Morgan's Point Resort - Camp Kachina, Tanyard Springs, and Mother Neff Paddling Trails

Trail Access

Navigating the Trail

Trail Length: The three Morgan's Point Resort Paddling Trails can be paddled to enjoy as many miles as you wish. The three mapped routes represent these trail lengths:
Tanyard Springs Paddling Trail: ~3.6 mile loop
Camp Kachina Paddling Trail: ~4.7 mile (one-way)
Mother Neff Paddling Trail: ~3.9 mile loop

Float Times: ~1-3 hours per trail (depending on route taken, time spent on lake, and wind speed)

Trail Description

The rocky shoreline and majestic tall bluffs make for beautiful scenery when paddling along the Morgan's Point Resort trails. Paddlers can choose to do any of these three trails, or portions of them for a shorter trip. The Tanyard Springs and Mother Neff trails offer quiet, secluded trips, while the Camp Kachina Trail offers expansive lake views.

NOTE: Cannons and other ordnance used for training exercises on the nearby Fort Hood military post may sound like thunder from the water.

Strong winds can sometimes be a factor when paddling on open water, so check wind conditions before heading out, as strong winds make navigating a canoe or kayak difficult.

Private Property

Respect private property by not trespassing or littering and keeping noise levels down. Use of this lake is open to the public and, if necessary, the banks/shoreline may be utilized to portage any hazard. Any other use of private 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

Popular fish caught by anglers in Lake Belton include largemouth bass, hybrid striped bass, smallmouth bass, white bass, white crappie, and channel and blue catfish. Preferred lures for largemouth bass are spinnerbaits, plastic lizards, jerkbaits, and jig and pork combinations, while deep diving crawfish-colored crankbaits, stickbaits, chuggers, buzzbaits, grubs, and small jigs are usually most productive for smallmouth bass. Hybrid striped bass can be caught bottom fishing with live bait as well as trolling jigs and crankbaits. White bass fishing is best from March through May when they migrate up the lake into the Leon River to spawn. Crappie can be caught on live minnows or small jigs. Catfish can be caught on shad, shrimp, blood bait, and stinkbait.

Wildlife and Ecology

Beautiful spring wildflowers, live oak, ashe-juniper, and cedar elm trees provide food and cover for a diversity of wildlife, which include white-tailed deer, squirrels, gray and red fox, armadillos, wild turkeys, and many species of birds. Birdwatchers can enjoy a variety of songbirds and waterfowl along the lake margins. In the winter, lucky paddlers may see eagles and osprey, which are uncommon but present at times.

Rentals and Shuttles

Waterside Sports

Rent kayaks and standup paddleboards hourly or by the day. Launch from Waterside Sports located at Franks Marina with easy entry to the Texas Paddling Trails. For information or reservations: www.watersidesports.net; (254) 239-5100.

Partnership

This trail was made possible through a partnership between Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and the City of Morgan's Point Resort.