The extensive river system and waterways of Texas stretch across 191,000 miles of the state. With 14 main rivers and more than 3,000 streams, the waterways of Texas flow through a plethora of landscapes that encompass the cultural and historical aspects of Texas. People flock to the rivers to canoe, tube, kayak and fish.
River Landscapes
The rivers and waterways flowing across Texas encompass an important aquatic ecosystem that supports a habitat for fish and other wildlife. The aquatic ecosystem also prevents erosion and helps to protect water quality, according to Encyclopedia of Earth. In East Texas, pine trees grow along riverbanks and permeate a tropical jungle climate. Central Texas boasts of hilly terrain that causes long stretches white water to form on the rivers. In the desert region of Western Texas, high bluffs and canyons characterize the landscape laying along the rivers flowing through there, according to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
Guadalupe River
A popular tourist destination for water recreation activities, the Guadalupe River flows from Kerr County in south central Texas and meets up with the San Antonio River before dumping in the Gulf of Mexico. The river flows over 250 miles, passing many lakes and offering beautiful scenery on both sides of its banks.
Rio Grande River
With a total length of 1,896 miles, 1,248 miles running along the Texas border, the Rio Grande begins in Colorado and snakes down through New Mexico and Texas before running along the southern border of Texas and into the Gulf of Mexico. A popular destination for rafting, canoeing and kayaking, it cuts through Big Bend National Park, which is in southwest Texas. In the park, visitors can hike along the river or or see the canyons in a new light by floating down the river on rafting and boating trips. On February 2, 1848, the Rio Grande became recognized as marking the Texas-Mexico International border, thanks to the Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo, according to the U.S. National Archives and Records Administration.
San Antonio River
The San Antonio River begins in San Antonio and makes its way through Texas before emptying into the Gulf of Mexico. The San Antonio River Walk has hotels, restaurants and other attractions lining the river as it makes its way through the city. Fed by natural springs and two main tributaries, Medina River and Cibolo Creek, this river has a length of 240 miles.
San Marcos River
The San Marcos begins its 75-mile journey to the Guadalupe River at the Aquarena Springs in San Marcos city and is popular for water sports. Wooded banks frame the river as it flows, forming rapids in some places and giving way to smooth waters in other areas.
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