Photgraphy by Eileen Trainor, All Rights Reserved
In Texas, it does not have to be raining where you are to flood where you are. In the picture above, you can see it is a bright sunny day in Austin. The rain had been upstream in the Highland Lakes and floodwaters were passed down from dam to dam. This picture was taken below the Tom Miller Dam that separates Lake Austin from Lady Bird Lake (formerly Town Lake).
Inland Paddling Trails in Texas
Do you kayak or canoe? Below are inland paddling trails in Texas. All but one of the trails are river trails. River trails may be bottom-scraping slow trails, scenic float trips or roaring white water rides. Please check the river flow rate, local weather and trail description before planning a trip.
The nearest town in in bold, miles and times are approximate. For detailed information, to download maps, find outfitters and more, visit Texas Parks and Wildlife.
Arlington Lake Arlington Paddling Trail - 10.9-mile trail on the lake, split into 2 trails, 3-6 hours.
Bastrop Wilbarger Paddling Trail – 4.3-mile trail on Colorado River, 4-8 hours.
Bastrop El Camino Real Paddling Trail – 6-mile trail on Colorado River, 1.5-4 hours.
Columbus Paddling Trail – 6.5 mile trail on Colorado River, 2-5 hours.
Goliad Paddling Trail – 6.6-mile trail on San Antonio River, 2-4 hours.
Luling Zedler Mill Paddling Trail - 6-mile trail on San Marcos River, 2-4 hours.
Spring Branch Nichol’s Landing Paddling Trail – 9.9-miles on upper Guadalupe River in Comal County, 3-6 hours. Experienced paddlers only.
Victoria Paddling Trail in Riverside Park – 4.2 miles on Guadalupe River, 1-3 hours.
Safety Notes
Do not get into a river during or after a rain storm. There is a danger of flooding, uprooted trees and storm debris.
The water may contain non-source point pollution from runoff. If the water is brown, turn around.
If you are going to take your children with you, please make sure they can swim, they are wearing personal flotation devices and that you have researched the trail. Better yet, hire a guide.
Stories
My friends and I were floating on the lower Guadalupe River. What should have been a 2-4 hour ride turned into a 6+ hour trip. The flow was cut completely because of a rescue attempt upstream.
What should have been a 4-hour trip was completed in 1.5 hours and was a deadly whitewater trip. Two of my girlfriends did not check river conditions before putting into the lower Guadalupe River.
I have helped children, caught in a hydraulic or who have lost their tubes, as their parents are swept downstream. Each child should be accompanied by an adult and an adult should lead and follow the trip.
An out of control canoe came down the river and ran right over a group of tubers. My friend was concussed and nearly drowned. Look up the river as well as down.
One man let go of his child’s tube and hung onto an ice chest while going over a low dam. The child was swept downstream before being rescued. Each child should be accompanied by an experienced adult who is sober.
The river changes from season to season and year to year. If you cannot see what is ahead of you, such as rapids or a curve, stop and scout ahead.
Coastal Paddling Trails
If you would like information on the coastal paddling trails, please view this post: Pristine Trails on Texas Coast or visit the Texas Parks and Wildlife website.
