Abita River
The Abita River is a river in southeastern Louisiana, United States. It is a tributary of the Bogue Falaya, which flows into the Tchefuncte River and ultimately Lake Pontchartrain.
Course
The river originates in central St. Tammany Parish and flows west-southwest through Abita Springs before joining the Bogue Falaya near Covington.Natural and Scenic River designation
The entire length of the Abita River is part of the Louisiana Natural and Scenic Rivers System, which provides legal protection for streams with ecological and recreational value.Ecology
The river basin includes the Abita Creek Flatwoods Preserve, managed by The Nature Conservancy. The preserve protects longleaf pine savanna and supports rare plant species such as pitcher plants.Cultural significance
The name "Abita" is derived from a Choctaw word meaning "fountain." The river and its springs were historically used by Indigenous peoples and later became central to the development of Abita Springs as a health resort in the 19th century.Recreation
The Abita River is used for canoeing and kayaking, and the surrounding preserve offers hiking opportunities.Variant names
According to the Geographic Names Information System, historical names for the Abita River include:- Abeter Bayou
- Bayou Abeter
- Bayou Abita