Paddling in Trinity River, Texas

The Trinity River is the longest waterway in Texas which has both its beginning and end within the state. The main stream and four headwater forks flow 550 miles through 37 counties, providing paddlers with opportunity for quiet floats through wildlife-rich scenery punctuated with a few manmade whitewater features.

  1. History

    • Native American dugout canoes were common on the river, prompting French trappers to name it the River of Canoes. Flowing through the heart of the mound-building culture of the Caddo Indians, the Trinity River was renamed in 1690 by Spanish explorer General Alonzo de Leon for an upcoming Catholic feast day, as was his country's custom of that era. The river became a primary waterway to transport agricultural and industrial goods to market in the Gulf of Mexico, prompting Dallas to become known as “The Inland Seaport of Texas.”

    Headwater Forks

    • Four forks create the headwaters of the Trinity River: Elm Fork, Clear Fork, West Fork and East Fork. Each is characterized by narrow channels twisting through undeveloped woodlands of oak, elm, pecan and cottonwood. Sheer banks and privately-owned land are not conducive to camping, but the slow nature of the current enables paddlers to return upstream to their original put-in, eliminating the need for shuttles. Reservoir dams on each fork ensure good water levels for year-round paddling. Fallen limbs collect in some river bends, creating hazards for the unwary or inexperienced paddler.

    Below the Confluence

    • Below the final confluence at Dallas, the main stream of the Trinity continues 430 miles To Trinity Bay on the Gulf of Mexico. Pollution and limited access between Dallas and Lake Livingston prevent this stretch from being a popular paddling spot, but the river below the lake embodies the idyllic characteristics for paddling. Clear water released from the bottom of the reservoir flows between accessible banks and around sand bars ideal for overnight camping. Abundant wildlife and waterfowl are common, including alligators in the lower regions.

    Whitewater

    • Fort Worth Whitewater Park creates a half-mile of whitewater excitement on the Clear Fork of the Trinity River. Three manmade rapids include Santa’s Chute, Railroad Chute and Double Chute. These medium rapids are designed to be fun for kayak play even at low water levels. River surfers and rafters delight in the wave action created in levels above 2,000 cubic feet per second. The park is accessible year-round free of charge.

    Pollution

    • Riverside industry caused pollution to become problematic as early as the 1800’s. Described as “a little narrow deep stinking affair” by pioneer A. W. Moore in 1846, the river continued to decline in water quality, resulting in the state health department declaring it “The Mythological River of Death” in 1925. Cleanup efforts since 1980 have greatly improved water quality, with additional water-cleaning features to be incorporated in future whitewater parks. Meanwhile, officials advise paddlers using the river between Dallas and Lake Livingston to avoid taking water into the nose and mouth and use hand sanitizer.