GETTING AWAY ON A BRAZOS RIVER PADDLING ADVENTURE

Whether it’s a trip with friends or family, paddling down the Brazos River in a canoe or kayak appeals to many people’s sense of adventure. With the summer heat, now is a prime time to get rolling on the river.

Where to go

You may already have a location in mind, but there are several spots to consider on the Brazos River for paddling or tubing.

One of the most popular options for canoeists and kayakers are the stretches of the Brazos River between Possum Kingdom Lake and Lake Granbury. The areas below Possum Kingdom Lake provides views of undeveloped, Texas granite cliffs and high bluffs bordered by cedars, elm, willow and oaks, offering spectacular views of the Palo Pinto Mountains.

The area of the Brazos River below Lake Granbury offers green, shaded slow paddling during the summer months, with several rental outfitters in the Glen Rose area. The area below Lake Whitney provides abundant trees with numerous gravel and sandbars. Hydroelectric generation from the Lake Whitney Dam provides flows during the hottest summer months.

Paddling trails are also located throughout the state, including the Bosque Bluffs and Brazos Bridges Paddling Trails in Waco, the Limestone Bluffs Paddling Trail between Groesbeck and Mexia on the Navasota River (a tributary of the Brazos) and the Morgan’s Point Resort Paddling Trails in the Temple/Belton area.

The Bosque Bluffs and Brazos Bridges Paddling Trails go through downtown Waco and appeal to a variety of skill levels. Options include a scenic two-mile stretch on the Bosque River or a five-mile option on the Brazos that goes through the middle of Waco.

The Limestone Bluffs trail stretches for about 5.3 miles from the Confederate Reunion Grounds to Fort Parker State Park.

The Morgan’s Point Trails actually offer three choices: one at Camp Kachina, another at Tanyard Springs and one at Mother Neff State Park. These trails offered a combined 12 miles of paddling opportunities from Lake Belton to more secluded areas.

There are also plenty of opportunities for those who want to explore the Lower Brazos basin closer to the Texas coast.

The Stephen F. Austin Paddling Trail offers more than 35 miles of paddling opportunities on the Brazos. This trail is divided into four sections. The first is the Columbia Bottomland Waterway, an 8.3 mile stretch through a wooded area. Next, the Old Settlement Passage stretches for nearly 10 and a half miles with views of historic bridges. Third is the Sugar Mill Stretch, which at nearly seven miles is also a scenic escape from cities. Finally, the Gulf Prairie Run is a stretch of just under 10 miles that takes paddlers closer to the coast.

River conditions

It’s important to be aware of river conditions in specific areas, and the United States Geological Survey provides online updates of gage heights and streamflow readings along the Brazos (River and Reservoir Levels).

One of the commonly used terms on the USGS system to describe the speed of water flow along the river is cubic feet per second, or cfs.

The following chart will help you understand the quality of the river flows for paddling.

• 200 or less cfs – below minimum needed for paddling.
• 201 to 500 – satisfactory but may require a good amount of paddling or portaging.
• 501 to 1,200 – ideal conditions.
• 1,200 to 3,000 – hazardous conditions, requires plenty of skill, not for beginners.
• 3,001 to 5,000 – experts only.
• 5,001 or more – flood conditions, not safe for anyone at any expertise level.

In addition to knowing the river’s conditions, it’s important to have the right provisions and equipment when canoeing, kayaking or floating down the Brazos (or anywhere else).

Everyone onboard should wear a personal flotation device. They can help keep your head above water if you capsize. They should be worn whenever you are on the water, because they can be very difficult to put on after a boat overturns. For details on the types of PFDs, visit http://tpwd.texas.gov/fishboat/boat/safety/life_jackets/index.phtml.

What to take

Especially during the warmer months, it’s important to take plenty of drinking water. Waterproof sunscreen is also highly recommended, as well as an insect repellent. A hat and a lanyard for glasses and/or sunglasses will also come in handy. Snacks such as trail mix will also help boost your energy on the trip.

It’s also a good idea to wear an old pair of sneakers or boots that you don’t mind getting wet. Open-toed shoes do not provide enough protection for whatever you may face.

Finally, let someone who is not going on the trip with you know your plans, so that if you do not arrive at a destination when expected, they can contact authorities to make sure you are OK.

Before setting out on your journey, make sure your vessel is equipped with at least one bright light, lantern or flashlight that will be visible from 360 degrees if the boat is on the water between sunset and sunrise. This can also help if unexpected bad weather suddenly develops. The lights are required on all boats that might be traveling in the dark, including canoes, kayaks and rafts.

Once you’ve made your plans, you can finally look forward to enjoying the trip. Paddling down the Brazos offers a true Texas adventure and a memorable journey that families and friends can experience together.

Extensive information about paddling areas of the Brazos River are available at the Southwest Paddler website. The site offers a wealth of information for those who will be attempting the journey for the first time as well as for people who are more experienced in paddling.

More information is available on Texas paddling trails at http://tpwd.texas.gov/fishboat/boat/paddlingtrails/inland/.

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and websites such as Southwest Paddler (http://southwestpaddler.com/)

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has a Texas River Guide (http://tpwd.texas.gov/landwater/water/habitats/rivers/) with detailed information on different locations throughout the state, along with information about safety.