Greens Bayou in Houston Becomes Texas’ 90th Paddling Trail

Greens Bayou in Houston Becomes Texas' 90th Paddling Trail

Oct. 2, 2025

Media Contact: TPWD News, Business Hours, 512-389-8030

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HOUSTON - On Oct. 4, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) will officially launch its 90th paddling trail at Greens Bayou in Houston.

A ribbon cutting ceremony is scheduled for 8 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 4, at the Brock Adventure Park Launch Kiosk prior to the annual Greens Bayou Regatta presented by the Greens Bayou Coalition. This trail is the route for the Greens Bayou Regatta, which is held annually in early October.

"We're thrilled to add the Greens Bayou trail to the Texas Paddling Trails Program, especially since about a quarter of all Texans live within driving distance of this new trail," said Shelly Plante, TPWD Nature Tourism Manager. "Adding almost eight more miles of trail in the Houston area is huge in helping people connect to nature."

The Greens Bayou Paddling Trail begins at the Brock Adventure Park launch and covers 7.7 miles prior to the take-out location at Thomas Bell Foster Park, with a mid-point take-out at Strickland Park for those wanting a shorter trip. The addition of the new Greens Bayou trail increases the total mileage for TPWD's paddling trails program to more than 700 miles statewide.

The Greens Bayou Paddling Trail is wide and smooth with numerous coves and tributaries to explore. It's serene with heavily wooded banks nestled within the urban Houston area. Paddlers will encounter a variety of wildlife including great blue herons, turtles, fish, the occasional bald eagle and alligators. Additionally, the banks are lined with loblolly pine, American elm, sycamore, live, white and Shumard oak along with other plant species.

The trail was made possible through a partnership between TPWD, Houston Parks Board, Greens Bayou Coalition, Houston Parks and Recreation Department, National Park Service, Bayou Preservation Association, North Belt Utility District, Parkway Utility District and North Houston District. Additional information on the new trail can be found on the Greens Bayou paddling trail website.

The Texas Paddling Trails program helps promote habitat conservation through sustainable economic development, while providing additional recreational opportunities to the public. To learn more, visit the Texas Paddling Trails website.