How about trying canoeing or kayaking one of the many quiet arms of Toledo Bend during the 4th holidays. Experienced canoers and amateurs alike can paddle into our rivers and creeks.

Great white sand bars line canoeing paths and provide a place for relaxing along the way as well as camping, fishing and swimming. There are around 100 or so river/creek miles suitable for canoeing in Toledo Bend Lake Country, including Sabine River, Toro Creek, and Kisatchie Bayou.

If you don't have a canoe or kayak, check out a couple of these service points.

Tack-A-Paw Expeditions in Anacoco...Tack-A-Paw's seasonal outpost is located two miles from Toledo Bend on the very southern end. For inquiries or reservations call 337-286-9337, or 800-256-9337. A trip down the Sabine or Toro offers an abundance of sandy beaches, good fishing, swimming, wildlife, and botanical beauty.

North Toledo Bend State Park & South Toledo Bend State Park offer canoe rentals for paddling along Toledo Bend Reservoir. For more information visit www.crt.state.la.us/louisiana-state-parks/

Canoe, kayak & flat bottom boat rental is also available at Hodges Gardens State Park. For more information visit http://www.crt.state.la.us/louisiana-state-parks/parks/hodges-gardens-state-park/index

If you're military personnel, Army Rec Center on Toledo Bend offers canoe and kayak rental. For more information, call 318-565-4235.

Wildwood Resort offers kayaks and paddle boats for use in the private pond.

Kisatchie National Forest-Canoeing is allowed on Valentine Lake and Stuart Lake. Call before canoeing on streams. No canoe rentals in Kisatchie National Forest.