East Texas is a haven for kayaking enthusiasts, with its diverse waterways, abundant wildlife, and picturesque landscapes. My previous article, Women in Kayaks: A Beginner’s Guide, offered information on what beginners need know. Now in Part II I’m ready to get out on the water and do some paddling. From the meandering Neches River to the unique Big Thicket National Preserve, kayaking in East Texas offers an unforgettable adventure for paddlers of all skill levels. Depending on the weather, you can kayak in East Texas for most of the year. Below are the major rivers in East Texas. Check their individual websites for maps and launching spots.
Big Rivers for Kayaking in East Texas
The Neches River stretches over 416 miles through East Texas, offering kayakers a peaceful paddling experience. As the river winds through dense pine forests and cypress swamps, you’ll feel immersed in nature. The Neches River paddling trails detailed by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department highlight various routes where you can spot wildlife like turtles, fish, and birds in their natural habitat. Some trails lead to scenic points of interest like the Fairfield Dam or the Pump Back Bridge. With many access points along the river, the Neches is an ideal spot for a quick day trip or extended kayaking adventure.
Big Thicket National Preserve comprises over 112,000 acres of diverse landscapes in East Texas. The preserve’s waterways, including Village Creek and Turkey Creek, allow kayakers to explore its nine distinct ecosystems, from longleaf pine forests to cypress swamps. As you paddle along, keep an eye out for wildlife like otters, deer, and the colorful woodpeckers that call Big Thicket home. The paddling trails offer routes for all skill levels, from narrow, winding creeks to wider sections of the Neches River bordering the preserve. For details on the trails and permits needed to kayak in the preserve, check the Beaumont Convention and Visitors Bureau website.
At 710 miles long, the Trinity River is the longest river contained within Texas. Its upper and lower reaches attract kayakers looking to spot wildlife and navigate mild rapids. As your kayak glides along the Trinity, you may encounter river otters, turtles, deer, and birds like herons, kingfishers, and ducks. The river’s paths lead through hardwood forests, coastal wetlands, and the Piney Woods region of East Texas. With numerous access points, paddlers can plan short day trips or multi-day excursions to camp along the river bank beneath the starry night sky. The Trinity River offers kayakers a chance to experience the diverse and scenic landscapes of East Texas from a whole new perspective.
Kayaking Tours in East Texas
Additionally, you may want to take advantage of guided kayak tours in the area. The following offer tours on the major rivers, but there are also smaller businesses in the areas that offer tours and equipment, too.
- Paddling the Big Thicket – Big Thicket National Preserve (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov) – The many miles of creeks, bayous, and rivers flowing through Big Thicket National Preserve makes it an ideal place to explore by canoe and kayak. Numerous access points provide many different trip options for paddlers of all experience levels. Three official Texas Paddling Trails offer clearly-defined routes to explore and experience the beauty and diversity of the Big Thicket. Paddle on your own or join a free ranger-led paddle trip!
- Trinity River Expeditions CanoeDallas.com – Offers canoe and kayak access to the natural areas along the Trinity River. Periodic high water events have discouraged building near the river, leaving thousands of acres in the floodplains as reservoirs for the flood water. These wooded and open natural areas shelter a variety of native plants and animal life and contain many other features like historic bridges and river crossings. Canoe travel is the easiest way to visit these areas and Trinity River Expeditions provides the equipment, transportation, and information to set up your own river trip.
Kayaking in East Texas is a fun way for families or individuals to spend a day. If you take the time to research your destination and plan your route carefully, you can enjoy some breathtaking scenery and wildlife.
