Texas Paddling Trails

Enjoy fishing and paddling access to rivers, creeks, lakes, ponds, bayous, and bays on Texas’s official Paddling Trails. Over 80 trails provide provide well-mapped, accessible day trips for all levels of paddling experience.

Find a Trail

More than 3,700 named streams, 15 major rivers and 3,300 miles of tidal shoreline offer unlimited possibilities for paddling adventures and angling opportunities of all types.

Gulf Coast Region

Connect with the wildlife-rich waters along the Gulf Coast by paddling the marshes, bayous, and bayside routes offered throughout the region.

Hill Country Region

Discover scenic paddling trails on spring-fed rivers and lakes, and even experience the excitement of occasional rapids.

Pineywoods Region

Explore East Texas paddling trails that feature miles and miles of serene paddling through bayous, cypress swamps, and a tree-filled variety of East Texas rivers and lakes.

Prairies & Lakes Region

Experience this region’s diverse water trails, from rural peaceful rivers to big lake vistas in an urban setting, these trails have something for everyone.

South Texas Plains Region

Uncover paddling adventures along the beautiful rivers of South Texas, with opportunities to view wildlife from a new, quieter perspective.

Texas Paddling Trail Finder

Explore this interactive mapping tool that allows users to search for a paddling trail by waterbody or by straight-line distance from a certain city or town.

New Ron R. Smith Memorial Paddling Trail on Oso Bay

A new trail in the Coastal Bend launched in 2024. The Ron R. Smith Memorial Paddling Trail on Oso Bay gives paddlers a chance to enjoy 2-5 miles of trail, with views of coastal birds, fishing opportunities, and all the scenic beauty that Oso Bay has to offer.

Plan Your Paddling Trip

Set out for an adventure with our planning tips, FAQs, safety guidelines and more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to common questions about planning, access, water conditions, rentals and more.

Paddling Events Calendar

Guided trips, weekend events, educational sessions and more, hosted at Texas State Parks.

Safe & Ethical Paddling

Follow tips for safe, ethical paddling to enjoy the water and preserve our natural resources.

Texas River Guide

Helpful information about flow of Texas rivers, stream navigation laws, and more.

Protect Lakes from Invasive Species

Invasive species threaten Texas waters; boaters must clean, drain, and dry gear to prevent their spread.

Support Paddling Trails

Purchase a conservation license plate to fund projects protecting Texas rivers, fish, wildlife, wildlife viewing, nature tourism and habitat conservation projects.

Future Trails

TPWD continues to seek partnerships with communities interested in developing a paddling trail in their area.