Bridgeport Falls Paddling Trail

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The Bridgeport Falls low water weir dam creates a pleasant 5.8 mile looped paddling trail under a lush canopy of native trees and other vegetation. You will paddle along the river’s sandy banks with occasional sandstone outcroppings. The flora and fauna envelopes you as you traverse the West Fork of the Trinity River.

Trail Access

Bridgeport Falls

Type:
Access Point
GPS Coordinates:
33.1957, -97.7559

From Ft.Worth/ Dallas take SH114 west to Bridgeport. As you enter the south side of Bridgeport, turn left on FM 2123. Signs for Bridgeport Falls Parking immediately visible on the left.

FM 920 (Emergency Access Only, unimproved)

Type:
Emergency Access Only
GPS Coordinates:
33.1939, -97.7840

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Trail Length: ~5.8 miles (from The Falls upstream to FM920)

Float Time: ~2.5 - 5 hours (depending on water level, flow rate and wind speed)

Please note: Downstream of Bridgeport Falls is not an official part of this trail. Any downstream paddling will require take-out at public roadway crossings such as CR 3225 and FM 51. These access points are unimproved and may present challenges, steep grades, thick brush, etc.

Note: Invasive zebra mussels threaten this area. To prevent further spread of this pest, paddlers are required to drain all water from their boats before leaving the river. Get details.

Trail Description

The West Fork of the Trinity River is a natural river that is typically unrestrained by flood control dams or other man made structures. As such, the West Fork of the Trinity River is readily influenced by rainfall runoff that may create temporary high flows and undesirable water quality conditions. Approximate flow and water quality information is available to paddlers on the web at www.trwd.com. Although there are no man-made obstructions on this reach, there may be snags to avoid, especially when water levels are low.

In addition to its natural beauty and recreational features, it is the goal of the West Fork Friends to build Bridgeport Falls (and future access points) as an Interpretive Paddle Trail highlighting Watershed Stewardship and Best Management Practices demonstration projects

Trail Map

Bridgeport_map

Things to Do and See

Fishing

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This section of the West Fork of the Trinity River supports several species of carp, bass, catfish, crappie and carp. Small lures such as jigs, plastic worms, spinner baits and light-line are recommended. You can fish along this trail, and fishing can also be enjoyed at nearby Lake Bridgeport.

Wildlife and Ecology

The riparian corridor of the West Fork of the Trinity River supports a great diversity of plant and animal life along the river and beyond the banks.

Birds spotted here include great horned owl, barn owl, herons, kingfishers, red-tailed hawk, ducks, American kestrel, blackbirds, wrens, cardinals, blue jays, quail, fieldlarks, and doves. Several types of oak, elms, pecan, hackberry, and mulberry trees grow along the river.  Common wildlife encountered include beaver, raccoon, ring-tailed cat, wild boar, white-tailed deer, opossum, beaver, nutria, soft-shell turtles, a variety of snakes, skunk, bats, coyote and fox. It is not unusual to see livestock watering in the river

Rentals and Shuttles

KayakPower

paddlers

214-669-1663
www.kayakpower.com
Offers kayak and canoe rentals, also guided trips and paddling instruction. Only available for groups of 12 or more with advance reservations.

Paddle Bound River Outfitters

Jimmy and Edie Gray, 817-282-3135
Colleyville, TX 76034
www.paddlebound.com
Services offered: Canoe/Kayak Sales, Rentals (canoes/kayaks, trailers, life jackets, paddles), Guided Trips & Instruction

Cutter Aquatics

Phone 817-354-6853
www.CutterAquatics.com
Provider of Quality Instruction in Kayaking and Canoeing
ACA & USCA Certified Instruction
American Red Cross Authorized Provider

Mountain Sports

2025 W. Pioneer Pkwy
Arlington, TX 76013-6005
1-800-805-9139 or 817-461-4503
http://www.mountainsports.com
Services offered: canoe and kayak sales

Partnership

This trail was made possible through a partnership between Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, City of Bridgeport Parks & Recreation, TRWD (Tarrant Regional Water District), Wise County and West Fork Trinity Friends