The Armand Bayou Trail is a great paddling route right in the Houston area. A good portion of the trail travels through the Armand Bayou Coastal Preserve and offers great birdwatching and wildlife viewing opportunities. There are two access points along the trail giving paddlers more options on what areas to explore and how many miles to cover.

Take this beautiful, scenic, and popular run through the Rio Grande Bosque from the Angostura/Algodones Diversion Dam down to North Corrales. This is an easy run, ranging from Class I - II with only a few hazards present including some tree strainers & jetty jacks, but they are usually easily avoidable, and sometimes not present when water is high enough. The run is suitable for kayaks and canoes and rafts may be alright too, just be sure to scout first.

Morphy is a small lake located at the base of Sangre de Cristo mountains. The lake is hidden among a forest of pine trees and is now accessible by a recently paved road. This is a popular fishing destination and a great place to get some paddling in, especially if you are planning on camping for the weekend - very secluded and scenic. Be prepared for cold water immersion while on this lake, even if you don't plan on capsizing. $5 entrance fee per vehicle.

Santa Elena Canyon offers some of the most challenging, and most rewarding kayaking waters in all of Texas. The narrow, high canyon is exceptionally beautiful, and one of the most alluring draws to this area. Be aware that there are very few places to take out along this course, so once you start you'll need to follow all the way through. Also be aware the Rio Grande River is the border between the United States and Mexico, so identification and documentation are issues to consider.

The trail is located on the San Marcos River and is a gentle route for paddlers of all levels. The river consists of calm pools and a few areas of very mild rapids. The trail is very shady with lots of large trees. Depending on current water conditions there may be a few areas of obstruction that paddlers will need to navigate around. The take-out spot is just before a dam so pay close attention to making it to the take-out spot. Shuttling of vehicles is required as there are different access points for put-in and take-out.

White Rock Lake is located in the city of Dallas and is a great place to set out paddling for the day and enjoy nature, especially in the summer when it is hot. Paddlers may encounter some wildlife and birdlife in the area and there is also great opportunity for fishing. There are kayak and canoe rentals available at the lake.

This paddle trail covers just over 4 miles of the Guadalupe River. There are a few occasional sandbars to watch out for that can provide resting spots or areas for viewing birds and other diverse wildlife. This section of the river also provides good opportunity for fishing. It is recommended to call ahead for water level information as this can effect current trail conditions.

This large lake on the north side of Houston offers all the amenities of a tourist destination. The most convenient access to the reservoir is from a boat launch on the south side, though many more access points are available. Campgrounds at the North of the lake provide the opportunity for a much longer adventure. Due to the length of the lake we classify this as a sea kayaking adventure, though canoes and kayaks are also wonderful ways to experience this Lake.

This trail located in the capital city of Austin provides an abundance of recreational opportunities without having to leave the city. The paddling trail can be accessed by eight different launch sites giving paddlers the option to choose how far they want to travel and what areas they want to explore. There are hike and bike trails that follow the shores of Lady Bird Lake and parks with playgrounds and picnic tables for those paddlers who want to stop and enjoy the area for a while. There is also great fishing at the lake and lots of wildlife and birdlife to be seen.

This adventure on the Colorado River through Columbus is the perfect escape. Featuring a wide channel and the occasional rapid, this short stretch of river is more challenging that you might expect on a meandering path. Access to the river is just beneath a bridge over the river on Route 71/County Road 329, and egress is just past the railroad bridge at Reason’s park.