There is an old saying that everything is bigger in Texas. That is apparently true for its kayaking trails as well. The Lone Star State offers trails that head to the ocean, across scenic basins and through urban waterways. The distances range from a few miles that can be done in a few hours to trails that are more than 25 miles that have to be traversed over the course of a few days.
Upper Guadalupe Paddling Trail
Located in Texas' Hill Country, the Upper Guadalupe Paddling Trail is a 9.9-mile trek along the Guadalupe River. There are only two entry points, and it will take about three to six hours to complete the entire course. There are some rapids, so be ready to paddle hard at times. Note that there is a lot of private property along this trail, so be careful about littering and going to shore.
Amistad National Recreational Area
Located on the Texas/Mexico border, Amistad Reservoir features seven different paddling trails that are a kayaker's dream. They run from flatwater to long treks down some tougher rivers. The trails are not marked well, so it may be wise to kayak with someone who knows the area already. One of the more interesting trails (the park lists seven) is a jaunt down the Pecos River to the Rio Grande and into Parida Cave, which features 4,000-year-old Native American rock art.
Armand Bayou
Kayakers who don't mind a few alligators will like Armand Bayou, where gators grow as big as 10 feet long. Aside from the gators, there are more than 220 species of birds there. There are no set trails on the bayou, which means that paddlers can go where they want at ease. There are two entry points at Clear Lake Park and Bay Area Park.
Buffalo Bayou Paddling Trail
The Buffalo Bayou Paddling Trail lets kayakers navigate the greater Houston area. At 26 miles, it is one of the longer trail systems in the state. It was the first designated trail in Houston and rolls through downtown. It offers a very scenic view as kayakers pass ducks, turtles and other wildlife. There are 10 access points, and will take almost 20 hours if someone wants to make the entire trek. Note that swimming is discouraged because of water quality.
Christmas Bay
The Christmas Bay Trail allows kayakers to traverse a pristine section of Galveston Bay on 19.1-, 10.3- and 3.8-mile loops. The trail is easily accessible from the Galveston area. The water quality is excellent and features several oyster reefs and salt marshes. Remember to put a lot of insect repellent on because the nearby marshes do attract bugs. The bay hosts several paddling events throughout the year.
Lady Bird Lake
Located in the heart of Austin, Lady Bird Lake offers eight access points for kayakers and brilliant views of downtown Austin. All together, the entire trail is 11 miles, but it can be broken down into smaller portions based on access points at the various dams. The lake also is popular with fishermen, so please be considerate while paddling.
Galveston Island State Park
There are three trails inside Galveston Island State Park. Each is less than five miles and is very calm kayaking because of the park's breakwater system. Since the trails are located in the park, paddlers have plenty of options for camping sites as well as hiking trails. This is a very scenic trail system; expect to see a lot of wildlife.
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