5 Great Place to Paddle Around Houston
Houston is a great city for paddling and offers lakes, rivers, and even salt water paddling all within driving distance. At Houston Women's Hiking, we not just a hiking group; we camp, hike, and paddle all around Houston (and the world too). Houston has a lot to offer when it comes to paddling trails. Here's some of favorite places to kayak, canoe and paddle board around Houston.
Lake Woodlands
Lake Woodlands is a leisurely paddle unless it’s windy in which case you can expect a little chop on the lake. There is open lake and several coves to explore. There are urban sections where each side of the cove is dotted with homes, apartments and shops. Other areas are more rural where you can spot incredible wildlife and feel an escape from the city.
Boat Launches
The best place to put in your kayak, paddle board or canoe is at Northshore Park at 2505 Lake Woodlands Drive, The Woodlands, TX 77381. There is a boat ramp, restrooms, ample parking, playground, and benches in the area.
Things To Note
There are no gas motors allowed (except for residents). A rowing team does practice on this lake, so please be aware of them.
Fees & Maps
Paddling Trails
There are no specified trails on the lake but there are some interesting things to see. If you paddle down to Southshore Park you can paddle right up to the metal dragon in the water. If you paddle north under Lake Woodlands Drive and Research Forrest Drive the trail becomes more narrow and rural. It’s pretty but shallow.
Rentals
Directly across from the Northshore Park boat launch is Lakes Edge Boat House where you can rent kayaks, paddle boards and more. You can also rent from the Riva Row Boat House which is at the end of a cove near Town Green park. Reserve your rental ahead of time online here.
Buffalo Bayou Paddling Trail
Dream of paddling through skyscrapers and downtown Houston? Then this is the trail for you!
Boat Launches
There are actually 10 access points along the trail from Highway 6 near I-10 to just south of I-10, east of 45 in downtown. The Sabine Promenade access point seems to be a favorite. For a complete list of access points click here.
Things To Note
The water quality of the bayou varies and is not suitable for swimming. Please use hand sanitizer and wash hands.
Fees & Maps
Free to launch, fees associated with rentals.
Paddling Trails
The trail is 26 miles in total with 10 access points. Since the entire trail is 26 miles it’s important to decide how long you want to paddle and arrange your entrance and exit based on your comfort level and time. Segments of the trail can be paddled in 1.5 to 4 hours depending on water levels.
Rentals
Bayou City Adventures rents kayaks and canoes from Buffalo Bayou Park at the Sabine Street Entrance. Call 713-538-7433 to check availability, or for more information visit Bayou City Adventures.
Kickerillo-Mischer Preserve
Another great leisure paddle is at Marshall Lake at Kickerillo-Mischer Preserve located at 20215 Chasewood Park Dr, Houston, TX 77070. A paved walking trail circles the lake. There are multiple coves to explore and even though the lake butts up against highway 249, you barely know you're in the city.
Boat Launches
The launch is at the most eastern part of the park you can drive too with the entrance off Chasewood Park Drive. Park near the bathrooms at the end of the parking area. Looking at the bathrooms, the launch is just down a little path to your right, near the volleyball courts.
Things To Note
A good portion of the lake has shade from nearby trees. There is a lot of wildlife to see here.
Fees & Maps
Paddling Trails
There are no specific trails on this lake but you can paddle all around Marshall Lake and into several coves.
Rentals
There are not regular rentals at this location, however check the park calendar. They often have free paddling and canoeing days but you must register ahead of time. Check out their calendar here.
Lake Houston
Yes! You can paddle in Lake Houston. We recommend caution as paddlers must contend with motorized watercraft.
Boat Launches
There are several options for launches including privately owned marinas.
On the south side of the lake is Harris county owned Alexander Duessen Park at 12303 Sonnier St, Houston, TX 77044. which offers two boat ramps with 8 lanes and a one lane sailboat ramp.
Things To Note
This is a large lake, 18.5 square miles and a max depth of 45 feet. Always wear appropriate water gear, pay attention to local laws and have a map of the lake available in case you paddle too far.
Paddling Trails
There are no specific trails for Lake Houston Paddling. It is a large lake so use caution when you’re paddling here.
Rentals
You can find several locations to rent kayaks and even motor boats on Lake Houston. Since there is not one specific location we recommend doing a Google search and finding the rental location that fits your needs.
Fees & Maps
Free for the launches we listed. There are many private marinas and parks where fees are required.
Galveston Island State Park - Bay Side
If saltwater paddling is new to you, Galveston Bay is the place to give it a try. The bay is rather calm and shallow in most areas. Galveston Island State Park at 14901 FM 3005 Galveston, TX 77554 is a great place to put in your craft and has excellent amenities (like bathrooms and showers).
Boat Launches
There are three launch points on the bay side of Galveston Island State Park. You may need to check in at Headquarters on the gulf side of the park first. The bay side is on the north side of FM 3005.
Things To Note
The bay is rather shallow so you don’t have many motor boats to contend with. The bay is teaming with sea life so be cautious of rays and fishermen.
Fees & Maps
Fees for day use are $5 per day per person 13 and older. If you have a state park pass ($70 per year) day use is free. During peak season we suggest reserving day passes ahead of time online for both paying guests and park pass guests. The park can fill up quickly.
Paddling Trails
There are three paddling trails along the bay which total around 12 miles. The Jenkins Bayou Paddling Trail will get you close up. To shore ad wading birds. The Oak Bayou Paddling Trail is considered more challenging and gives you a wide range of flora to explore. The Dana Cove Paddling Trail is a more open water trail and my personal favorite.
Rentals
Kayaks and paddle boards are available to rent from the Texas Camp Company. You must reserve online or by phone at (409) 692-0065.
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