Best Central Texas Rivers to Paddle, Fish, Swim, or Tube

Pedernales River in Pedernales Falls State Park near Johnson City (photo by Corey Leopold, CC BY 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons)

This time of year, Lady Bird Lake is often crowded and parking is scarce. But if you’re willing to take a drive outside of town you’ll find that Austin is surrounded by some of the finest rivers in Texas, a cooling antidote to this summer’s extreme heat.

Just remember, Texas is in a perpetual state of drought. If you’re planning to paddle at any of these destinations, you’ll need to check the water level to make sure you won’t be dragging your gear for miles along the rocky river-floor; the USGS water-level monitor is a great resource for this.

Guadalupe River

Drive an hour southwest to spend the day paddling on the water of the Guadalupe River. Rent a canoe, kayak, or tube from the characterful Guadalupe Canoe Livery, a cash-only outfitter with cats and peacocks roaming the grounds. If you don’t need to rent equipment or a shuttle, you can pay to park at the Guadalupe River State Park, and paddle the 5-mile trail to Nichol’s Landing, or, if you have the time, take the extended route all the way to the Highway 281 Bridge near Spring Branch.

Llano River

Junction is a quaint town 2.5 hours west of Austin that straddles the Llano River. In and around Junction, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to spend time on the Llano, such as fly fishing lessons, or kayak, canoe, and tubing trails. On the quirkier side, you can visit the deer horn tree, a tree constructed entirely out of antlers, or take a sunset swim in the river at the historic Truss Bridge located at the center of town. There are numerous shuttle/rental services such as Paddler’s Porch that will outfit you with everything you need for a day on the water.

A canoeist practicing whitewater slalom on the San Marcos River in Rio Vista Park, San Marcos (credit: Charlie Llewellin, CC BY-SA 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons)

San Marcos River

Located a mere 45 minutes south of Downtown Austin, the San Marcos River, the starting point of the famous 260-mile long Water Safari Canoe Race, is full of both short-and-smooth paddling trails and, for the more serious paddler, longer sections with rapids and deep water. Paddle SMTX can provide you with everything you need, whether you’re looking for a serious adventure or just a relaxed day on the water. Off the river, San Marcos offers cave tours, art studios, and breweries with live music and excellent vibes.

Pedernales River

Water levels permitting, the Pedernales is among the most scenic rivers to paddle in the whole state, and it’s only one hour away. Unlike the more popular paddling rivers, there are no rental/shuttle services in the surrounding area, so it’s a more do-it-yourself atmosphere. For a longer paddle, you can put your kayaks in the water at the day-use-only Pedernales River Nature Park. Keep in mind that the nearest public put-out location is 16 miles down the river, so prepare for a whole day of paddling. For a shorter trip, you can put-in at Trammell’s Crossing Trail, or the swimming area located in the Pedernales Falls State Park. There are only a few parking spots, so get there early. Also make sure you make a reservation online prior to visiting the State Park, as it is a popular destination. This map can help to guide you through your paddling adventure.

Blanco River

The Blanco River runs through Wimberley, about an hour south of Austin. Wimberley is famous for its clear-blue swimming holes, which are often booked every day throughout the summer. You can put-in at the John Knox River Access Area off Wayside Drive, a quarter of a mile west of the “Slime Bridge” crossing, and paddle 3.5 miles up to the 1492 Bridge on River Road near 7A Ranch, a resort that offers lodging and kayak rental. This three-to-four hour paddle will allow you to experience the beautiful scenery that Wimberley has to offer, without having to make a reservation months in advance. If you get on the water early enough, you’ll have time to explore antique shops, take a tour of an olive orchard at Bella Vista Ranch, or visit the Cowboy Museum after your paddle.