Limestone Bluffs Paddling Trail

LB3_byDonnaReed

The Limestone Bluffs Paddling Trail covers about 5.3 miles of quiet water on the Navasota River from the Confederate Reunion Grounds to Fort Parker State Park. The route is characterized by hardwood bottomlands and limestone bluffs, and wildlife such as waterfowl, beavers and white-tailed deer are commonly seen.

Trail Access

Confederate Reunion Grounds State Historic Site

Type:
Access Point
GPS Coordinates:
31.6333, -96.5619

From Highway 84, west of Mexia, take F.M. 2705 to the south for 3.3 miles, the Confederate Reunion Grounds will be on your right.  From Highway 14, north of Groesbeck, turn left, west, on F.M. 2705 drive 2.3 miles west, the Confederate Reunion Grounds will be on your left.

River Boat Launch Park

Type:
Access Point
GPS Coordinates:
31.6067, -96.5517

Fort Parker State Park

Type:
Access Point
GPS Coordinates:
31.5961, -96.5353

Take Hwy 14 north from Groesbeck 4.9 miles turn left on Park Road 28, from Mexia travel 6.5 miles south on state highway 14 and turn right onto Park Road 28.

FortParker3_TPWD

Trail Length: ~5.3 miles total
Float Time: ~2 - 3.5 hours (depending on water level, flow rate and wind speed)

Please note: Fort Parker State Park offers an alternate access point.

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

limestonebluffsmap

Things to Do and See

Fishing

This section of the river supports numerous Largemouth Bass, Crappie, and White Bass. Small lures such as jigs, plastic worms, spinner baits and light-line are recommended.  Heavier line and equipment are recommended for the Channel Catfish and Blue Catfish in Fort Parker Lake.

Wildlife and Ecology

LB2_byDonnaReed

The riparian corridor of the Navasota River supports a great diversity of plant and animal life along the river and beyond the banks. Birds spotted here include the Great Blue Heron, Wood Duck, Belted Kingfisher, egrets, Eastern Bluebird, and Red-tailed Hawk. Pecan, American Elm, Winged Elm, Black Willow, Bur Oak, Water Oak, and Osage Orange trees grow along the river. Common wildlife encountered include deer, turtles, beaver and squirrels. It is not unusual to see livestock watering in the river.

Rentals and Shuttles

Fort Parker State Park

Services Offered: Canoe and Kayak Rental 194 Park Road 28
Mexia, TX 76667
Phone: 254-562-5751

Partnership

This trail was made possible through a partnership with the City of Groesbeck, Texas Historical Commission and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.