Guadalupe Valley Paddling Trail Opens Oct. 1

Media Contact: Rob McCorkle, TPWD, (830) 866-3533 icle__media__contact">Media Contact: Rob McCorkle, TPWD, (830) 866-3533 or robert.mccorkle@tpwd.texas.gov; Shelly Plante, TPWD, (512) 389-4500 or shelly.plante@tpwd.texas.gov

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CUERO – A dedication ceremony is scheduled for 10 a.m. this Friday on the banks of the Guadalupe River to commemorate the opening of the newest Texas Paddling Trail on the Guadalupe River in DeWitt County. The Guadalupe Valley Paddling Trail marks the 21st entry into the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s paddling trail program.

State and local officials will gather at the FM 766 bridge (Hell’s Gate) for the opening ceremony and unveiling of one of several informational kiosks, which will provide details about the paddling trail’s unique features. Kiosks have been placed at each put-in location along the 13.8-mile paddling trail that stretches from FM 766 to FM 236 on the river, as well as a launch site on State Highway 72.

TPWD partnered with the Cuero Development Corporation, Cuero Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture and DeWitt County to develop the paddling trail. It includes remnants of a dam two-and-a-half miles downriver and towering cypress trees.

Estimated float times for the new paddling trail are from three to six hours, depending on the flow rate. This stretch of the river is typically slow-flowing with a few faster-running riffles, and supports plenty of wildlife. Paddlers are likely to see egrets, herons, kingfishers, white-tailed deer, feral hogs, as well as cattle quenching their thirsts.

Anglers on this stretch of the river will enjoy casting for several varieties of catfish, as well as largemouth and spotted bass, sunfish and the occasional smallmouth and Guadalupe bass.

The Texas Paddling Trails program, which began in 1998, helps promote habitat conservation through sustainable economic development, while providing additional recreational opportunities to the public. More Americans paddle (canoe, kayak or raft) than play soccer, making it one of the fastest-growing nature tourism experiences.