Best places to Kayak within 8 hours or so of Baton Rouge?

Cane bayou
Blind river

Are the best local options I’ve found. I’m sure there’s way better out of state.

Any type! And I would rent one

This would be better asked on the outdoor board. I’ve kayaked many of the rivers in the area. An enjoyable paddle would be to launch into lake Pontchartrain at FountianBlue state park and just paddle along the coastline. There’s a river inlet a mile or two to the east that you can go in and explore. I saw several gators in there and it gets tight with trees if you go up in there a decent ways.

Choctaw bayou off of the intracoastal canal near Brusly is another good one thats close to BR. There are a lot of gators in Choctaw bayou. I paddled through no less than 50 sets of red glowing eyes one night. Very uncomfortable feeling in the dark.

Watch out for tugs/barges in the intracoastal. The prop pulls water through it and you’ll have to fight to stay away from a tug.

If you’re not experienced, i’d go to Fountianblue state park and paddle the coastline.

Always WEAR a life jacket.

SEminary Mississippi

The Chimes in Covington rents canoes and kayaks on the Bogue Falaya. Very easy trip and was fun for the kids on their first time out. I don't have a bunch of info on what you want, but easy kayaking then hitting the chimes for food and beer after was great for us.