Atchafalaya River

The Atchafalaya River is a major waterway in Louisiana, serving as a natural and man-made channel that connects the Mississippi River to the Gulf of Mexico. It plays a vital role in regional water drainage, transportation, and ecology by supporting wetlands and wildlife. The river's course has been altered through engineering projects to help manage flood risks and prevent the Mississippi from changing its main course. It is part of a larger system that shapes the Louisiana landscape, influencing both the environment and local communities.