Buffalo Bayou Paddling Trail

Trail Access

Navigating the Trail

Trail Description

Trail Length: ~26 miles total
Depending upon water levels and flow rates the paddling time can vary. Due to the length of the trail, it is too long to paddle in one day. Individual segments of the trail can be paddled in 1.5 to 4 hours of paddling.

Float Time:
Estimated float times for each trail segment are:

• Hwy 6 to Terry Hershy Park ~1 hour
• Terry Hershy Park to Dairy Ashford ~1 hour
• Dairy Ashford Road to West Sam Houston Parkway ~2 to 3 hours
• West Sam Houston Parkway to Briar Bend Park ~3 to 4 hours
• Briar Bend Park to Woodway Memorial Park~3.5 to 4.5 hours
• Woodway Memorial Park to Hogg Bird Sanctuary ~2.5 to 3.5 hours
• Hogg Bird Sanctuary to Eleanor Tinsley Park ~2 hours to 3 hours
• Eleanor Tinsley Park to Sabine Street ~15 minutes
• Sabine Street to Allen’s Landing Park ~1 hour

Please note: The water quality of the bayou is variable, but is generally unsuitable for swimming. Precautions such as washing hands and using hand sanitizer are recommended.

The 26-mile paddling trail begins at Highway 6, and then ducks into Memorial Mews Park in Langham/South Mayde Creek for approximately 200 feet.  After returning to Buffalo Bayou, the trail then follows the bayou downstream to the takeout at Allen’s Landing.

The banks of Buffalo Bayou 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.  Because the bayou offers little elevation change there are few riffles along the trail.

Buffalo Bayou is a semi-natural stream with flow and water quality conditions that are influenced by water releases from Addicks and Barker Reservoirs, storm water runoff, sewage treatment plants, and natural springs. Trips should not be attempted in high and turbulent water conditions. Log jams, known as “strainers”, can be very hazardous and should be avoided; portage around them.

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.

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

Trail Map

Buffalo Bayou Paddling Trail Map - includes GPS coordinates and estimated float times for each segment.

Things to Do and See

Fishing

The bayou supports numerous sunfish, bass and catfish. Small lures such as jigs, plastic worms, spinner baits and lite-line are recommended.  A fish consumption advisory was established for Buffalo Bayou and to determine the most current status, please contact the Department of State Health Services for more information at 512-834-6757 or see the web site, www.dshs.state.tx.us/seafood/, before eating fish caught on the bayou.

Wildlife and Ecology

Buffalo Bayou has a great diversity of flora and fauna along its banks. Egrets, herons, hawks, and other birdlife are commonly seen. Rabbits, turtles, fishes, snakes, and even an occasional alligator might also be found along the bayou and the tributaries. The bayou has huge numbers of trees such as black willow, box elder, cottonwood, loblolly pine, and sycamore. It also has less common trees, like oaks and hickories and a surprising amount of understory. Like most urban streams, Buffalo Bayou has problems with invasive exotic plants and animals.

Rentals and Shuttles

Buffalo Bayou Shuttle Service

5868 A1 Westheimber Road #301
Houston, TX 77057
713-538-7433
Website: www.bayoushuttle.com

Whitewater Experience Inc.

6005 Cypress
Houston, TX 77074
713-774-1028
Website: www.whitewaterexperience.com

Southwest Paddle Sports

26322 I-45 N.
Spring, TX. 77386
281-292-5600
Website: www.southwestpaddlesports.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

This trail has been made possible through a partnership between Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Bayou Preservation Association, Harris County Precinct 3, Houston Parks and Recreation Department, United States Army Corps of Engineers, Harris County Flood Control District, Buffalo Bayou Partnership and Houston Canoe Club.

Bayou Preservation Association – www.bayoupreservation.org
Buffalo Bayou Partnership – www.buffalobayou.org
Houston Canoe Club – www.houstoncanoeclub.org