Canoe and kayak adventures & expeditions on the Lower Mississippi River including Greenville, Mayersville, Lake Providence, Tara Wildlife Preserve, Madison Parish Boat Ramp (Tallulah, LA), Vicksburg, Grand Gulf State Park, Claiborne County Public Boat Ramp, Natchez, St Francisville, Venice, LA to the Gulf of Mexico and the Atchafalaya River.
Layne Logue: layne@island63.com or call 601-529-7354
Website: https://www.island63.com/vicksburg.cfm
Facebook: QuapawCanoeCompanyVicksburgOutpost
Instagram: quapaw_canoe_vicksburg
What
Quapaw Canoe Company has a new location in Vicksburg, Mississippi, to service adventurous travelers who want to experience the wild power of the Lower Mississippi River!
Who
Established in 2016 by big river guide Layne Logue for access into the wilds of the Mississippi Delta Hardwoods, Loess bluffs and Northeastern Louisiana Floodplain. Educational adventures also conducted into adjacent oxbow Lakes, river chutes, back channels, and seasonally flooded landscapes.
Why
To experience the raw, wild, power and vitality of the Lower Mississippi River! Paddlers will experience towering bluffs, endless forests, expansive sandbars, and the beautiful muddy river. The best birding in the South. Perfect for adventurers and naturalists of all ages. No previous experience necessary, but must wear life jacket and be willing to paddle.
Range
The Lower Mississippi River: Greenville, Mayersville, Lake Providence, Tara Wildlife Preserve, Madison Parish Boat Ramp (Tallulah, LA), Vicksburg, Grand Gulf State Park, Claiborne County Public Boat Ramp, Natchez, St. Francisville, Venice, South Pass to Gulf of Mexico and points in between!
Contact
To book your Mississippi River adventure from Vicksburg contact owner: Layne Logue layne@island63.com or call 601-529-7354.
Services
Layne provides all-around guiding & outfitting services including canoes or kayaks, expert guiding, mouth-watering meals, and shuttles to and from the river. You can show up in Vicksburg with a change of clothes and Quapaw Vicksburg will take of everything else!
Visit Quapaw Vicksburg on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/QuapawCanoeCompanyVicksburgOutpost/
For Lower Miss River Levels
For Local Weather Conditions
https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=32.35&lon=-90.8815#.WuxgD4gvxaQ
Home Base
Can’t reach Layne? Contact John Ruskey or 662-902-7841.
Day Trips
YAZOO RIVER TO MISSISSIPPI RIVER 2-4 HOUR DAY TRIP (3-5 MILES)
Vicksburg Cityfront boat Ramp on Yazoo River to Mississippi River and back to start (Intro to MS River / Sunset Paddle / Full Moon Paddle)
Trip begins at the Vicksburg Cityfront boat ramp (1250 Levee Street, Vicksburg, MS 39180). Paddle downstream the Yazoo River 1.2 miles to the confluence of the Mississippi River. Stop at the point of the Yazoo/Mississippi (perfect view of the Vicksburg Mississippi River bridges) or paddle upstream 0.6 miles to an eddy sandbar or 1.1 miles upstream to another eddy sandbar. Sandbar available in low to medium-low water. In high water, we can stop and take a break under the willow trees. Paddling upstream here is not hard at all because of the eddy (reverse flow). This paddle trail is perfect to watch the sunset… because we have 6 miles of the river that points in the west direction. Paddle back in the dark and enjoy the beautiful city lights reflecting off the Yazoo River. Another great thing about this trip is the Put-In and Take-Out is the same location. Trip distance: 3-5 miles. (No Shuttle required)
YAZOO RIVER 3-4 HOUR DAY TRIP (5 MILES)
Vicksburg Cityfront boat ramp to DeSoto Lake, Centennial Lake and back to start.
This requires the Mississippi River Vicksburg Gage to be greater than 31 feet. Trip begins at the Vicksburg Cityfront boat ramp (1250 Levee Street, Vicksburg, MS 39180). As stated at beginning, when the Mississippi River is greater than 31 feet on the Vicksburg Gage… there is a shortcut right across the boat ramp through the woods that leads to DeSoto Lake. DeSoto Lake offers excellent viewing of the city of Vicksburg on the Walnut Hills (loess deposits). After paddling 0.6 miles, there is another shortcut to Centennial Lake. Centennial Lake is named for the year the Mississippi River changed course in 1876. This lake was the Mississippi River back in the Civil War and you get to see the exact route the Union Troops and General Ulysses S. Grant took to get past Vicksburg. Then paddle down the lake 1.2 miles to the Centennial Lake chute that leads to the Yazoo River. This 0.7 mile chute is one of my favorite sections. Once we get into the Yazoo River, the Confederate Civil War landmark is directly in front of us: Fort Hill. Paddle 2.3 miles downstream the Yazoo River to the Vicksburg Cityfront boat ramp (where we started). Trip distance: 5 miles. (No Shuttle required)
YAZOO RIVER 3-4 HOUR DAY TRIP (5 MILES)
Kings Point Ferry Landing on the Yazoo River to Vicksburg Cityfront boat ramp on the Yazoo River
Shuttle service is required here. Start at the Kings Point Ferry Landing (9000 Chickasaw Road, Vicksburg, MS 39180). If the river is low, stop at the Centennial Lake Chute sandbar for a break/snack. Paddle up into the chute for 1.5 miles to Centennial Lake and turn around and paddle back to the Yazoo River (this 3 miles was not added in the Total 5 mile Trail). Paddle down the Yazoo River to the Vicksburg Cityfront boat ramp. Trip distance 5 miles.
MISSISSIPPI RIVER 5-8 HOUR DAY TRIP
Vicksburg Cityfront boat ramp to the Mississippi River and downstream to LeTourneau boat ramp on the Mississippi River. 12-15 Miles.
Shuttle service is required here. Arrange my truck to be dropped off at LeTourneau boat ramp. Trip begins at the Vicksburg Cityfront boat ramp (1250 Levee Street, Vicksburg, MS 39180). Paddle downstream the Yazoo River 1.2 miles to the confluence of the Mississippi River. Cross the Mississippi River to Delta Point at a nice sandbar for a swimming, exploring or snack break. Paddle under the iconic Vicksburg Mississippi River bridges (Hwy 80 and Interstate 20). Stop under the bridges for a grand scale view of them and an equally nice view of the Vicksburg Bluffs. Paddle down to Racetrack Island… and if the water is behind the back channel. Paddle behind Racetrack Island to have a great opportunity to see some wildlife. Paddle up Reid Bedford for wildlife too. At the end of Racetrack Island, cross the river and paddle to Hennessey Island. Stop if sand is out on the island or sandbar. Paddle to Hennessey Bayou for more wildlife (alligators are back in the lakes in medium to high water). Hennessey Bayou entrance is only 0.4 miles to the LeTourneau boat ramp. Finish here at the boat ramp, take-out, pack up and drive you back to your vehicle at the Vicksburg Cityfront boat ramp. Trip distance 12-15 miles.
MISSISSIPPI RIVER 5-8 HOUR DAY TRIP
Madison Parish Port boat ramp (Tallulah, LA) on Mississippi River to Vicksburg Cityfront boat. 22 Miles.
Shuttle service is required here. Arrange my truck to be dropped off at the Vicksburg Cityfront boat ramp. Trip begins at the Madison Parish Port boat ramp (32°29’38.50″N 91° 7’18.85″W on Port Elevator Road, Tallulah, LA 71282). Paddle downstream the Mississippi River to a small unnamed island in 2 miles. Rest, explore and snack if sand is out. Paddle downstream to Browns Point in 11 miles. Paddle downstream to Delta Point Island in 4 miles. Rest, explore and snack if sandbar is out. Paddle downstream 3.2 miles to the confluence of the Yazoo River and Mississippi River. Paddle upstream the Yazoo River 1.2 miles to the Take-Out at the Vicksburg Cityfront boat ramp. Trip distance 22 miles.
YAZOO RIVER 5-8 HOUR DAY TRIP
Old Twin Lakes Boat Landing (Redwood, MS) to Kings Point Ferry Landing (12 Miles) or finish at Vicksburg Cityfront boat (17 Miles).
Shuttle service is required here. Start at Old Twin Lakes Boat Landing (675 Old Twin Lake Road, Redwood, MS 39156). And just next to the Boat Landing is the 1944 Railroad Swing Bridge. Beautiful photo op here. Paddle down the Yazoo River surrounded by woods. In 7 miles, the Sunflower River joins the Yazoo River. Paddle 0.7 miles up the Sunflower River to explore the Corps of Engineers Steel Bayou Control Structure… and then turn around and paddle back to the Yazoo River to continue on to Vicksburg. There are places to stop in the woods (that leads to wide open farm fields). After paddling 12 miles, there is the Kings Point Ferry Landing which can be the Take-Out…. Or continue another 5 miles to Vicksburg Cityfront Boat Ramp. The Centennial Lake chute (1.5 miles is a great section to paddle and turn around and paddle back to the Yazoo River). At the Centennial Lake chute, the National Military Civil War Park “Fort Hill” is in full view. If you were General Ulysses S. Grant trying to get past Vicksburg here… you would be in range of the cannon balls. This was one of Vicksburg’s most strategic points.
BIG BLACK RIVER 5-8 HOUR DAY TRIP
Hwy 61-South Big Black River Bridge to Grand Gulf State Park Road (high water) or continue to Port Gibson Claiborne County Boat Ramp.
Shuttle service is required here. Start at the Highway 61-South Big Black River Bridge (32° 4’50.52″N 90°55’36.41″W). You’ll have 13 miles of Grand Gulf Hills and woods to be totally secluded in nature before you reach the Mississippi River. In low water, this Big Black River is full of Alligators. If time allows, cross the MS River to Middle Ground Island for some exploring. When the MS River is high enough, we can Take-Out at the Grand Gulf State Park… or continue 3 more miles to the Port Gibson Claiborne County Boat Ramp for the Take-Out.
BIG BLACK RIVER 5-8 HOUR DAY TRIP
Hwy 61-South Big Black River Bridge to Hankinson (collapsed swing truss) Bridge and turn around and come back to 61-S boat ramp. 16 mile round trip.
ALLIGATORS! You will see 20-40 alligators (depending on how quiet you are in the boat). Hankinson Bridge (32° 7’12.93″N 90° 53’25.36″W). Depending on season and water level (Aug-Oct. best), start at Highway 61-S boat ramp (32° 4’50.52″N 90° 55’36.41″W), paddle upstream 8 miles to abandoned Hankinson Bridge. Climb around on the bridge and pa
Overnights (2 Day) Trips
MISSISSIPPI RIVER TWO DAY TRIP
Vicksburg Cityfront boat ramp to Mississippi River and downstream to LeTourneau boat ramp on the Mississippi River (12-15 miles)
Day 1: Shuttle service is required here. Park your vehicle at my house (609 Lake Forest Drive, Vicksburg, MS 39183). Trip begins at the Vicksburg Cityfront boat ramp (1250 Levee Street, Vicksburg, MS 39180). Paddle downstream the Yazoo River 1.2 miles to the confluence of the Mississippi River. Cross the Mississippi River to Delta Point at a nice sandbar for a swimming, exploring and lunch. Paddle under the iconic Vicksburg Mississippi River bridges (Hwy 80 and Interstate 20). Stop under the bridges for a grand scale view of them and an equally nice view of the Vicksburg Loess Bluffs. Paddle down to Racetrack Island… and if the water is behind the back channel. Paddle behind Racetrack Island to have a great opportunity to see some wildlife. Paddle up Reid Bedford for wildlife too. At the end of Racetrack Island, cross the river and paddle to Hennessey Island. Camp on Hennessey Island or behind/on Racetrack Island.
Day 2: Paddle to Hennessey Bayou for more wildlife (alligators are back in the lakes in medium to high water). Hennessey Bayou entrance is only 0.4 miles to the LeTourneau boat ramp. Finish here at the boat ramp, take-out, pack up and drive you back to your vehicle at my house. Trip distance 12-15 miles.
MISSISSIPPI RIVER ONE OR TWO DAY TRIP
Mississippi River Madison Parish Port boat ramp (Tallulah, LA) to Vicksburg Cityfront boat (22 Miles)
Day 1: Shuttle service is required here. Park your vehicle at my house (609 Lake Forest Drive, Vicksburg, MS 39183). Trip begins at the Madison Parish Port boat ramp (32°29’38.50″N 91° 7’18.85″W on Port Elevator Road, Tallulah, LA 71282). Paddle downstream the Mississippi River to a small unnamed island in 2 miles. If this island looks good… camp here. Otherwise paddle downstream to Browns Point in 11 miles for lunch/break, or explore and then paddle downstream to Delta Point Island in 4 miles for camp. Explore the island have dinner.
Day 2: Paddle downstream 3.2 miles to the confluence of the Yazoo River and Mississippi River. Paddle upstream the Yazoo River 1.2 miles to the Take-Out at the Vicksburg Cityfront boat ramp. Total Trip distance 22 miles.
MISSISSIPPI RIVER TWO DAY TRIP
LeTourneau Boat Ramp to Grand Gulf State Park (if river allows) or continue to Port Gibson Claiborne County Boat Ramp on the Mississippi River (22 Miles)
Day 1: Shuttle required for Drop-Off and Pick-Up. Start at the LeTourneau Boat Ramp (32°12’2.53″N 90°58’56.20″W 191 LeTourneau Landing Road, Vicksburg, MS 39180). Cross the MS River to the Palmyra Chute to Jefferson Davis Island for a sandbar break/snack. Continue down the MS River 16 miles to Middle Ground Island for our campsite. Paddle 16 miles Day 1.
Day 2: Greet the new day to a great sunrise on Middle Ground Island. Paddle 6 miles to the Port Gibson Claiborne County Boat Ramp for the Take-Out. Paddle 6 miles Day 2. Total Two Day Trip distance 22 Miles.
MISSISSIPPI RIVER TWO DAY TRIP
Port Gibson Claiborne County Boat Ramp on the Mississippi River to Natchez Boat Ramp (42 Miles)
Day 1: Shuttle required for Drop-Off and Pick-Up. Start at the Claiborne County Boat Ramp (31°59’30.40″N 91° 4’48.25″W). Paddle 9.5 miles to the Bayou Pierre confluence. Paddle 11.5 miles down to Spithead Towhead (island) and camp. 3 Miles before this was where General Ulysses S. Grant marched into Mississippi from the city of Rodney, Mississippi. Enjoy a great sunset on the island. Paddle 21 miles Day 1.
Day 2: Leave Spithead Towhead (island) and paddle 6 miles to Coles Creek for exploring. Paddle 7 miles to Skull Island for exploring/break/snack. Finish up with 7.5 miles to Natchez Boat Ramp to Take-Out. Paddle 21 miles Day 2. Total Two Day Trip distance 42 miles.
Multi-Day Trips
MISSISSIPPI RIVER 4-5 DAYS: GREENVILLE TO VICKSBURG. 100 MILES
MISSISSIPPI RIVER 2-3 DAYS: VICKSBURG TO NATCHEZ. 76 MILES
MISSISSIPPI RIVER 3-4 DAYS: VENICE, LOUISIANA TO GULF OF MEXICO. 50 MILES
ATCHAFALAYA RIVER 6-8 DAYS: OLD RIVER CONTROL STRUCTURE TO MORGAN CITY, LA. 160 MILES
Give me a call and we can talk about what you’d like to do… as there are many different options on the Mississippi River. Here’s a good place to start if you want to be deep in nature: www.wildmiles.org
Maps
Go to the US Army Corps of Engineers River Navigation Charts page and download the 2015 Flood Control and Navigation Map for the Lower Mississippi River. Greenville to Vicksburg to Natchez is from Chart 42 to Chart 52 to Chart 60.