Caddo Lake and Big Cypress Bayou Paddling Trails (near Jefferson, Karnack and Uncertain)
With ten official paddling trails in the region, the Caddo area now has over 50 miles of canoe and kayak trails for visiting paddlers! Follow the trail markers posted along each of the trails to explore the mysterious maze of sloughs, swamps and bayous for which this beautiful region is known.
- Benton Lake Paddling Trail (Big Cypress Bayou)
- Clear Lake Paddling Trail (Big Cypress Bayou)
- Haggerty Creek Paddling Trail (Big Cypress Bayou)
- Mill Pond Paddling Trail (Big Cypress Bayou)
- Old River II Paddling Trail (Big Cypress Bayou)
- Carter’s Chute Paddling Trail (Caddo Lake)
- Cathedral Paddling Trail (Caddo Lake)
- Hell’s Half Acre Paddling Trail (Caddo Lake)
- Old Folks Playground Paddling Trail (Caddo Lake)
- Turtle Shell Paddling Trail (Caddo Lake)
Chandler Upper Neches Paddling Trail (Athens/Tyler)
Enjoy 1-9 miles of a great loop paddling trail just minutes from Tyler and Athens – no shuttle needed!
Cherokee Neches Paddling Trail (near Jacksonville)
Offering 6.6 miles of paddling, this trail includes a variety of water types from quiet pools to several small riffles through the East Texas Pineywoods.
Collier’s Ferry to Lake Bayou Paddling Trail (Beaumont, cross-listed under Gulf Coast, too)
This 7-mile loop trail gives you the chance to paddle through one of the remote and beautiful backwater channels of the biologically diverse Big Thicket National Preserve.
Cooks Lake to Scatterman Paddling Trail (Beaumont, cross-listed under Gulf Coast, too)
This 4.8-mile loop trail offers a great diversity of birds, wildlife, and plants as you paddle through the cypress and tupelo tress of the swamp and the river corridor of the Neches River.
Martin Dies, Jr. State Park Paddling Trails (near Jasper)
- Martin Dies, Jr. State Park Paddling Trails: Includes information about the Neches Paddling Trail, Walnut Slough Paddling Trail and Sandy Creek Paddling Trail, three trails running through and around Martin Dies, Jr. State Park that offer 3 to 16 miles of trails for a variety of experiences – from the park’s backwater sloughs and a wide open lake to a fast-moving river.
- Bevilport Paddling Trail: Beginning at Bevilport Boat Ramp, an historic riverboat landing site and location of the first cattle drives from Texas, this trail offers over 9 miles of river trail down the Angelina and Neches Rivers.
Neches-Davy Crockett Paddling Trail (near Lufkin)
At 9.2 miles in length, this leisurely paddle on the Neches River just outside of Lufkin gives you a front row seat for the amazing biodiversity of East Texas.
Sabine Sandbar Paddling Trail (near Carthage)
Enjoy quiet pools, small riffles, and great fishing for up to a full day’s paddle on your choice of 4, 15, or 19 miles of trail.
Toledo Bend Paddling Trails (near Milam/Hemphill)
- Toledo Bend-Patroon Bayou Paddling Trail: Enjoy a great loop paddling trail on the Patroon Bayou arm of Toledo Bend Reservoir – no shuttle needed!
- Toledo Bend-Lost Frontier Paddling Trail: A perfect little hideaway with quiet waters, beautiful shorelines, and great kayak fishing.
- Toledo Bend-Palo Gaucho Bayou Run and Mid Lake Run: Explore either the upper reaches of Palo Gaucho Bayou for quieter bayou backwaters or the coves and creeks leading out to the main lake on these two connected trails.
- Toledo Bend-Six Mile Paddling Trail: This beginner level trail is perfect for families! It includes quiet waters, beautiful shorelines, and great amenities.
Village Creek Paddling Trail (near Lumberton, Silsbee and Kountze)
With white sandy beaches, diverse wildlife and towering pineywoods trees, this 21-mile trail with multiple access sites allows for a beautiful one-hour trip, half day paddle or even overnight camping on the river.
Article source and photo credit: Texas Parks and Wildlife
