paddling Tips

•Motor boats may create wake in narrow canals — brace for waves when they pass.
•Canals often run through interesting urban or agricultural areas worth exploring.
•Canal banks can be steep — look for designated launch points or gentle slopes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I access Old Highway 51 (North)?: Old Highway 51 (North) is a public boat ramp in Louisiana. There is no entrance fee.
What activities are available at Old Highway 51 (North)?: Old Highway 51 (North) supports kayaking, canoeing, stand up paddleboarding. The difficulty level is rated beginner, making it great for all skill levels.
What amenities are at Old Highway 51 (North)?: On-site amenities include boat ramp, parking. Parking: Parking lot available at boat ramp facility.
When is the best time to visit Old Highway 51 (North)?: The best time to paddle at Old Highway 51 (North) is during spring and summer and fall and winter. Year-round
What are the water conditions at Old Highway 51 (North)?: Water conditions at Old Highway 51 (North) include calm, flatwater.
Is Old Highway 51 (North) good for beginners?: Yes, Old Highway 51 (North) is rated beginner difficulty, making it an excellent choice for first-time paddlers and families. Calm, sheltered water suitable for first-time paddlers. No significant current or wave hazards expected.

Location data: USGS ScienceBase · Water conditions: USGS NWIS · Weather: National Weather Service · Coordinates: 30.3214, -90.4082