1. Opelousas, Gulf and Northern Railroad “Rails to Trails”

3. Route of the Original “OG TRACK” from Melville, LA, to Port Barre, LA
Transverses the upper western side of the Atchafalaya Basin
Terminus at the Atchafalaya River in Melville
Terminus at the banks of Bayou Teche and Bayou Cortableau in Port Barre

4. Deep local historical significance for this area
Unspoiled beauty of bayous, swamps, heavy forests
15.8 miles of trail, most of it currently maintained by the local and parish governments
Multiple easy access points
Can be tied into other areas in surrounding parishes

6. Tremendous appeal for outdoor enthusiasts for camping, boating, fishing, hiking, exploring and biking
A great opportunity to educate about American Indians, the Acadians, shipping, and the social and economic relevance of the railway
The well developed railway base and the greatly undeveloped area is conducive to an easily transformed public recreational gem

7. Remnants of the old railway are still visible
Several key crossings of bayous have pilings that can likely still be used

9. Crossings

10. Pilings visible

12. Benefits Easily developed access points are key
Melville, Old Ferry Ramp
Second Lake Pleasure Club Depot Location, WPA Road
US Hwy 71
Port Barre, Bayou Cortableau Crossing

13. SELLING POINTS Native American Presence
Second Lake Pleasure Club Depot, an early 1900s Rod and Gun Club
Paddlewheel shipping route
Swayze Lake, location of the famous Dunbar child kidnapping
The Railway as a investor based alternative for shipping to Memphis and Baton Rouge
Enthusiastic support among landowners, community leaders and the area business owners
Ties directly into the Bayou Teche Water Trail
Is strategically located an hour from Alexandria, Lafayette and Baton Rouge

14. SELLING POINTS Recreational Opportunities Camping Water Skiing Fishing
Hiking
Photography
Cycling
Showcases northeastern St. Landry Parish
Intimate Atchafalaya experience
Revolutionary economic impact for Melville and Port Barre and all of St. Landry Parish

15. impediments
5 Hiking/Biking Bridges would be necessary for crossing bayous
State Canal
Side Lake
Second Lake
Half Moon Bayou
Levee Barrow Pit near Hwy 71

16. Steven Fullen | Executive Director Atchafalaya National Heritage Area
Office of Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser
Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation & Tourism
Mail: P.O. Box 44243, Baton Rouge, LA
Courier: 1051 N. Third St., Room B-20, Baton Rouge, LA 70802
Phone: Fax:
Website: Atchafalaya.org