Come and Take It Paddling Trail

family

More experienced paddlers can enjoy a longer 11-mile paddle down the Guadalupe River near Gonzales on this scenic paddling trail. Along the way you'll pass the confluence of the San Marcos River with the Guadalupe River.

Trail Access

Lake Wood Park

Type:
Put In
GPS Coordinates:
29.4707, -97.4899

From Gonzales: From the junction of US Hwy 183 and US Hwy 90A in Gonzales go West on US 90A four miles and turn left going south on FM 2091 South.  Drive 5 miles on FM 2091 South and the road ends at Lake Wood Park.  The put in location is approximately 1/2 mile from the Park Headquarters on the Guadalupe River below H-5 Dam.

From Seguin: From the junction of TX Hwy 123 and US Hwy 90A in Seguin go east on US 90A approximately twenty five miles and turn right going south on FM 2091 South.  Drive 5 miles on FM 2091 South and the road ends at Lake Wood Park.  The put in location is approximately 1/2 mile from the Park Headquarters on the Guadalupe River below H-5 Dam.

Come and Take It Dock

Type:
Take Out
GPS Coordinates:
29.4978, -97.4558

In Gonzales you will need to take out above the Hydro-Electric Dam (Dock).  The dam is located approximately 900 feet past the dam “Caution” sign situated over the river (Caution, Hydro-Electric Dam Ahead, Come and Take It Paddling Trail Ends, Exit Dock on Left).  The take-out is located on the left (east) side of the river approximately 750 feet past the “Caution” sign.

flag

Trail Length: ~11 miles

Float Times: ~4-6 hours per trail (depending on water level, flow rate, and wind speed)

Trail Description

The Guadalupe River along the Come and Take It Paddling Trail is dammed in Gonzales, creating a relatively constant river level with a slow moving current. An interesting feature paddlers will experience along this trail is the confluence of the mighty Guadalupe River with the equally beautiful San Marcos River.  Tall riparian trees line the banks, and while there are not sandbars to pull over onto, paddlers can rest in the shade of the overhanging trees. 

Heavy rains upstream or in the vicinity can create dangerous flooding, and paddlers are advised to not use the trail during these times, as well as to stay away from the dam. Streamflow Data information is available to paddlers on the web.

NOTE:This trail is a long paddle and may be difficult for families with small children or for inexperienced paddlers due to the length of time on the river and lack of sandbars to stop and rest along the way. Take-out is before the hydro-electric dam, so keep alert for “Caution” sign alerting paddlers to take-out left before the dam.

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

comeandtakeit_map

Things to Do and See

Fishing

There are excellent fishing opportunities along this section of the Guadalupe River, which supports several species of catfish, sunfish, and largemouth and Guadalupe bass.  Small lures such as jigs, plastic worms, and light line are recommended.

Wildlife and Ecology

greatblueheron

The slow moving current along this stretch of the Guadalupe River allows for great fishing and birdwatching opportunities.  The large pecans, elms, sycamores, cypress and other riparian trees provide welcome shade to paddlers and great habitat for birds and other wildlife, to include a variety of songbirds, egrets, herons, hawks, squirrels, raccoons, and other wildlife.

Rentals and Shuttles

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 between Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, City of Gonzales and Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority.