Lake Arlington Paddling Trail

Trail Access

Navigating the Trail

Trail Length: ~10.9 miles total
~3.9 miles from Richard Simpson Park to Eugene McCray Park
~7 miles from Eugene McCray Park to Bowman Springs Park
Float Time: ~3 - 6 hours (depending on water level, flow rate and wind speed)

Please note: Official trail does not connect between Bowman Springs Park and Richard Simpson Park on the eastern edge of the lake.

Lake Arlington Permit Fees

Daily $5
Annual $25
Senior $12 (65 yrs old and over)

For more information, contact the Lake Arlington Office at 817-451-6860.

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

Lake Arlington offers 1,939 acres of fishing real estate, including several inlets away from the disturbance of speed boats and jet skis where you can find Florida Largemouth Bass, Channel Catfish, Blue Catfish, Flathead Catfish, Crappie, Sand Bass and Hybrid Striped Bass. Maximum depth of the lake reaches 51 feet. Largemouth bass anglers are successful year round, with the largest bass caught in the winter. Hybrid striped bass fishing picks up in the late spring and early summer months. Crappie fishing is best around any underwater structure during the spring and summer. White bass and catfish are good targets in summer months.

Wildlife and Ecology

The riparian corridor of Lake Arlington and Village Creek supports a great diversity of plant and animal life along the river and beyond the banks. Birds spotted here include the Great Blue Heron, Great Egret, American White Pelican, Osprey, Belted Kingfisher, Double-crested Cormorant, Ring-billed Gull. Live Oak trees grow along the river. Common wildlife encountered include Fox Squirrels and Raccoons.

Rentals and Shuttles

Flatwater Kayak

Daren and Kristi Payne, 817-451-9230
www.flatwaterkayak.com
Services offered: Rental of Victory Blast Kayaks, Life Vests, and Paddles

Paddle Bound River Outfitters

Jimmy and Edie Gray, 817-282-3135
Colleyville, TX 76034
www.paddlebound.com
Services offered: Canoe/Kayak Sales, Rentals (canoes/kayaks, trailers, life jackets, paddles), Guided Trips & Instruction

Trinity River Expeditions

214-941-1757
www.canoedallas.com
Services offered for groups of 10 or more paddlers: Guided trips, rental of canoes & kayaks, shuttle service, trailer rental

Cutter Aquatics

Phone 817-354-6853
www.CutterAquatics.com
Provider of Quality Instruction in Kayaking and Canoeing
ACA & USCA Certified Instruction
American Red Cross Authorized Provider

Mountain Sports

2025 W. Pioneer Pkwy
Arlington, TX 76013-6005
1-800-805-9139 or 817-461-4503
http://www.mountainsports.com
Services offered: canoe and kayak sales

Partnership

This trail was made possible through a partnership between Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, City of Arlington Parks and Recreation and City of Fort Worth Parks and Recreation.