Fall is a fabulous time for recreation in the Brazos River basin

Autumn is a fabulous time for recreation in the Brazos River basin, as cooler temperatures replace the scorching summer weather, making outdoor activities more comfortable. Paddling, hiking, and camping opportunities abound throughout the Brazos basin.

Paddling

October is typically one of the wetter months of the year, with rainfall providing increased streamflow with less effort to paddle. With fewer people on the river, the autumn months are often an optimal time to enjoy the quiet solitude paddling canoes and kayaks down the river provides.

Perhaps the premier resource for those planning a canoe or kayaking trip down the Brazos – whether for first-timers or experienced veterans of the trip – is the Southwest Paddler website. The website is an invaluable source of information with details about highlights and challenges on specific sections of the river, maps and a description of what to expect.

Marc W. McCord, writing for Southwest Paddler, says, “Parts of the Brazos are absolutely beautiful, and paddling is quite enjoyable. Except after heavy local rainfalls, the upper sections tend to run low and slow, though the river picks up a faster current the farther you paddle downriver, especially below Waco.”

The website notes that the section between Possum Kingdom Lake and Lake Granbury offers plenty of natural beauty. “The upper section is more colorful, and the vegetation is denser than on lower sections,” Southwest Paddler states. … “It is hard not to be taken in by the serenity and splendor of that part of the river.”

In the Central portion of the basin, the Waco area is popular for both water recreation and its extensive trail system at Cameron Park.

Canoeing and kayaking opportunities are available on the Bosque Bluffs and Brazos Bridges paddling trails which are not far from downtown Waco. TPWD’s website notes that the Bosque Bluffs Trail, which links the McLennan Community College Boat Ramp with a ramp at Brazos Park East, is a 2.2-mile loop. The Brazos Bridges Trail is a 4.8-mile loop linking the Brazos Park East ramp with the Bledsoe-Miller Community Center Dock.

One recreational opportunity for people in the southern portions of the Brazos basin is the Stephen F. Austin Paddling Trail maintained by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Encompassing a total of more than 35 miles of river, the trail includes four different sections ranging from 6.9 to 10.4 miles. The TPWD estimates that the time to paddle these segments of the river ranges from 3 to 5 hours each.

For those who live closer to the coast, the Brazos River Trail offers stretches of the river promoted and maintained by Houston Wilderness, a group of government, business and environmental organizations that seeks to enhance recreational opportunities. However, because of ongoing recovery efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, check with area Texas Parks and Wildlife Department game wardens in the county you plan to visit to determine which areas are safe for recreation, and which are best avoided until later.

Hiking

There are other great fall recreation options off the water. Fall conditions on the trails at Possum Kingdom Lake are great for hiking, running and bicycling. Possum Kingdom Lake’s extensive trail system offers views of the most scenic areas of the state for recreation. The trails are pet-friendly, so you can bring your dog along to enjoy some exercise with you. You must bring proof of a current rabies vaccination and keep your pet leashed. PK’s 16 miles of trails offer easy access to Sandy Beach, Bug Beach, Scenic Cove, South D&D and North D&D parks, all also offering camping opportunities.

The PK Trail System offers water fountains and restrooms located at many of the 12 trailheads; but, even with the cooler fall temperatures, those visiting the trails are encouraged to bring refillable drinking water bottles.

Wildlife you might see while hiking or biking the trails includes whitetail deer, turkeys, raccoons, opossums, foxes, wild birds and various snakes and lizards. Because of wildlife and rugged terrain, visitors should remain on the trails. There are maps posted along the trail route to help you stay aware of your location. Also posted throughout the trails are displays that offer information on local history, geology, and wildlife.

In Central Texas, Cameron Park offers more than 20 miles of hike and bike trails surrounded by the natural beauty of this former estate. The National Park Service has recognized this area as a National Recreation Trail.

In the southern part of the basin, a premier area for hiking, biking, and horse riding is located at Brazos Bend State Park near Needville in Fort Bend County. This area features 37 miles of trails. Because of flooding caused by Hurricane Harvey, this park was forced to close temporarily. However, it is expected to re-open in November.

Camping

Camping is available throughout the basin with popular sites at the Brazos River Authority’s three reservoirs. Camping is also available at US Army Corps of Engineers reservoirs.

For those who prefer beach camping closer to the Gulf of America, opportunities are available at Bryan Beach State Park and Surfside Beach as well as Quintana Beach County Park, each of which are in Brazoria County.

Additional Information

More information about PK trails, including a map, is available online here.

Additional information about Cameron Park can be found here.

More information for canoers and kayakers can be found at Southwest Paddler here and Houston Wilderness here.

Those floating down the Brazos should also check out the water flow rate to determine how much paddling might be needed (the higher the flow in cubic feet per second, or cfs, the less paddling is needed). To find out the streamflow readings in areas where you are interested in canoeing or kayaking on the Brazos, go here.

Texas Parks and Wildlife game wardens can provide valuable information about recreation in the area you are interested in visiting. A list of the game wardens and the counties they serve can be found here . Information about TPWD’s paddling trails is available here.