See Dolphins, Bay Views & More at 4 New Paddling Trails in Texas

If you love getting out on the water with a kayak or paddleboard, here's some exciting news from the Texas coast.

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is launching four new paddling trails in Palacios, which is about 60 miles east of Victoria, on July 23, a milestone that also marks the 100th trail in the Texas Paddling Trails program.

Founded in 2006, the statewide program promotes outdoor recreation, conservation, and sustainable tourism while giving Texans more opportunities to explore the state's rivers, bays, wetlands, and coastal waterways. This year also marks the program's 20th anniversary.

Holly Grand, TPWD's Coastal Fisheries Division Outreach Coordinator, stated in a press release,

We're thrilled that the 20th anniversary of the Paddling Trails Program is aligning with the launch of the 100th trail. Paddling trails are essential in providing outdoor recreation opportunities to the public, so we're excited for the launch of these four trails in Palacios.

Four New Adventures on the Water

The new trails add nearly 20 miles of paddling along the Texas Coast and rivers.

The New Texas Paddling Trails Include:

Tres Palacios River Trail – A peaceful 10-mile one-way paddle along the river.
Palacios Wetlands Trail – An easy 2-mile round-trip route through a coastal saltwater marsh and birding hotspot.
City by the Sea Trail – A scenic 1.5-mile paddle past palm trees, piers, jetties, and the city's seawall.
Dolphin Run Trail – A 6-mile one-way adventure through open bay waters where paddlers can often spot dolphins year-round.

READ MORE: New North Texas Paddling Trails Open On Lewisville Lake 

A Paddler's Paradise

The trails were made possible through a partnership among TPWD, the Palacios Paddlers, several community organizations, and local governments.

Beyond paddling, the area is known for outstanding birdwatching and excellent fishing opportunities. Anglers can catch species including red drum, spotted seatrout, flounder, black drum, catfish, and more while enjoying the scenic coastal waters.

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The official launch celebration will take place July 23 at 11 AM at the East Bay Park Boat Ramp in Palacios.

For paddleboarders, kayakers, anglers, and nature lovers alike, these new trails offer another great reason to get outside and explore the beauty of Texas waters. You can see where all the Texas Paddle Trails are here.