Mile 367.5 - RBD Opening to Old River -- Top End (Marengo Bend Lake)

367.5 RBD Opening to Old River -- Top End (Marengo Bend Lake)

Previous to 1933 the Mississippi made a giant curve around Marengo Bend into the rich Louisiana bottomlands before curving back to slam into the bluffs at Natchez. The Giles Cutoff changed that, resulting in the 10-mile long straight channel you are paddling down. Marengo is now known as Old River and is still connected top and bottom in all water levels. Both openings make an ideal place for a quick protected exit from wind or oncoming storms if needed. But you don’t need to wait for bad weather to make a visit. On any day your experience on the Mississippi will be enhanced with a look into the tunnels of life thriving within the runouts in and out of Old River. Take an hour and paddle into either top end or bottom end and keep your binoculars and camera on hand for unexpected wildlife. This is gator country, but also turtles, snakes, frogs, toads, and all amphibians. You can paddle in a mile or two, depending on water level, unless the river is at flood stage, which makes for a round-the-lake adventure for the bravest and fittest paddlers (GPS or compass and a map is recommended, as well as a day’s supply of food and water). Call local river guide Adam Elliott for more advice, or expert guiding service.