Armand Bayou Paddling Trail

Trail Access

Navigating the Trail

Follow this tips and guidelines, and be sure to view our safety information.

Trail Length: variable
Paddling Time: variable

Trail Description

The trail follows Armand Bayou and paddlers can choose to paddle any length depending upon what they want to see and how long they want to paddle.

The most popular launching point is Bay Area Park, located where Bay Area Blvd. crosses Armand Bayou. Paddlers can either paddle upstream following Armand Bayou as it meanders and narrows up to the ending point at marker 26, or paddlers can paddle downstream from the park. As you paddle downstream the bayou widens near the confluence with Clear Lake at marker 1.

If you want to want to paddle the entire trail, you can put in at Clear Lake Park located on NASA Road 1 and paddle upstream. It is a long way, so you may choose to drop a vehicle at Bay Area Park, approximately half way up the trail.

Prohibitions

Power boats are prohibited on the trail from GPS marker #4 upstream through trail marker #26.

Trail Maps

Global Positioning System (GPS) points for Armand Bayou

View the trail map larger and download

Things to Do and See

Enjoy fishing, wildlife-watching and natural scenery on this paddling trail. Be sure to check the TPWD Paddling Events Calendar for regularly updated activities.

Fishing

Anglers have a choice for either freshwater or saltwater species on the bayou. Bass anglers can expect to catch bass on the upper reaches of the trail, while redfish, trout and drum can be caught in the south end of the bayou where it connects with Clear Lake.

Wildlife and Ecology

The bayou, while surrounded by urban develop remains one of the few relatively pristine waterways in the Houston area. Much of the area is part of the Armand Bayou Coastal Preserve, managed by Texas Parks and Wildlife and one of only four coastal preserves found along the Texas coast. Department. The preserve offers a stunning glimpse into two increasingly rare ecosystems – a riparian coastal flatwoods forest and a coastal tall grass prairie that were once abundant in the area.

The area is rich in wildlife and is known for a diverse bird fauna where more than 220 species can be found. Common birds seen on the area include osprey, roseate spoonbill, egrets, herons, pelicans and many others. Near Horsepen Bayou, alligators in excess of 10 feet are commonly seen.

Rentals and Shuttles

All Points of Sail Kayak and Canoe Rental

2517 Nasa Parkway Ste 7
Lakeside Yachting Center Pier 1 West Waterfront Seabrook, Texas 77586
Phone: (713) 408-1318
Visit http://www.houstonrowing.com, Email: bayarearowing@aol.com
5 Minutes from the Bayou, rentals include kayaks, canoes, paddles and lifejackets - 7 Days A Week

SouthWest PaddleSports

26322 I-45 North - Exit 76A, The Woodlands
Houston, Texas, 77386-1022
Phone: (281) 292-5600
Visit http://www.paddlesports.com

Artist Boat

Guided Paddling Tours - Artist Boat's professional, interpretive staff of certified kayak instructors will lead you to great places via kayak, identify and show you native species, teach water coloring techniques, assist you with developing paddling skills, and interpret natural processes. Join us to explore the natural wonders of Galveston Bay. No experience necessary. Reservations required. Call 409-770-0722. Visit https://www.artistboat.org/events/

Partnership

The paddling trial is maintained in partnership with Armand Bayou Nature Center. The Center manages lands adjacent to the trail and provides a full range of educational activities.

If you have time to spend in the area before or after your paddle, you may want to visit the center. The center provides a full range of educational and outdoor experiences. The center has nature trails or you can make reservations to see the bayou from the “Bayou Ranger,” an electric pontoon boat, or take a guided canoe trip down the bayou. You can find out more about the center, and it many activities by checking out the calendar of events on the website: www.abnc.org.