The Atakapa-Ishak Trail (AIT) is a multi-phased, multi-use trail that will ultimately connect the near by communities of Lafayette, Breaux Bridge, St. Martinville, Henderson, Krotz Spring, Arnaudville, Port Barre, Opelousas, Sunset and Grand Coteau.  In total, the trail will contain over 100 miles and will have few encounters with roadways.  The AIT travels along several waterways and will also have trail heads with paddle boat launches.  The first phases of the AIT were officially opened on December 13, 2011.  Four grants have been awarded towards the construction of the AIT.   Including the construction of a trail head in Breaux Bridge which serves the Bayou Teche Paddle Trail as well.

The AIT is named in honor of the Atakapa-Ishak Indian Tribe who inhabited the SE Texas and SW Louisiana coastal region, including the prairies from St. Martinville to Opelousas.  The concept of the AIT was born out of the bicycle subcommittee to the Acadiana Metropolitan Planning Organization.  The AIT is a keystone of the comprehensive plan.   

The completed section of the AIT connects Parc Sans Souci in downtown Lafayette to Beaver Park, Vermilionville and the Jean Lafitte Center.  The next sections of immediate interest are the continuation of the AIT from Beaver Park around the Lafayette Regional Airport.  The other section would connect the trail head in downtown Breaux Bridge to Acadiana Park running adjacent to the Louisiana Delta Railway.  

Transportation Recreation Alternatives In Louisiana

Creating a better community by building and maintaining opportunities for outdoor recreation.  Not only do we establish and support places for you to run, paddle, walk, or ride, we also give you many opportunities to do so through the events TRAIL produces.