Bosque Bluffs and Brazos Bridges Paddling Trails

These two paddling trails are right in the heart of downtown Waco and offer easy access to paddling trips for beginners and experienced paddlers alike. Enjoy a trip along the Bosque or the Brazos Rivers, each offering a unique view of the outdoors.

Trail Access

McLennan Community College Boat Ramp

Type:: Access Point
GPS Coordinates:: 31.5929, -97.1693

From I-35 head west on Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Turn left onto Lake Shore Dr. Turn left onto College Dr. Turn left onto Cameron Dr. Boat ramp and dock are located on your left about .2 miles.

Brazos Park East Kayak/Canoe Ramp

Type:: Access Point
GPS Coordinates:: 31.5879, -97.1534

From I-35 head west on Martin Luther king Jr. Blvd. Drive 3 miles, the park will be on your left. Directions from the McLennan Community College boat ramp/dock: Head west on Cameron Dr. toward College Dr. Turn right onto College Dr. Take a right onto Lake Shore Dr. Turn right onto Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. The park will be about 0.8 miles down on your right.

Bledsoe Miller Community Center Dock

Type:: Access Point
GPS Coordinates:: 31.5628, -97.1293

Turn right onto Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd from Brazos Park East parking lot. Bledsoe-Miller Community Center is located 2.2 miles ahead on Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.

Navigating the Trail

Trail Length: 2.2-4.8 miles (depending on route taken)

Float Times: ~1-3 hours per trail (depending on route taken, time spent on river, water level, flow rate, and wind speed)

Trail Description

The two Waco Paddling Trails (Bosque Bluffs and Brazos Bridges) can be paddled to enjoy as many miles as you wish.

Bosque Bluffs Paddling Trail – 2.2-mile loop from McLennan Community College Boat Ramp to Brazos Park East Kayak/Canoe Ramp and back to MCC
Brazos Bridges Paddling Trail – 4.8-mile loop from Brazos Park East Kayak/Canoe Ramp to Bledsoe-Miller Community Center Dock and back to Brazos Park East.

These paddling trails were designed for beginning or novice paddlers, with no shuttle or portage necessary.

This trail offers a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the quiet serenity of nature while paddling through the parks and riparian corridors of Waco. Although there are no man-made obstructions on either of these trails, there may be snags to avoid, especially when water levels are low. Heavy rains and high water can create dangerous conditions.

The Brazos and Bosque Rivers are readily influenced by rainfall runoff that may create temporary high flows and undesirable water quality conditions. Flow and water quality information is available to paddlers on the web at www.brazos.org.

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

Channel, blue, and flathead catfish; smallmouth buffalo; common carp; largemouth bass; white bass; and crappie are all possible on these trails. Catfish, buffalo, and carp require stout tackle and natural baits. Bass and crappie are caught on jigs, plastic worms, spinner baits, or minnows. Contact the local TPWD office (254-666-5190) for current fish attractor locations; most are currently placed in the vicinity of fishing piers.

Wildlife and Ecology

The riparian corridor of the Brazos and Bosque Rivers supports a great diversity of plant and animal life. Birds spotted here include scissor-tailed flycatcher, muscovy duck, great egret, red-tailed hawks, and blue cranes. Cottonwood, red oak, pecan, cedar/American elm, ashe juniper, and sugar hackberry trees grow along the river. Common wildlife encountered includes raccoons, red-eared slider turtles, red fox, and armadillos.

Rentals and Shuttles

Geared Canoe and Kayak Rentals

Sit on tops, sit insides, anglers, tandem kayaks, canoes, stand-up paddle boards, life jackets and dog life jackets available. Fall/winter hours are by appointment only.
http://geared.shutterfly.com/
(254) 537-3697

City of Waco Parks and Recreation Department

Please contact the City of Waco Parks and Recreation Department for current canoe/kayak rental services available in Waco and for information on Intro to Kayaking Classes held April - October.
www.waco-texas.com
(254) 750-5980

Waco Paddle Company

Waco Paddle Company rents stand-up paddle boards, kayaks, and canoes for you to enjoy in the heart of downtown Waco. Our friendly staff will help you pick out the right watercraft for your adventure. We offer walk-up, group rental, and shuttle service. Call or reserve online today.
wacopaddlecompany.com
254-424-3253

The Bear Mountain

Retail with kayak rentals available.
https://www.thebearmountain.com/

Pura Vida Paddle

Watercraft rental, classes, and group tours.
https://www.puravidapaddle.com/

Partnership

This trail was made possible through a partnership between City of Waco, Waco Paddle Club, McLennan Community College, and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.