Upper Guadalupe – Nichol's Landing Paddling Trail
This 9.9-mile reach of the Guadalupe River in Comal County is lined with an abundance of mature trees and a spectacular mix of limestone cliffs and shelves. Paddlers will enjoy an exciting 3-6 hour ride on a variety of rapids between gentle stretches.
Trail Access
Nichol's Landing (Specht's crossing)
- Type:
- Put In
- GPS Coordinates:
- 29.8794, -98.4483
Located on Old Spring Branch Road, just 3 miles west of Hwy 281 N, off Spring Branch Road.
Access to the Nichol's Landing site is free except on weekends and and during the offseason. On weekends and holidays during the summer when an attendant is on duty, parking and access costs $4 per adult and $2 per child (when parking a vehicle) and $1 per person (if dropping off without parking). Fees are used to maintain the access point.
Alternate Access FM 311 crossing
- Type:
- Access Point
- GPS Coordinates:
- 29.8608, -98.3839
2 miles southeast of Spring Branch.
Free parking for shuttle vehicles. Parking area is uphill from the access point.
Rebecca Creek crossing
- Type:
- Take Out
- GPS Coordinates:
- 29.8881, -98.3685
About 3 miles east on Rebecca Creek Road off Hwy 281.
Free parking for shuttle vehicles. Parking area is uphill from the access point.
Navigating the Trail
Trail Length: ~9.9 miles
Float Time: ~3-6 hours (depending on water levels and flow rates)
Please note: Alternate take-out at F.M. 311 is located 5.4 miles from Nichol's Landing.
Trail Description
There are a number of rapids on the 10 mile stretch that demand careful inspection. Approximately 1.5 miles below FM 311 crossing a chute to the left of the island at Mueller Falls creates an exciting fast water run. About 5 miles below FM 311, a chute to the left of Rust Falls provides another exciting passageway. Hazardous areas can be portaged. Except during extreme droughts, there is always sufficient water for recreational use. This rugged Hill Country river is known for clear-flowing waters and its extremely scenic beauty.
Private Property
Respect private property by not trespassing or littering and keeping noise levels down. This river is classified as navigable, which permits public use of the streambed and, if necessary, the banks to portage any hazard. Any other use of private river banks without permission of the landowner can be considered trespassing. Under Texas Penal Code (§30.05), criminal trespass occurs when one enters property after receiving notice not to enter. Notice includes verbal notice, a fence, sign(s), purple paint on posts or trees, or the visible presence of crops grown for human consumption.
Trail Map
Things to Do and See
Fishing
This section of the river supports Guadalupe, white, striped, largemouth and smallmouth bass, gar, crappie, carp, and a variety of sunfish and catfish. Small lures such as jigs, plastic worms, spinner baits and light line are recommended.
Wildlife and Ecology
The high limestone bluffs, rugged shelves and boulders, giant bald cypress, pecan, cottonwood, oak, elm, and palmetto trees, and wide variety of shrubs and vines lining the river provide diverse habitat for deer, armadillos, raccoons, foxes, and squirrels. River beavers have also been sighted here. It is not unusual to see livestock watering in the river.
Rentals and Shuttles
Guadalupe Canoe and Camping
8545 N Hwy 281
Spring Branch, Texas 78070
(830) 885-7666
www.guadalupecanoe.com
canoes, rafts, kayaks, tubes, shuttle services, camping
Guadalupe Canoe Livery
Hwy 281 at Guadalupe River
(830) 885-4671
www.Guadalupecanoelivery.com
canoes, kayaks, rafting, tubing, camping, shuttle services
Guadalupe River RV Park Campgrounds & Nature Trails, LP
7200 Spring Branch Rd.
Spring Branch, Texas 78070
(830) 885-7200
www.guadaluperv.com
canoes, tubes, shuttle services, camping (hope to add kayaks soon)
Partnership
This trail was made possible through a partnership with the Water Oriented Recreation District of Comal County, Canyon Lake Chamber of Commerce, Alamo City Rivermen, Texas Rivers Protection Association, Guadalupe Blanco River Authority, and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.