South Llano Paddling Trail

Trail Access

Navigating the Trail

Trail Length: 6.3 miles

Float Times: ~2 to 4 hours (depending on water level, flow rate, and wind speed)

NOTE: Alternate Access Point at Flatrock Lane Crossing can be used as a put-in or take-out site:
South Llano River SP — Flatrock Lane Crossing: 4.7 miles, about 2 hours
Flatrock Lane Crossing — Junction City Park: 1.6 miles, 1 hour

Note: February 18, 2015 - The concrete "apron" on the downstream side of the bridge access site at South Llano River State Park has collapsed. This collapse has made the apron unsafe to walk or stand upon. Due to this recent damage, the apron on both the upstream and downstream side of the bridge has been CLOSED for your safety. Please do not proceed past the barriers at the bridge. Further, all kayaks, canoes, and tubes must exit the river at the designated location, prior to the bridge, and portage around the bridge before reentering the river on the downstream side of the bridge.

Trail Description

This beautiful, spring-fed river contains a variety of water types, including quiet pools, riffles, and runs. Be sure to take along fishing gear and binoculars as the South Llano River is home to abundant quantities of the state fish of Texas, the Guadalupe Bass, and offers tremendous birding opportunities as well. Although there are no man-made obstructions on this reach, there may be snags to avoid, especially when water levels are low. Heavy rains and high water can create dangerous conditions.

The clean, clear waters of the South Llano River are unrestrained by flood control dams or other man-made structures along this stretch of river. As such, the South Llano River is readily influenced by rainfall runoff that may create temporary high flows and undesirable water quality conditions. Flow information.

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 (go around) any hazard. However, when encountering an obstruction in the riverbed, one must take a direct path around and return to the streambed without lingering on the banks. 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

This section of the river supports numerous Guadalupe and largemouth bass, several species of sunfish, and catfish. Small lures such as jigs, plastic worms, spinner baits, and light-line are recommended.

Wildlife and Ecology

The riparian corridor of the South Llano River supports a great diversity of plant and animal life along the river and beyond the banks. All three species of kingfishers (ringed, green, and belted) reside along the river; along with phoebes, egrets, herons, wood ducks, and a variety of migratory songbirds in the spring and early fall. The sycamore, pecan, elm, and oak trees growing along the river provide shelter and significant winter roost habitat for Rio Grande wild turkeys. Other common wildlife encountered include white-tailed deer, squirrel, rabbits, fox, beavers, bobcats, and armadillos. Exotic deer such as axis, black buck antelope, and fallow deer may also be spotted.

Rentals and Shuttles

South Llano Canoes & Kayaks

Located on the South Llano River 6 miles south of Junction off Hwy 377. www.facebook.com/pages/South-Llano-River-Canoes-Kayaks/230815410265097, (325)446-2220

Hill Country Sporting Goods

409 Main St., Junction, TX 76849. (325)446-3588.

Partnership

This trail was made possible through a partnership between between the City of Junction, Kimble Co., Texas Tech University Center at Junction, South Llano Watershed Alliance, and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.