Lady Bird Lake Paddling Trail

Trail Access

Navigating the Trail

Trail Length: ~11 miles total
Tom Miller Dam Loop: ~3.15 miles
Barton Springs Loop: ~3.25 miles
Festival Beach Loop: ~4.8 miles

Float time: 1 to 6 hours depending on route (multiple public access sites exist on lake)
Please note: Float time on lake depends greatly on wind speed and water levels

Trail Description

Lady Bird Lake (formerly Town Lake) is the easternmost of a chain of reservoirs on the Colorado River. The reservoir was formed in 1960 by the construction of Longhorn Dam at its eastern boundary by the City of Austin. The western end of the lake is bounded by Tom Miller Dam, built in 1939. The reservoir was envisioned from the beginning as a recreational venue for the city. A system of hike and bike trails was built along the shoreline of the lake in the 1970s, establishing what was then known as Town Lake as a major recreational attraction for the city of Austin.

On July 26, 2007, the Austin City Council passed a resolution authorizing the renaming of the reservoir from Town Lake to Lady Bird Lake in honor of Lady Bird Johnson, the former First Lady of the United States and a long-time resident of the Austin area who had died earlier that month. In renaming the lake, the City Council recognized Johnson for her dedication to beautifying the lake and her efforts to create a recreational trail system around the lake's shoreline.

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

Plastic worms, jigs and spinnerbaits are popular choices for largemouth bass. Light spinning or fly fishing tackle is recommended for large redbreast and redear sunfish. Large common carp, including many fish in the 20-30 pound range, are frequently caught.

Wildlife and Ecology

An abundance of birds, fish, and plants can be seen in and around Lady Bird Lake.  Beautiful bald cypress, sycamore, cottonwood, elm, and other trees line the lake and provide shade for recreationists as well as habitat for the wide variety of birds, squirrels, raccoons, and other wildlife residents. Paddle down to the Congress Avenue Bridge to witness the emergence of the largest urban Mexican Free-tailed Bat colony in North America. Watching the bats depart on summer evenings is an amazing sight as the 1.5 million bats fly off in search of their nightly meal of insects.

Rentals and Shuttles

Congress Avenue Kayaks

kayak rentals, boathouse and indoor facilities
74 Trinity Street, Waller Creek Boathouse in Downtown Austin
Austin, Texas 78701
512-809-8916
http://www.congresskayaks.com

Rowing Dock

kayak and paddleboat rentals
2418 Stratford Drive
Austin, Texas 78746
512-459-0999
http://www.rowingdock.com

Texas Rowing Center

canoe and kayak rental, rest rooms on-site
1541 West Cesar Chavez
Austin, Texas 78703
Boat House
512-467-7799
http://www.texasrowingcenter.com

Zilker Park Boat Rentals

Located on Barton Creek in Zilker Park
canoe and kayak rental
512-478-3852
http://www.zilkerboats.com

Paddle With Style

Martindale, Texas
Phone: (512)749-2350; Operate by reservation only. Able to accommodate large groups.
www.paddlewithstyle.com

Partnership

This trail was made possible through a partnership with the Texas River School, Austin Parks and Recreation Department, Lower Colorado River Authority and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.