Pecan Bayou Paddling Trail


This 3-4 mile loop trail is on a peaceful stretch of the Pecan Bayou, a slow moving body of water that can be paddled either direction.


Getting There

Access site:

Fabis Primitive Park: (DD) 31.779812, -98.980476
From Hwy 279 in Brownwood turn north onto FM 2125. Go 1.9 miles and turn right into Fabis Primitive Park. Follow the park road to the Paddling trail sign and boat ramp.

Distance from nearest major cities:

  • Austin - 141 miles
  • Abilene - 70 miles
  • Fort Worth - 152 miles

Map


Trail Description and Landmarks

Trail Length: 3.2 - 7.2 miles
3.2-mile loop upriver and back
4-mile loop downriver to the dam and back

Float Times:~1-3 hours (depending on water level, flow rate, time spent on bayou, and wind speed)

This is a peaceful stretch of the Pecan Bayou, a slow moving body of water that can be paddled in either direction. The Pecan Bayou is an overflow from Lake Brownwood and is controlled by dams and rain fall. As such, the Pecan Bayou is readily influenced by rainfall runoff that may create temporary high flows and undesirable water quality conditions.

Fishing

Anglers can expect to catch large and small mouth bass, crappie, catfish and brim. Small lures such as jigs, plastic worms, spinner baits and lite-line are recommended.

Wildlife and Ecology

The bayou is located in an old Pecan Orchard and hundred year old pecan trees line the banks along with other native Texas flora and fauna. An abundance of wildlife will be seen, especially many birds and water fowl. The bayou is located in an old Pecan Orchard. Look for Eastern Bluebirds, Great Horned, Eastern Screech or Barred Owls. Golden-fronted and Ladder-back Woodpeckers are here year round. In winter sight Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Northern Flicker, Brown Creeper and Red-Breasted Nuthatch. Resident kingfishers, herons and egrets are easy to see. Also in winter the bayou hosts Northern Pintails, Mallards and Blue-winged Teal.

Private Property

Respect private property by not trespassing or littering and keeping noise levels down. This river is classified as navigable, which permits public use of the streambed and, if necessary, the banks to portage any hazard. Any other use of private river banks without permission of the landowner can be considered trespassing. Under Texas Penal Code (§30.05), criminal trespass occurs when one enters property after receiving notice not to enter. Notice includes verbal notice, a fence, sign(s), purple paint on posts or trees, or the visible presence of crops grown for human consumption.

Events & Attractions

For more information please see the Paddling Events calendar.

Lake Brownwood State Park
Located on Park Road 15. Great camping and hiking trails. (325) 784-5223; Lake Brownwood State Park.

Heart of Texas Wildlife Trail East
Map to wildlife viewing sites throughout the region. Maps may be obtained at the Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce at 600 Depot St. Brownwood Chamber of Commerce;
Great Texas Wildlife Trail - Heart of Texas East

Partnership

This trail was made possible through a partnership between Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, City of Brownwood, and Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce.

Shuttles & Rentals

Star of Texas Bed & Breakfast

650 Morelock Lane, Brownwood, TX 76801; 325-646-4128
www.star-of-texas.com
Reservations must be made in advance. Call ahead.
Services offered: canoe, kayak rental and shuttle