Texas Paddling Trails

Enjoy fishing and paddling access to rivers, creeks, lakes, ponds, bayous, and bays on Texas’s official Paddling Trails. Experience one or more of the 100 certified trails that provide well-mapped, accessible day trips for all levels of paddling experience.

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.

Texas Paddling Trail Video

Preview the Texas Paddling Trails

Find a Trail by Region

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.

New Palacios Paddling Trails Launch July 23, 2026

As part of the Texas Paddling Trail's 20th anniversary, we are launching our 100th paddling trail July 23! Join TPWD staff and community partners in Palacios on July 23 at 11 a.m. for the launch of four exciting new paddling trails. The trails will officially launch at the East Bay Park Boat Ramp, a boat ramp and kayak launch that was recently built with TPWD funding.

The four paddling trails in Palacios add 19.5 miles of coastal trails to the Texas Paddling Trails program and offer a variety of coastal, river, and wetland ecosystems for paddlers to enjoy.

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.