Turtle Shell Paddling Trail

Trail Access

Navigating the Trail

Trail Length: ~4.6 miles roundtrip

Float Time: ~2-3 hours (depending on time spent on the bayou, water level, and wind speed)

Trail Markers: Each Caddo/Big Cypress Bayou Paddling Trail is marked with unique reflective arrow signs attached to trees and posts to guide paddlers. This trail's marker is a yellow arrow sign (shown right).

Trail Description

The Turtle Shell trail will take paddlers through a well marked maze of boat roads where they will see a beautiful, mystical and almost primeval Cypress swamp. Paddlers in early and mid summer will be amazed by the expanse of American Lotus lining this trail. Standing several feet above the water and in some areas hanging over the trail, with their large yellowish/white flowers and "shower-head" seed cones, these plants are some of the most photographed on the lake. This trail will pass by charming cottages hidden along the shoreline as you return to the put-in.

Caddo Lake consists of both river (Big Cypress Bayou) and backwater swamp.  Lake-of-the-Pines is the nearest water control structure on the Bayou and is just upriver of Jefferson, a short distance west of Caddo Lake. The Bayou is very popular and will have seasonally heavy motorboat traffic. The backwater swamp also experiences motorboat traffic under the right water level conditions, and water levels are highly variable in the swamp.  Also be aware that hunting is permitted on surrounding property which includes duck hunting in the winter months.  Swimming in the swamp is not recommended.

Find information on additional paddling trails along Big Cypress Bayou and Caddo Lake.

Private Property

Respect private property by not trespassing or littering and keeping noise levels down. This river and lake are 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

Fisherman can find bass, crappie, and numerous species of panfish. It is also fun to fish for bowfin and pickerel. Ask at any Caddo Lake bait shops what is on the fishes' menu.

Wildlife and Ecology

The bald cypress swamp and bottomland hardwood forests will surround paddlers with diverse flora and fauna which includes approximately 189 species of trees and shrubs, 75 grasses, 42 woody vines, and 47 animals. You will likely hear and see green and gray tree frogs, bullfrogs, spring peepers, narrow-mouth toads, cricket frogs.

More than 200 birds inhabit this area including Wood Ducks, Hooded Mergansers, Mallards, Blue-winged Teal, cormorants, Anhingas, Barred Owls, nesting Northern Parulas, Yellow-throated Vireos, Acadian Flycatchers, Pine Warblers, Black-and-white Warblers, Prothonatary Warblers, Pileated Woodpeckers, Red-shouldered Hawks, Mississippi Kites, Great Blue Herons, Great Egrets, Snowy Egrets, Little Blue Herons, late summer Wood Storks, and Roseate Spoonbills.

Over 90 fish and reptiles can be seen, including many turtles (sliders, stinkpots, and softshells), snakes (such as various non-venomous watersnakes, ribbon snakes, and cottonmouths), and an occasional alligator. There are 47 species of mammals known to be found on Caddo lake including beaver, nutria, mink, white-tailed deer, feral hogs and lots of squirrels. Paddlers can't miss the tall, Spanish moss-draped bald cypress trees, persimmon, and water elm. Paddlers will float through spatterdock, American lotus, Cabomba, and if their timing is right, American featherfoil and carnivorous bladderworts floating in the still water of the lake.

Rentals and Shuttles

Johnson's Ranch Marina

Canoe rentals.
On Caddo Lake - 5131 East Cypress Drive, Uncertain, TX 75661
903-789-3213 or 903-789-3268
jrmarina.com

Riverbend Outfitters, LLC

Customized kayak and canoe rentals with delivery, shuttle, and/or guide services available.
903-625-9100
www.riverbendoutfitters.com

Ole Mossy's Upriver

Kayak and canoe rentals. Boat tours.
903-679-9449

Partnership

This trail was made possible through a partnership between Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Greater Caddo Lake Association, Cypress Basin Chapter-Texas Master Naturalist, Friends of Caddo Lake National Wildlife Refuge, and TPWD-Caddo Lake Wildlife Management Area.