Bring your own boat and join a park guide for a fun, social distancing paddling adventure.

Do you want to paddle around at our park and get a chance to see our majestic bald eagles? Sign up for the guided paddling trip. This trip includes a guide that will help you discover some of the great paddling trails that the park offers and show you a bald eagle's nest.

THIS IS NOT A TRIP FOR BEGINNERS! You must have some paddling experience. 

If you're renting a park boat we cannot guarantee or reserve a boat for you. 

Rentals are first come first serve and we cannot reserve a rental. 

All guided tours will be canceled if the wind is 10 mph and above and/or thunderstorms are present. 

To Register call Ranger Amy at 409-698-6636.

Paddle out to see our bald eagles!

*IF YOU CANNOT MAKE IT YOU NEED TO CALL AND LET US KNOW. 

Where to Meet: Meet at the Walnut Ridge day-use area where the canoes are located.

Please wear your face mask when you arrive, and social distance 6 feet from others not in your group.

What to Have/Bring:  

• Your own boat, kayak, or canoe.
• Life jacket.
• A face mask. Please social distance from those that are not in your group.
• Park permit in your windshield (received from park headquarters or self-pay station - pay with cash at the self-pay station, $4 per person, children 12 and under are free).
• Full water bottle or similar beverages to keep you hydrated. 
• Close-toed shoes, secure water shoes, or old tennis shoes that you don't mind getting wet (flip-flops are not recommended).
• Sunscreen.
• A hat that won't blow away in high winds.
• Sunglasses.
• Dress for the weather.
• Bug spray.
• Dry bag, zip lock bags, or waterproof containers for your gear (We are not responsible for any damages to your possessions).
• Any special medication. 
• If your hands are not conditioned to paddling consider bringing gloves to help avoid blisters. 

What to Know: 

• Be prepared to be out on the water for 2.5 hrs.
• Please use the bathroom before showing up at the launch site. There are no bathrooms at the launch site.
• Everyone attending this program must wear their life jacket.

There is no fee for attending this program; however, payment of park entrance fees are required. Entrance fees are paid at Park Headquarters or the self-pay stations and are $4 per person over the age of 13, children 12 and under are free. 

This program is subject to cancellation in the event of inclement weather. Unfortunately, we are unable to reschedule canceled programs.