Buffalo Bayou Paddling Trail
Download PDF version of map of Buffalo
Bayou Paddling Trail
(PDF
209.6 KB)
which includes GPS coordinates and estimated float times for each
segment.
* NEW * CURRENT BUFFALO BAYOU WATER CONDITIONS * NEW *
Trail Description and Landmarks
Trail Length: ~ 26 miles total
Depending upon water levels and flow rates the paddling
time can vary. Due to the length of the trail, it is too long to
paddle in one day. Individual segments of the trail can be paddled
in 1.5 to 4 hours of paddling.
Float Time:
Estimated float times for each trail segment are:
| From | To | Duration |
| Hwy 6 | Terry Hershy Park | ~ 1 hour |
| Terry Hershy Park | Dairy Ashford | ~ 1 hour |
| Dairy Ashford Road | West Sam Houston Parkway | ~ 2 hours to 3 hours |
| West Sam Houston Parkway | Briar Bend Park | ~ 3 hours to 4 hours |
| Briar Bend Park | Woodway Memorial Park | ~ 3.5 hours to 4.5 hours |
| Woodway Memorial Park | Eleanor Tinsley Park | ~ 4 hours to 6 hours |
| Eleanor Tinsley Park | Sabine Street | ~ 15 minutes |
| Sabine Street | Allen's Landing Park | ~ 1 hour |
NOTICE:
Float times are based on average flow without any paddling. Actual
kayak times is drastically less.
Please Note: The water quality of the bayou is variable, but is generally unsuitable for swimming. Precautions such as washing hands and using hand sanitizer are recommended.
The 26-mile paddling trail begins at Highway 6, and then ducks into Memorial Mews Park in Langham/South Mayde Creek for approximately 200 feet. After returning to Buffalo Bayou, the trail then follows the bayou downstream to the takeout at Allen’s Landing.
The banks of Buffalo Bayou expose a beautiful geology of sand, sandstone and red Beaumont clay. While some sections of the bayou are straight-cut with low embankments, other sections are serpentine with high cliffs. Because the bayou offers little elevation change there are few riffles along the trail.
Buffalo Bayou is a semi-natural stream with flow and water quality conditions that are influenced by water releases from Addicks and Barker Reservoirs, storm water runoff, sewage treatment plants, and natural springs. Trips should not be attempted in high and turbulent water conditions. Log jams, known as “strainers”, can be very hazardous and should be avoided; portage around them.
Getting There
Ten access points:
- Highway 6
- GPS: 29° 46’ 9.750” N, 95° 38’ 96.102” W
- Click Here for more pictures and a description of the access point
- Terry Hershy Park (Memorial Mews)
- GPS: 29° 46’ 24.00” N, 95° 37’ 24.00” W
- Click Here for more pictures and a description of the access point
- Dairy Ashford Road
- GPS: 29° 45’ 42.00” N, 95° 36’ 23.00” W
- Click Here for more pictures and a description of the access point
- West Sam Houston Parkway
- GPS: 29° 45’ 44.00” N, 95° 33’ 30.00” W
- Click Here for more pictures and a description of the access point
- Briar Bend Park
- GPS: 29° 44’ 45.76” N, 95° 30’ 25.76” W
- Click Here for more pictures and a description of the access point
- Woodway Memorial Park
- GPS: 29° 45’ 53.00” N, 95° 27’ 25.00” W
- Click Here for more pictures and a description of the access point
- Eleanor Tinsley Park (Buffalo Bayou Park)
- GPS: 29° 45’ 42.00” N, 95° 22’ 42.00” W
- Click Here for more pictures and a description of the access point
- Sabine Street (Buffalo Bayou Park)
- GPS: 29° 45’ 44.00” N, 95° 22’ 25.00” W
- Click Here for more pictures and a description of the access point
- Allen's Landing Park
- GPS: 29° 45’ 53.00” N, 95° 21’ 33.00” W
- Click Here for more pictures and a description of the access point