Geese have used the north shore as a rest stop in their migrations. The ridges and swamps around Cane Bayou offer the first landfall for southbound bird migrations. On the ground, the surrounding land is home to game animals and swamp rabbit. Big Branch NWR is open to waterfowl and deer hunting. Paddlers wanting to visit the refuge should check with refuge officials to determine when the refuge is open to non-hunters.
Paddlers have the option of exploring the lake, if it is calm.
After crossing the lake, exit to the right on East Causeway Approach and continue east on U.S. 190 through Mandeville. The launch area on Cane Bayou is 1.3 miles east of the main entrance to Fontainebleau State Park, just past a fire station, on the south side of the highway.