Dallas Trinity Paddling Trail

Trail Access

Navigating the Trail

Trail Length: ~10.2 (3.7 miles from Trammell Crow Boat Ramp to the Dallas Wave, 6.5 miles from Dallas Wave to Loop 12 Boat Ramp)

Float Time: ~4-8 hours for the entire trail or 2-4 hours per section (depending on water level, flow rate and wind speed)

Trail Description

Historically the river channel was much closer to downtown.   However, following the 1940’s floods, the channel was straightened, resulting in much of this stretch being heavily modified for flood control purposes.  This straightening eliminated the meander pattern and riffle/pool formations common to the Trinity in other stretches.   

Along this trail, you will pass under several interesting bridges, both new and old. The 400 foot tall Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge was designed by world renowned architect Santiago Calatrava, and is scheduled to be complete in 2011. The concrete arches of the Houston Street Viaduct were built in 1912. At the time, it was touted as the world’s longest concrete structure, and is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. There are three more bridges – Continental, Commerce and Corinth – that were built in the 1930s and share similar architectural features.

Once both sections of this trail are complete, this trail will offer a contrast for paddlers to note the differences between an altered, channelized channel segment in the first half of the trail in which trees and other riparian vegetation have been removed, and contrast that to the channel after the Standing Wave, which still contains a tree-lined riparian corridor.  Paddlers will experience first-hand the temperature differences and wildlife viewing potential between the two segments of the trail, although both have interesting items/scenery to note for trail visitors.

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

Sunfish, largemouth bass, and catfish are abundant along this stretch of the Trinity River.  During the spring, white bass may also be targeted near tributaries.  Anglers should use small jigs and soft plastics to target the sunfish and largemouth bass around logs, fallen trees, and debris piles using light to medium action fishing equipment.  Catfish can be targeted using natural baits such as cut fish, worms, or shrimp using medium action fishing equipment.  Anglers are reminded that this section of the Trinity River has a fish possession advisory for all fish species.  The advisory, implemented by the Department of State Health Services, advises anglers not to eat any fish from this section of the Trinity River.

Wildlife and Ecology

Wildlife sighted includes herons, egrets, raccoons, skunks, red-tailed hawks, deer, beaver and even a bald eagle. Additional bird species have been seen and recorded at the Trinity River Audubon Center. Tree species include Ash, Elm, Willow, Pecan, Live Oak and a nice stand of Texas Buckeyes.

Rentals and Shuttles

Flatwater Kayak

Daren and Kristi Payne, 817-451-9230
www.flatwaterkayak.com
Services offered: Rental of Victory Blast Kayaks, Life Vests, and Paddles

Kayak Instruction, Inc.

Dave Holl, 972-412-7691
www.kayakinstruct.com
Services offered: whitewater kayak sales and rentals for the Dallas Wave

KayakPower

214-669-1663
www.kayakpower.com
Offers kayak and canoe rentals, also guided trips and paddling instruction.

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

Trinity River Expeditions

214-941-1757
www.canoedallas.com
Services offered: Guided trips, rental of canoes & kayaks, shuttle service, trailer rental

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 and the City of Dallas.