Journey Through Texas’ 80 Paddling Trails: A Canoe and Kayak Enthusiast’s Dream!

Are you ready for an adventure across Texas like no other? Picture yourself gliding through shimmering waters, surrounded by the diverse beauty of Texas’ landscapes—from serene pine forests to the rugged Hill Country and the expansive Gulf Coast. Welcome to the Texas Paddling Trails, a paddler’s paradise encompassing 80 well-mapped trails, each offering a unique experience for canoe and kayak enthusiasts. Established by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) in 1998, this program encourages both exploration and conservation of Texas’ rivers, lakes, and coastal waterways. Dive into everything you need to know about paddling in the Lone Star State, from safety tips to frequently asked questions, ensuring your journey on Texas’ waters is safe, informed, and unforgettable!

TPWD’s Paddling Trail Program

TPWD divides Texas into seven regions for its purposes. TPWD instituted the Texas Paddling Trails programing 1998. This article attempts to answer frequently asked questions about Texas Paddling Trails.

The TPWD created the program in 1988 to promote public access to rivers, lakes, and coastal areas for paddlers and to encourage conservation and stewardship of Texas’ natural resources. The result in 2024 is Texas’ 80 designated paddling trails across the Lone Star State managed by TPWD.

The Big Bend Country and Panhandle are the only regions where TPWD does not manage paddling trails. There are paddling trails in the Big Bend region, especially on the Rio Grande River. In Big Bend Country, paddle on the Rio Grande Wild & Scenic Riverin Big Bend National Park and Devils River State Natural Areanear Del Rio.

In the Panhandle region, paddlers can take on the Canadian River Paddling Trail near Amarillo and on Lake Meredith near Fritch in the Lake Meredith National Recreation Area. No matter what water way visitors take in Texas, paddling consistently provides memory-making natural experiences. 

TPWD’s Designated Regions:

• Big Bend Country
• Gulf Coast
• Hill Country
• Panhandle
• Pineywoods
• Prairies and Lakes
• South Texas Plains:

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Explore Popular Texas Paddling Trails By Region

Central Texas Paddling Trails

Wilbarger Paddling Trail, Lower Colorado River – Bastrop Area

The Wilbarger Paddling Trail is wide and slow-moving 14.3 miles with a few minor rapids, but no man-made obstructions to avoid, although snags and debris should be avoided. The Trail supports a great diversity of plant and animal life along the river and beyond its banks. A class one clear, clean and safe and great for families and groups. Lots islands on every stretch for camping.

El Camino Paddling Trail, Lower Colorado River – Bastrop Area

This wide, slow-moving 6 mile trail that moves downstream, the banks of the river gradually steepen and become very scenic with high sandstone bluffs and cliffs. The river provides unique habitat for the blue sucker, a fish species that is listed as threatened in the state of Texas. A class one clear, clean and safe and great for families and groups. Lots islands on every stretch for camping.

Luling Zedler Mill Paddling Trail, San Marcos River

Located on the San Marcos River near the city of Luling, this six-mile river trail can be floated in two to four hours. Paddlers will enjoy a gentle family-friendly ride on this quiet river lined with beautiful trees and wildlife.

Martin Dies, Jr. Paddling Trail (Trail Map), Walnut Slough, Sandy Creek, & Neches River

These three trails offer a variety of experiences through and around Martin Dies, Jr. State Partk. 3-16 miles of amazing wildlife depending on which route you choose.

San Saba & South Llano Rivers, San Saba & Llano River

The 100 mile long San Saba River flows through rocky rapids, under towering oaks and pecan trees, and past wide pastures. This is not an official paddling trail.

Lady Bird Lake Paddling Trail (Trail Map), Lady Bird Lake

The Lake provides a tremendous recreational resource for the state’s capitol, including hike and bike trails surrounding the shoreline as well as paddling, rowing, and fishing in the lake.

Belton Lake Trails, Belton Lake

Three trails totaling more than 12 miles with trips ranging from 1 to 3 hours – inspiring lake vistas, rocky shorelines, and tall bluffs.

Nichol’s Landing Paddling Trail (Trail Map), Upper Guadalupe

This 9.9-mile trail is lined with mature trees and a spectacular mix of limestone cliffs and shelves. Paddlers will enjoy an exciting 3-6 hour ride on a variety of rapids between gentle stretches.

Bosque Bluffs and Brazos Bridges Paddling Trail, Waco

This 2.2-4.8 mile paddle is ideal for the beginner or novice. The two paddling trails are in the heart of downtown Waco. Enjoy a trip along the Bosque or the Brazos Rivers, each offering a unique view of the outdoors.

Limestone Bluffs (Trail Map), Navasota River

This trail covers about 5.3 miles of quiet water on the Navasota River from the Confederate Reunion Grounds to Fort Parker State Park. The route is characterized by hardwood bottomlands and limestone bluffs.

East Texas Paddling Trails

Big Thicket Natl Preserve Village Creek, Town Bluff

The water is generally calm but levels can vary on this 21 mile trail which winds past white sand beaches. The bald cypress, tupelo and other tall trees line the banks of the creek.

Big Thicket Natl Preserve Cooks Lake to Scatterman, Beaumont

The trail which begins at the boat ramp in Beaumont and the trail goes up the Neches River in to Pine Island Bayou and Cooks Lake through the bald cypress and water tupelo trees to Scatterman Lake, then down the Neches River back to the boat ramp for a 4.8 mile trip.

Big Thicket Natl Preserve Lower Neches River, Town Bluff

Distinguishing features of this wild & scenic River is her pristine, unspoiled scenery, Cypress/Tupelo Sloughs, Bluffs, abundant white sandbars, enjoyable wildlife and aquatic life. Distances vary from 10-40 miles.

Chandler Upper Neches Paddling Trail, Chandler

This 1-8 mile loop trail can be navigated in 1-4 hours depending on turn around point. The river supports numerous varieties of fish and 100 species of waterfowl have been counted. Water levels can change according to rainfall so caution is advised.

Caddo Lake and Big Cypress Bayou Paddling Trails Near Jefferson, Karnack and Uncertain

Offering 10 trails and 50 miles of canoe and kayaking for visiting paddlers! Explore the mysterious maze of sloughs, swamps and bayous for which this beautiful region is known.

Mineola Big Foot Paddling Trail, Mineola

The trail is 11.9 miles which takes 6-8 hours along a beautiful area of the Sabine River. There is a camp 5 miles into the trail for paddlers who would want to spend a night. Make sure to check the river depth as it can fluctuate.

North Texas Paddling Trails

Loyd Park Paddling Trails, Loyd Park on Joe Pool Lake

This 4.9-mile trail offers a spectacular outdoor experience for nature lovers, outdoor recreation enthusiasts, families, and paddlers of all skill levels. Once you reach the Hwy 360 overpass, turn around and enjoy the lazy current and prevailing southerly wind on your paddle back! Rentals are available at the Camp Store.

White Rock Lake, White Rock Lake Park

This small lake is surrounded by 9.33 mile hiking, biking and running trail. A section of the lake runs by Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens.

Rowlett Paddling Trail, Lake Ray Hubbard

Enjoy this 6.4-mile trail’s beautiful scenery on Lake Ray Hubbard including views of Great Blue Herons, Bald Eagles and various other wildlife.

Elm Fork of the Trinity River LLELA Paddling Trail

Lewisville Lake Environmental Learning Area includes 2000 acres of tallgrass prairies and riparian forest tucked into the soft rolling hills with the Elm Fork of the Trinity River running through it. One launch site for the Trinity River and a another launch site for padding the Beaver Pond area. You’ll get to observe wood ducks & other water fowl, many turtles, wading birds, and amphibians.

Brazos River Below Lake Granbury (Trail Map), Brazos River

This lower section of the Brazos River below Lake Granbury is quite scenic flowing through rolling hills covered with oak trees.

Brazos River Below Possum Kingdom Dam (Trail Map), Brazos River

Canoe enthusiasts will be rewarded with a scenic trip offering views of rugged cliffs, high bluffs, and cross-timber terrain. Fishing along this 20 mile stretch is very good.

Dallas Trinity Paddling Trail, Dallas

This 10.2 mile trail offers the paddler will pass under several interesting bridges and the concrete arches of the Houston Street Viaduct which was touted as the world’s longest concrete structure, and is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Brazos Bridges/Bosque Bluffs (Trail Map), Brazos River/Bosque River

Two paddling trails in the heart of downtown Waco that offer easy access to paddling trips offering unique views of the outdoors for beginners and experienced paddlers. 2.2-4.8 mile trip depending on route taken.

Beaver Pond Paddling Trail, Lewisville

On this trail the paddler has great opportunities to view herons, egrets, ducks, turtles, frogs, deer, and many other wildlife species. The trail includes 12 stops at interpretive signs mounted at various locationsfor a great experience.

Lake Arlington Paddling Trail (Trail Map), Lake Arlington

Enjoy this 10.9 mile 3-6 hour trail as it is the first lake paddling trail on a beautiful lake where you can experience many varieties of fish, birds, plant and wildlife.

South Texas Paddling Trails

Victoria Paddling Trail (Trail Map), Coastal Region of the Guadalupe River

Riverside Park is the second inland trail to be developed and it’s a 4.2 mile stretch of the Guadalupe River in the Coastal Region. This section of the Guadalupe River is slower moving and bordered by scenic soft banks rather than the limestone bluffs of the Hill Country. This quiet reach can be paddled in 1-3 hours depending on flow rates.

Columbus Paddling Trail (Trail Map), Colorado River

Paddling the Colorado River through the town of Columbus you have the opportunity to see wildflowers, birds, turtles and more! This 6.5 mile trail can take anywhere from two to five hours to complete, and the peaceful waters and calm rapids will give you a wonderful day on the river.

Buffalo Bayou (Trail Map), Buffalo Bayou

This 26 mile trail with that expose a beautiful geology of sand, sandstone and red Beaumont clay. While some sections of the bayou are straight-cut with low embankments, other sections are serpentine with high cliffs.

Armand Bayou Paddling Trail, Clear Lake

The 13-mile paddling trail from Clear Lake to Horsepen Bayou passes through Armand Bayou Nature Center. It’s a great paddle with kids due to calm water and the chance to see many kinds of wildlife.

Mission Reach, San Antonio

Along the Mission Reach there will be occasional paddling chutes through restored riffles. If paddling outside the San Antonio City Limits, prepare for a river in a natural, rural condition with limited access points. Saspamco is one trail that is 5.6-12 miles.

Lighthouse Lakes Paddling Trail (Trail Map) Aransas Pass

A series of four loops ranging in length from 1.25 miles to 6.8 miles. The trails meander through an extensive black mangrove estuary, into sloughs and back lakes.

Mustang Island Paddling Trail, Corpus Christi

This trail follows the western shoreline of Mustang Island in Corpus Christi Bay. You will see the beautiful, protected waters of Shamrock Cove and then paddle through marsh and spoil islands to the Island Moorings Marina in Port Aransas. There is 20 miles of natural habitat for observing birds and other small animals.

Goliad Paddling Trail, San Antonio River

Enjoy quiet pools and several small riffles on the first inland paddling trail to include a State Park. Located on the San Antonio River near the town of Goliad, this 6.6-mile river trail can be floated in two and a half to four hours.

Stephen F. Austin Paddling Trail, Brazoria County

This is the longest continuous stretch of river trails with four segments from 6.9 miles to 10.4 miles (total of 35.4 miles) through majestic Brazos River bottomland forests of the coastal prairie.

Gonzales Paddling Trails, Independence Paddling Trai, Come & Take It Paddling Trail on the Guadalupe River

The 2.6 mile Independence Trail is a family friendly paddle and no shuttle is required while the11 mile Come & Take It Trail is more challenging and includes the scenic confluence of the Guadalupe River and the San Marcos River.

Paddling Padre, South Bay

You will find a shallow, oyster-encrusted estuary paddling paradise at the southernmost end of the lower Laguna Madre. A few miles west of the main bay is San Martin Lake. Both of these locations are great for paddling, fishing, and birding.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Texas Paddling Trails

Do You Have to Register Canoes in Texas? 

No, you do not need to register a canoe in Texas if it does not have a motor. Canoes, kayaks, punts, rowboats, or rubber rafts are exempt from registration if they do not have a motor. Vessels under 14-feet in length when paddled, poled, oared, or windblown are exempt from registration. If the vessel has a mounted outboard or trolling motor, the owner needs to title and register it. 

Do You Need a License to Paddleboard in Texas?

No, paddlers do not need a specific license to paddleboard in Texas. Only if people are born on or after September 1, 1993, and plan to operate a motorized boat, including a personal watercraft, exceeding 15 horsepower (hp), they are required to complete a Texas Boater Education Course to operate it legally on public waters.

Do You Have to Wear a Life Jacket on a Paddleboard in Texas?

Adults are not required to wear a life jacket while paddleboarding. There must have be a wearable Personal Flotation Device (PFD) on board for each person in the vessel. Children under 13-years-old must wear a US Coast Guard-approved life jacket (PFD) at all times when paddleboarding. Under Texas statutes, this applies to any vessel under 26 feet long, including canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, and rafts. 

Can You Drink Beer While Kayaking in Texas?

It is not wise to drink while paddling or operating any vessel in Texas. All boat operators of motorized and non-motorized vessels are subject to Texas’ Boating While Intoxicated Law (BWI). As long as a boat operator does not rack up more than a 0.8 blood alcohol concentration (BAC), then yes, if he or she is of age, then they can drink alcohol while boating in any vessel.

Can You Kayak at Night in Texas?

Yes, paddlers must have a bright white light that’s visible from 360 degrees on board, like a flashlight or lantern. Texas law requires this for all canoes, kayaks, and other manually powered vessels on the water between sunset and sunrise. 

Do I Need a Whistle to Kayak in Texas?

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department requires all paddlers to carry a sound-producing device on their vessels and white light source visible from 360 degrees if paddling in reduced visibility or from sunset to sunrise.

Paddlers can use air horns, whistles, or other similar sound-signaling devices to alert other boaters in low visibility situations. A whistle allows paddlers to signal for help in emergencies or in situations where they need to attract attention.

Should You Kayak in Waters with Alligators?

Alligator spotting is a popular activity in the southern U.S. states, and in other countries that have crocodile and alligator habitats. They are fascinating creatures who look like leftovers from the Jurassic Period. Alligators have a natural fear of humans. 

Paddlers only need to take some safety precautions when paddling in or near alligator habitats, like in Texas’ and Louisiana’s Caddo Lake: 

• Maintaining a safe distance: Keep at least 30 feet away from adult alligators. 
• Avoiding feeding alligators: Feeding alligators is illegal in Texas and other states and can increase the risk of dangerous encounters. 
• Being cautious during breeding season: Alligators are more territorial during breeding season, which typically occurs in late spring. 
• Researching your location: Check with parks and wildlife or local officials for information on alligator sightings. 
• Traveling in groups: Alligators are less likely to approach a group of kayakers. 
• Be aware of local regulations: Parks and wildlife authorities often have specific rules in place. 

• Being alert: Alligators won’t attack indiscriminately, but you should be alert and ready to paddle away if necessary. 
• Making noise: Making a lot of noise can scare off an alligator. 

Can You Canoe the Red River in Texas?

The Red River in Texas has quicksand, especially in the run from the Wichita River junction to Lake Texoma. The Red River is moderately to severely shallow at only a few inches deep with sandy beaches, a rock bottom, and sandbars. A lot of stretches on the Red River require portage. 

There are stretches of the Red River where you can canoe and safely wade. Certain towns on the Red River, like Denison, offer canoe/kayak rentals and tours that offer, air boat tours, primitive camping, canoeing and kayaking, and fishing. One company coordinates events for outdoor concerts and parties on the Red River. 

Is the Red River Safe to Swim In?

It is recommended to avoid swimming in the Red River unless you are in a safe and controlled environment. If you do swim in the Red River, use caution and look out for the following hazards. A combination of factors makes the Red River unsafe for swimming in certain areas. 

• Strong Currents: The Red River often has strong and unpredictable currents, which can be dangerous for swimmers, especially after heavy rainfall or during periods of high water flow.
• Shifting Sandbars: The riverbed has soft, shifting sand, making it difficult to gain footing. These shifting sandbars can lead to sudden drops or changes in water depth.
• Water Quality: In some areas, the water quality of the Red River may be compromised by runoff, pollution, or agricultural waste, which can increase the risk of exposure to bacteria and other harmful substances.
• Debris and Hazards: The river may contain submerged debris, fallen trees, and other obstacles that can pose a risk to swimmers.
• It is essential to check for local advisories or warnings before swimming, as conditions can vary along different parts of the river.
• If you choose to swim, stick to designated swimming areas, if any exist, and avoid swimming alone.
• Always prioritize safety gear like life jackets, especially in areas with strong currents.

Texas Parks and Wildlife Recommended Safety Tips (For Paddlers):

• Never paddle alone.
• Always file a “float plan”. Tell someone where you are going and when you are expected to return.
• Check weather forecasts.
• Carry a map of the stream or chart of the bay so you can find your location at any time.
• Carry a cell phone or a handheld VHF radio in coastal areas.
• Carry a hand-held Global Positioning System unit to help you determine where you are and how to get back to a launch site and in the event of an emergency, allow you to pinpoint your position for first responders.
• Wear protective footgear and carry drinking insect repellent sunscreen, and water.
• Plan your trip so that your paddling skills are equal to the water conditions.

Texas Kayaking Conditions

Before you head out for a paddling trip, make sure that you check the conditions. Here are some sites to help you:

• Weather – National Weather Service and Weather.com
• River Conditions – Texas Parks & Wildlife, USGS
• Moon – Moon Phases
• Tide – Saltwater Tides