River Activities

A group of people paddle board on the river near the Waco Suspension Bridge.

Whether you like to boat, fish, kayak or prefer to take in the views from the shoreline, the Brazos and Bosque rivers offer an abundance of activities for the whole family.

Paddling Trails

Paddling Trail Map(PDF, 443KB)

Trail Lengths

The two Waco paddling trails (Bosque Bluffs and Brazos Bridges) can be paddled to enjoy as many miles as you wish. They were designed for beginning or novice paddlers, with no shuttle or portage necessary. The trails offer wonderful opportunities to enjoy the quiet serenity of nature while paddling through the parks and riparian corridors of Waco. 

Although there are no man-made obstructions on either of these trails, there may be snags to avoid, especially when water levels are low. Heavy rains and high water can create dangerous conditions. Th Brazos and Bosque rivers are readily influenced by rainfall runoff that may create temporary high flows and undesirable water quality conditions. Flow and water quality information is available to paddles on the Brazos River Authority website at www.brazos.org

Bosque Bluffs Paddling Trail: Total 4.5 miles (one way) from Brazos Park East kayak/canoe ramp to Bosque Park. The trail is 1.2 miles (one way) from Brazos Park East kayak/canoe ramp to McLennan Community College boat ramp and 3.3 miles (one way) from McLennan Community College boat ramp to Bosque Park.

Brazos Bridges Paddling Trail:Total 4.8-mile loop from Brazos Park East kayak/canoe ramp to Bledsoe-Miller Community Center dock and back to Brazos Park East kayak/canoe ramp. 

Float Times

Expect float times of 1 to 3 hours, depending on the route taken, time spent on the river, water level, flow rate and wind speed. 

Trail segments can be combined, paddled as a loop with a single put-in/take-out, or completed as single segments. If paddling a single segment, we recommend planning ahead for a shuttle vehicle at your selected take-out location. 

Access Points

Bledsoe-Miller Community Center Dock: 31.5628, -97.1293
Getting there: Turn right onto Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd from Brazos Park East parking lot. Bledsoe-Miller Community Center is located 2.2 miles ahead on Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd.

Bosque Park Access Point: 31.5848, -97.1940
Getting there (from the McLennan Community College boat ramp): Head west on Cameron Dr. toward College Dr. Turn right onto College Dr. Take a left onto Lake Shore Dr. Turn right onto Airport Rd. The park will be about 0.3 miles down on your left.

Brazos Park East Kayak/Canoe Ramp: 31.5879, -97.1534
Getting there: From I-35, head west on Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. Drive 3 miles. The park will be on your left.
Getting there (from the McLennan Community College boat ramp): Head west on Cameron Dr. toward College Dr. Turn right onto College Dr. Take a right onto Lake Shore Dr. Turn right onto Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. The park will be about 0.8 miles down on your right.

McLennan Community College Boat Ramp: 31.5929, -97.1693
Getting there: From I-35, head west on Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. Turn left onto Lake Shore Dr. Turn left onto College Dr. Turn left onto Cameron Dr. Boat ramp and dock are located on your left about .2 miles. 

Safety Checklist

Rivers are ever-changing dynamic systems with inherent dangers. Follow basic safety rules:

  • Wear a Coast-Guard approved life jacket and appropriate footwear.
  • Carry drinking water, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
  • File a float plan – tell someone where you’ll be and when you’ll return. Never paddle alone.
  • Carry a sound-signaling device (whistle or horn) and a white light source (if paddling from sunset to sunrise).
  • Plan and prepare for weather and water conditions.
  • Be sure your skills match the trail.

The Brazos and Bosque rivers are readily influenced by rainfall runoff that may create temporary high flows and undesirable water quality conditions. Flow and water quality information: www.brazos.org.

Trail Rules

  • Public use of the river is allowed. If necessary, the banks may be used to portage hazards, but re-enter the water as soon as it is safe to do so to avoid trespassing.
  • Respect landowners by not trespassing and keeping noise levels down.
  • Stop invasive species! Clean, drain and dry your boat and gear.
  • No littering; dispose of trash properly.
  • Avoid the use of glass, plastic containers under 5oz. or Styrofoam while on the water to prevent accidental litter.
  • Respect wildlife by keeping your distance and not harassing them.

Fishing & Wildlife

Fishing on the River

These sections of river provide angling opportunity for numerous freshwater species, including:

  • Channel, blue, and flathead catfish
  • Smallmouth buffalo
  • Common carp
  • Largemouth bass
  • White bass
  • Crappie

Catfish, buffalo and carp require stout tackle and natural baits. Bass and crappie are caught on jigs, plastic worms, spinner baits or minnows.

Wildlife & Ecology

The riparian corridor of the Brazos and Bosque Rivers supports a great diversity of plant and animal life. Birds spotted here include scissor-tailed flycatcher, Muscovy duck, great egret, red-tailed hawks and blue cranes. Cottonwood, red oak, pecan, cedar/American elm, Ashe juniper and sugar hackberry trees grow along the river. Common wildlife encountered includes raccoons, red-eared slider turtles, red fox and armadillos. 

Boating

Boat Docks & Ramps

Ramps and docks are located at Brazos Park East, Bledsoe-Miller Community Center, McLennan Community College and Bosque Park.

River Rules

  • Slow 'No-Wake Zone' in the following areas:
    • On Lake Brazos (downtown area), between the Waco Drive Bridge and 200 yards from the Lake Brazos Dam, just past McLane Stadium
    • In the area of the Brazos Park East boat ramp, between the Bosque River and the MLK Jr. Blvd. Bridge
    • On the Bosque River, between Brazos Park East and the Lakeshore Drive Bridge
  • Recreational water sports are only allowed upstream on the Brazos River, starting at the MLK Jr. Blvd. Bridge
  • It is prohibited to create a wake or wash that is hazardous to other watercrafts or persons while on Lake Brazos

River Conditions

The river trails offer a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the quiet serenity of nature while paddling through the parks and riparian corridors of Waco. Although there are no man-made obstructions on either of the trails, there may be snags to avoid, especially when water levels are low. Heavy rains and high water can create dangerous conditions.

The Brazos and Bosque Rivers are readily influenced by rainfall runoff that may create temporary high flows and undesirable water quality conditions. Flow and water quality information is available to paddlers on the Brazos River Authority's website.

Important Numbers

Emergency: 9-1-1

Operation Game Thief: (800) 792-4263

City of Waco Parks and Recreation: (254) 750-5980

TPWD Inland Fisheries: (254) 666-5190

Army Corps of Engineers Waco Office: (254) 756-5359