Inks Lake Paddling Trails

Trail Access

Navigating the Trail

Trail Length: 1-4 miles (depending on route taken)
Devil's Waterhole Paddling Trail – 1.7-mile loop
Waterfowl Run Paddling Trail – 1.3 miles (or 2.6-mile loop)
Stumpy Hollow Paddling Trail – 3.4-mile loop
Float Time: 1-2 hours (depending on route taken, wind speed, and time spent doing other activities like fishing)
Please note: Stumpy Hollow and Waterfowl Run share the water with motorized craft; always watch for boats. Devil's Waterhole Paddling Trail is in a no wake zone and is an easy paddle.

Trail Description

Devil's Waterhole Paddling Trail: This 1.7-mile loop trail takes you to the park's main attraction: Devil's Waterhole. Prepare to see the oldest rock on public land in Texas, a geological wonder that dates back 1.2 billion years. In the summer, take a dip in the water to cool off. Witness the leaves change from green to red in the fall. Paddlers will enjoy an easy paddle in this no wake zone, so you wont see any motorboats.

Waterfowl Run Paddling Trail: Head out onto the open waters of Inks Lake on this 1.3-mile trail, where jetskis and motorboats travel. Be on the lookout for great blue herons fishing along the banks. The lush riparian areas provide homes for all kinds of birds, from wading ducks and geese to fluttering songbirds.

Stumpy Hollow Paddling Trail: This 3.4-mile loop trail takes you through a quiet cove on the southern banks of the park. Take a look beneath you while you paddle to see the totally submerged trees which provide great hiding places for sunfish, bass, catfish, and more. Fishing is great here! These cypress trees were left uncut when Inks Dam was built, giving Stumpy Hollow its name. Paddle along the secluded coves and explore the bank for jagged outcroppings of granite and gneiss rocks. On warm days, you might spot turtles sunbathing on the rocks.

Trail Map

Things to Do and See

Fishing and Wildlife

Inks Lake offers great fishing opportunities, with plenty of largemouth bass, sunfish, white bass, crappie, catfish, and some striped bass. Target the network of gravel beds and brush piles near the north fishing pier for game species. Visit the Park Store to enjoy our free tackle loaner program if you forgot yours
The most common mammals seen are white-tailed deer, raccoon, squirrel, armadillo, skunk and rabbit. You may occasionally see fox, ringtail or a coyote too. Enjoy views of turkey vultures, great blue herons, snowy egrets, mallard and wood ducks, cardinals, flycatchers, swallows, wrens, quail, sparrows, owls, hawks, and ospreys. Migratory birds like Canada geese, hummingbirds and pelicans also frequent the park.

Rentals and Shuttles

Inks Lake State Park

Rent paddle boats, canoes, one or two-person kayaks, stand-up paddle boards (SUP), life vests and paddles at the park store. All boat rentals are $20 for the first hour and $10 for each additional hour. Weather permitting, rentals are available daily from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. with all boats due back by 4 p.m.

Additional Rental Options

Please see park for list of additional rental services in the area. Additionally, for those needing service outside of those hours, the following companies can be contacted.

Just Yakin Kayak and SUP Rentals

325-668-2536

Bwright Fishing and WaterSports

512-556-1451

Splash Boat Rentals and Sales

325-388-5000

Partnership

This trail was made possible through Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and our colleagues at Inks Lake State Park.